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Don’t Miss These 5 Popular Local Hokkaido Chain Restaurants - For Onigiri, Curry & More

Don’t Miss These 5 Popular Local Hokkaido Chain Restaurants - For Onigiri, Curry & More

Date published: 6 September 2024

Hokkaido is a food lover's paradise, renowned for its fresh seafood, rich dairy products, and high-quality meats. It's no wonder that the region is also home to several local restaurant chains that have built a loyal following. With multiple locations across Hokkaido, these eateries offer consistent flavors and exceptional service, making them a must-try for any visitor.

Here, travel expert Nobuka, with over 15 years of experience and more than 1,000 travel and food articles, shares her top picks for five popular local chains. Each recommendation is based on her personal dining experiences across Hokkaido.

Table of Contents
  1. Why Chain Restaurants Are a Great Way to Enjoy Hokkaido's Local Cuisine
  2. Top Five Local Chain Restaurants to Try in Hokkaido
  3. Exploring the Local Favorites: Visit Popular Chain Restaurants that Hokkaido Locals Love!

Why Chain Restaurants Are a Great Way to Enjoy Hokkaido's Local Cuisine

Donguri Bakery, with its many Sapporo locations, is famous for local Hokkaido delicacies like Chikuwa Bread and Zangi Skewers!
Donguri Bakery, with its many Sapporo locations, is famous for local Hokkaido delicacies like Chikuwa Bread and Zangi Skewers!

Most of the chain stores in Hokkaido are located in relatively larger, more populated towns such as Sapporo, Asahikawa, Hakodate, and Obihiro. However, there are also stores like Seicomart, a popular Hokkaido convenience store chain, that operate throughout the region.

And while product availability may vary from store to store, the appeal of these chains lie in its consistency, just knowing that you can enjoy their signature goods no matter which branch you visit. This is especially true for travelers, as it means you're more likely to find your favorite items as you journey across Hokkaido.

Seicomart has stores throughout Hokkaido. Many products found here are relatively easy to find all throughout the region.
Seicomart has stores throughout Hokkaido. Many products found here are relatively easy to find all throughout the region.

The five shops introduced here today have been selected for their convenience, ease of eating, taste, and popularity. These are the everyday gourmet spots beloved by Hokkaido residents.

And while some of them are for in-store dining, while others are focused on take-out, all of them stand as everyday eats for Hokkaido locals.

And what better way to experience living like a local than eating like one? So without further ado, let's take a look at five popular Hokkaido eateries.

Top Five Local Chain Restaurants to Try in Hokkaido

Onigiri no Arinko: A Chain of Traditional Home-Style Restaurants

Onigiri no Arinko’s Cheese Katsuo
Onigiri no Arinko’s Cheese Katsuo

Onigiri no Arinko is a popular spot in Sapporo where you can enjoy onigiri, fast food style. It's a favorite amongst locals stopping by for a quick meal before and after work, or during their lunch break.

Another example of their Onigiri (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)
Another example of their Onigiri (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)

Onigiri, sometimes called “omusubi” or “nigiri-han,” is a traditional Japanese food made by forming cooked rice into round or triangular shapes, often filled with different ingredients and wrapped with seaweed. Fillings typically include ingredients like pickled plums, salmon, fish roe, tuna, or meat. Because onigiri is easy to carry (and easy to eat!), they are popular choices for quick bites at work, for lunch, or to bring along on hikes.

This shop is so popular, it's not uncommon to see lines of people at lunch time! (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)
This shop is so popular, it's not uncommon to see lines of people at lunch time! (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)

Onigiri no Arinko has been serving Sapporo locals with traditional Japanese onigiri since opening its first store in 1980. As of July 2024, there are six branches in Sapporo, one of which is take-out only, while the other five offer both take-out and eat-in options.

Unlike the mass-produced onigiri found in supermarkets and convenience stores, Onigiri no Arinko takes pride in cooking the rice in-store and molding each onigiri individually by hand as you order, just like the delicious ones made at home. They also prepare each one with care so that the filling is evenly distributed, ensuring flavor consistency, no matter where you take a bite!

Visitors can always enjoy freshly made, hot onigiri, right in the shop! (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)
Visitors can always enjoy freshly made, hot onigiri, right in the shop! (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)
Salmon Cheese: A perfect pairing of Salmon Tataki (finely chopped salmon) and Hokkaido cheese. (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)
Salmon Cheese: A perfect pairing of Salmon Tataki (finely chopped salmon) and Hokkaido cheese. (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)

Ordering is simple. Upon entering the restaurant, just tell the cashier your preferred size and ingredients and pay for your order. You can choose between regular size (about 150g of rice) or jumbo (about 220g of rice), and even ask for two different fillings if you like. They can even accommodate more specific requests, such as adding or omitting seaweed, adjusting the amount of salt, or making the onigiri firmer.

The best part is being able to enjoy freshly made, hand-rolled onigiri right on the spot. On top of that, most of the ingredients (with few exceptions) are free from preservatives and artificial coloring, making it a healthier choice for those mindful of their diet.

Cheese Katsuo (left) and Pork Miso Soup (right) (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)
Cheese Katsuo (left) and Pork Miso Soup (right) (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)

Onigiri no Arinko offers more than a dozen types of onigiri, with traditional Japanese flavors such as Ume (pickled plum) and Beni Shake (red salmon). However, their most popular option by far is the Cheese Katsuo, an onigiri filled with dried bonito flakes and cubes of Hokkaido cheese. This combination of savory bonito flakes and rich creamy cheese makes it a favorite amongst customers. Another crowd-pleaser is the Cheese Salmon, which also uses cheese and has gained a loyal fanbase of repeat customers for its deliciously balanced flavors.

Onigiri typically served wrapped in seaweed, as pictured here. (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)
Onigiri typically served wrapped in seaweed, as pictured here. (Photo credit: Onigiri no Arinko)

When dining at Onigiri no Arinko, we also recommend a serving of Pork Miso Soup to accompany your onigiri. This hearty soup is packed with vegetables, pork belly, and other delicious ingredients. You can also order pickles and potato salad as sides. This combination is perfect for those looking for a quick yet nutritious meal that doesn't skimp on flavor!

Supported languages
  • Menus: Japanese, English
  • Staff speak: Japanese
  • Onigiri No Arinko Sapporo Aurora Town Shop
    おにぎりのありんこ オーロラタウン店
    • Address Sapporo Aurora Town 2 Chome Oodori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
    • Phone Number 011-222-0039
    • ・Hours: 8 AM–8 PM
      ・Closed: Same schedule as Aurora Town

Donguri: The Birthplace of Hokkaido's Delicacy, Chikuwa Bread

Donguri offers a wide variety of breads (Photo credit: Donguri)
Donguri offers a wide variety of breads (Photo credit: Donguri)

Donguri is a popular bakery with several stores in Sapporo, recognized as the birthplace of the "chikuwa-pan (chikuwa bread)," another one of Hokkaido's local delicacies.

Chikuwa Bread, originated by Donguri (Photo credit: Donguri)
Chikuwa Bread, originated by Donguri (Photo credit: Donguri)

Chikuwa Bread is a baked bread roll made with chikuwa stuffed with tuna mayo. Chikuwa is a long, thin, processed fish cake with a hole in the center, made by molding fish paste around a stick of bamboo or other material and heating it. It’s often found in traditional Japanese dishes like oden and other simmered meals. As for Chikuwa Bread, it has become a familiar sight even outside of Hokkaido, and you can now find it at a number of bakeries!

If this is your first visit to Donguri, the Chikuwa Bread is a must-try! (Photo credit: Donguri)
If this is your first visit to Donguri, the Chikuwa Bread is a must-try! (Photo credit: Donguri)

Since opening in the suburbs of Sapporo in 1983, Donguri has gradually expanded its reach through word-of-mouth as a community-centered bakery. In recent years, they have opened several more branches in central Sapporo, and even a collaboration store in Hakodate with local bakery Espoir. Some of these locations also have their own spaces, where customers can enjoy coffee with their freshly baked goods.

As of July 2024, there are 11 Sapporo locations, one Hakodate collab shop, and a separate Sapporo onigiri shop.

The Odori branch, complete with cafe. Located in downtown Sapporo, it’s also close to the famous attraction, Sapporo TV Tower. (Photo credit: Donguri)
The Odori branch, complete with cafe. Located in downtown Sapporo, it’s also close to the famous attraction, Sapporo TV Tower. (Photo credit: Donguri)

Donguri, having set up shop near a residential area, has always placed a high value on the input of the locals. Shortly after the bakery was founded, a request from customers for "bread that’s like a side dish" led to the creation of Chikuwa Bread, now known as one of Hokkaido's local specialties.

The goods in the shop are always freshly baked! (Photo credit: Donguri)
The goods in the shop are always freshly baked! (Photo credit: Donguri)

Donguri is known for their commitment to freshly baked goods and an extensive variety of products. They offer nearly 170 different types of bread, along with side dishes, salads, and sweets, making customers feel as though they’re on a treasure hunt as they seek out their favorites. From simple selections like salted bread rolls to savory options such as chikuwa bread, curry bread, and fish sandwiches, as well as margherita pizza and dessert pastries like cinnamon rolls and apple pies, there’s sure to be something for everyone. One particularly popular side dish is the kushi-zangi, a deep-fried chicken skewer (and another famous Hokkaido specialty).

Donguri offers a variety of creative breads, including Dumpling Bread and Matcha White Chocolate Kouign-Amann. (Photo credit: Donguri)
Donguri offers a variety of creative breads, including Dumpling Bread and Matcha White Chocolate Kouign-Amann. (Photo credit: Donguri)
Zangi skewers is one of our favorite side dishes! (Photo credit: Donguri)
Zangi skewers is one of our favorite side dishes! (Photo credit: Donguri)

If you’re in the mood for bread, Donguri has everything you could possibly need! You can also try several other local Hokkaido goodies here.

Supported languages
  • Menus: Japanese, English
  • Staff speak: Japanese
  • Donguri Oodori Shop
    どんぐり大通店
    • Address Le Trois 1F, 1 Chome Oodori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
    • Phone Number 011-210-5252
    • ・Hours: 10 AM–9 PM (May vary according to Le Trois business hours)
      ・Closed: Same schedule as Le Trois

Asian Bar Ramai: A Popular Soup Curry Chain and Staple of Hokkaido Gourmet

Soup Curry, blended with a variety of spices (Photo credit: Ramai)
Soup Curry, blended with a variety of spices (Photo credit: Ramai)

Another Hokkaido signature dish is soup curry. You’ll find countless soup curry restaurants, especially in central Sapporo, many of which have multiple locations. One of the most popular chains is Asian Bar Ramai (or simply, Ramai), which even has locations beyond Sapporo.

As of July 2024, Ramai has three branches in Sapporo and Hakodate, two in Asahikawa, and one each in Otaru and Chitose, as well as two locations outside of Hokkaido.

The Sapporo Chuo Branch is just a several-minute walk from Sapporo's downtown Susukino area! (Photo credit: Ramai)
The Sapporo Chuo Branch is just a several-minute walk from Sapporo's downtown Susukino area! (Photo credit: Ramai)

Many of the shop’s furnishings and decorations were purchased in Bali, Indonesia. The setup features large tables and tall partitions throughout the space to create a private, relaxing atmosphere.

Inside the Sapporo Chuo Store (Photo credit: Ramai)
Inside the Sapporo Chuo Store (Photo credit: Ramai)

Ramai's Soup Curry broth is chicken-based, and infused with fruit and cabbage. The spices are freshly ground before cooking and blended into the chicken broth just before serving. The menu offers several options, including one with a hearty serving of vegetables, cooked chicken, and tender pork, amongst others. Our recommendation is the fish fry, a generous dish served on a separate plate to maintain its crispiness and flavor.

The Fish Fry dish is limited to 10 servings per day. (Photo credit: Ramai)
The Fish Fry dish is limited to 10 servings per day. (Photo credit: Ramai)

The rice at Ramai is an original coconut-flavored recipe with a blend of spices. Customers can choose from three portion sizes: S (150g), M (300g), or L (450g). You can also choose between regular or large portions of soup, with no price difference between the two sizes (although there’s an extra charge for the special extra-large size). When ordering, be sure to specify the amount of rice, soup, and spiciness level (from 1 to 10). It’s a customizable meal that you can match to your preferences for the perfect dining experience!

Supported languages
  • Menus: Japanese
  • Staff speak: Japanese
  • Asia Bar Ramai Sapporo Chuō Shop
    アジアンバー ラマイ札幌中央店
    • Address Confomall Sapporo 1F 10 Chome-1005-4 Kita 4 Jo Nishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804
    • Phone Number 011-211-0697
    • ・Hours: 11:30 AM–11 PM (Last order 10 PM)
      ・Closed: Open daily

Curry Shop Indian: A Popular Curry Chain and the Soul Food of Hokkaido-Tokachi

Indian Curry, which makes use of Indian roux, is the menu’s signature dish. (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)
Indian Curry, which makes use of Indian roux, is the menu’s signature dish. (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)

Curry Shop Indian is a well-known and popular curry chain in the Tokachi region, especially Obihiro. Since opening its first store in 1968, it has gained a loyal following, often referred to by locals as “Indian Curry” or simply "Indian.” The idea of this shop is that it is "the second-best curry shop in Obihiro," with the reason for that ranking being that "the best curry is the kind prepared by moms and wives at home."

The Machinaka Shop, located right near Obihiro Station (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)
The Machinaka Shop, located right near Obihiro Station (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)

As of July 2024, Curry Shop Indian has 11 locations in the Tokachi region and two in the Kushiro region. Rather than a fancy restaurant for special occasions, it’s seen as a cozy everyday spot more closely aligned with homestyle cooking. There are many regular customers who frequent the place for a quick lunch, while others just come to buy their curry roux to use at home.

Inside the shop you’ll find counter seating for easy eating (Pictured: Machinaka branch) (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)
Inside the shop you’ll find counter seating for easy eating (Pictured: Machinaka branch) (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)
Take-out is another popular option, and many customers even come just to buy the roux! (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)
Take-out is another popular option, and many customers even come just to buy the roux! (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)

There are three types of curry roux used here, depending on what your order, and each is prepared and seasoned in their own unique way. The standard is the Indian roux, made of aged beef and dozens of spices. This is also the roux used in the shop’s signature dishes, including the Indian Curry and Hamburger Steak.

Curry Katsu, made with their Basic Roux (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)
Curry Katsu, made with their Basic Roux (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)

The Basic Roux combines savory beef with added onions to bring out both the flavor and sweetness, and is used in the Seafood, Chicken, Cutlet, and Shrimp curries. Then there’s the Vegetable Roux, which includes veggies like potatoes and carrots. This one is used in the hearty Vegetable Curry.

Vegetable Curry, made with vegetable roux (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)
Vegetable Curry, made with vegetable roux (Photo credit: Curry Shop Indian)

Curry Shop Indian is considered the soul food of the Tokachi region. Although its presence is limited to specific areas of Hokkaido, it is a must-try local delicacy for anyone visiting Obihiro or other parts of Tokachi.

Supported languages
  • Menus: Japanese, English
  • Staff speak: English
  • Indian Machinaka Shop
    カレーショップ インデアン まちなか店
    • Address 10 Chome-1-1 10 Jo Minami, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0012
    • Phone Number 0155-20-1818
    • ・Hours: 11 AM–9 PM (Last order 8:45 PM)
      ・Closed: Dec. 31, Jan. 1

Hot Chef: A Hit at Seicomart, Hokkaido's Largest Convenience Store Chain

Butter Croissant, available at Seicomart's Hot Chef (Photo credit: Seicomart)
Butter Croissant, available at Seicomart's Hot Chef (Photo credit: Seicomart)

Seicomart (sometimes known as Secoma or Seicoma) is a popular Hokkaido convenience store chain, with 1,094 locations in the region as of July 2024. There are also 89 branches in Ibaraki and 9 in Saitama. As the largest convenience store chain in Hokkaido and a familiar sight to nearly every individual resident (with a presence even on the prefecture’s outlying islands), Seicomart has made a name fro itself as an essential part of daily life for the locals.

Available products in the store’s Hot Chef section (Photo credit: Seicomart)
Available products in the store’s Hot Chef section (Photo credit: Seicomart)

Japan boasts a number of convenience store chains, but what sets Seicomart apart from the rest is its Hot Chef section, featuring meals that are prepared right in the store (some locations may vary). Here you can buy warm, freshly-made foods including bentos, rice balls, croissants, fried chicken, and fries. Some locations even have eat-in corners where you can eat your Hot Chef meals right there, making it feel more like a cafe than your average convenience store.

The Katsu-don is freshly prepared in the shop, so you can enjoy thick, juicy pork cutlets at their best! (Photo credit: Seicomart)
The Katsu-don is freshly prepared in the shop, so you can enjoy thick, juicy pork cutlets at their best! (Photo credit: Seicomart)

Buying from Hot Chef is simple. The freshly-prepared dishes are displayed in their own special section, where you select the items you want. After making your choice, take your items to the cash register. You can pay for your Hot Chef items together with any other purchases from anywhere else in the store.

The Jumbo Onigiri is made with rice cooked in-store and stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as salmon. (Photo credit: Seicomart)
The Jumbo Onigiri is made with rice cooked in-store and stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as salmon. (Photo credit: Seicomart)
The Butter Croissants, baked in the store's own oven are made with 100% fermented butter, giving them a rich and fragrant buttery aroma. (Photo credit: Seicomart)
The Butter Croissants, baked in the store's own oven are made with 100% fermented butter, giving them a rich and fragrant buttery aroma. (Photo credit: Seicomart)

While specific items offered by Hot Chef may vary depending on store, and the selection may vary by time of day, one thing is for sure: you’ll always find freshly prepared food in the Hot Chef corner! In more rural parts of Hokkaido with fewer restaurants, Seicomart’s Hot Chef is a valuable spot for finding warm meals. Being so deeply rooted in Hokkaido, this store has also gained popularity amongst tourists as one of Hokkaido’s must-visit food spots. So be sure to stop by, and get a feel for Hokkaido life as a true local!

Supported languages
  • Menus: Japanese, English (some sections)
  • Staff speak: Japanese
  • Seicomart Minami 9-Jo Shop
    セイコーマート南9条店
    • Address 5 Chome-42 Minami 9 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0809
    • Phone Number 011-520-6751
    • ・Hours: Open 24/7
      ・Closed: Open daily

Exploring the Local Favorites: Visit Popular Chain Restaurants that Hokkaido Locals Love!

All of the local Hokkaido chains introduced here are frequented by Hokkaido residents on a daily basis, beloved across the region for years for their delicious and easy-to-enjoy meals. And with multiple branches across the region, they’re convenient for travelers, too, offering consistency in both taste and service. So check out these local shops, and immerse yourself in the Hokkaido lifestyle with some authentic Hokkaido food!


English translation by: Krys Suzuki

Written by:
Nobuka Kawashima
Nobuka Kawashima

A travel creator who has traveled all over Hokkaido in search of spectacular scenery and local gourmet food, Nobuka moved to Hokkaido from Tokyo in 2009. Since then, she has continued to photograph and write articles on Hokkaido travel and food for LIVE JAPAN and other tourism websites and travel magazines. She is a certified Hokkaido Tourism Master, a title given to Hokkaido tourism experts by the Hokkaido Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and also holds certifications as a Domestic Travel Service Supervisor and Chief Itinerary Manager. As a transgender person herself, she runs a support group to create an environment that makes travel easier for LGBTQ people, and also gives lectures and talks at universities and companies.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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