Soup curry is Sapporo's soul food — a spiced, aromatic broth loaded with individually prepared vegetables and a bone-in chicken leg, served alongside a separate bowl of rice. Born in Sapporo in the 1970s, it's nothing like thick Japanese curry rice. Think of it as a Southeast Asian-inspired curry soup, but uniquely Hokkaido.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/Sapporo, r/JapanTravel, r/JapaneseFood, and r/japanlife to find the shops that actual Sapporo residents and repeat visitors recommend over and over. Every place on this list has been independently praised by multiple Redditors.
📊 How we built this list
We analyzed 100+ Reddit posts and 500+ comments across r/Sapporo, r/JapanTravel, r/JapaneseFood, and r/japanlife — spanning 2019 to 2026. Shops were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every shop on this list was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different people. We weighted long-term Sapporo residents' picks more heavily than first-time visitor posts.
1Garaku (ガラク)
Soup Curry
What to order: The signature chicken leg soup curry with original base. Choose your spice level (start at 5 for mild kick). The vegetables are perfectly prepared — crispy fried broccoli is a highlight.
"Garaku is the one true soup curry."
— u/deleted · r/JapaneseFood
"Garaku lived up to the hype for me."
— u/thereadinessisall · r/Sapporo
"GARAKU is my fav soup curry in Sapporo and that's also like very mainstream chainy."
— r/japanpics · Japan Trip Food thread
tabiji verdict: The most recommended soup curry in Sapporo on Reddit — and for good reason. Garaku's broth is complex, deeply spiced, and addictive. Expect a line at peak times (especially the Odori location), but it moves fast. The tourist-friendly pick that locals also genuinely love.
2Soup Curry SAMA (サマ)
Coconut Base
What to order: Coconut base soup curry with chicken — SAMA's coconut base is their star. The tomato base is also excellent for something tangier. Go with medium spice to start.
"For coconut base: Sama. I prefer coconut base soup and crispy fried broccoli topping so I love Sama."
— u/Professional-Newt567 & u/rplusw7 · r/Sapporo
"My husband and I got back from Japan in November. We had Sama's coconut base curry while there and fell in love."
— r/JapaneseFood · Sama Curry Recipe thread
tabiji verdict: SAMA is the go-to for coconut-base soup curry lovers. The creamy, mild coconut broth is perfect if you want something less intensely spicy. Multiple locations make it easy to find. Their tomato base is also worth trying on a second visit.
3Rojiura Curry Samurai (侍)
Veggie-Forward
What to order: The 20-vegetable soup curry — their signature dish packed with an absurd variety of vegetables, each prepared separately. The coconut base pairs well with the veggies.
"For the veggies: Samurai. Samurai and Sama are excellent, and I've tried most of them in the city."
— u/Professional-Newt567 & u/japantrepreneur · r/Sapporo
"Rojiura Curry SAMURAI is a banger. The standard bowl comes with like 20 different vegetables."
— r/FoodTYO · Soup Curry in Tokyo thread
tabiji verdict: If you want soup curry that makes you feel vaguely healthy, Samurai is your spot. The sheer variety of individually prepared vegetables is impressive — crispy fried broccoli, roasted lotus root, glazed pumpkin. It's become a franchise, but the quality stays consistent.
4Soup Curry King (スープカレー キング)
Soup Curry
What to order: The chicken leg soup curry — a massive bone-in chicken leg in a rich, spice-forward broth. Cash only, so bring yen.
"Soup Curry King is pretty fantastic. But be advised, there's normally a line, and it's cash only. Soooo good, and it definitely hit the spot."
— r/JapanTravel · Things to do in Hokkaido thread
"My wife insists King is the best and it is pretty good."
— u/timbit87 · r/Sapporo
"Anyone know where to find Hokkaido style soup curry in nyc? Been on the hunt since I went to Soup Curry King in Sapporo."
— r/FoodNYC · Soup Curry in NYC thread
tabiji verdict: When NYC foodies are desperately searching for a replacement, you know it's good. Soup Curry King is beloved by Sapporo locals — the kind of place where the line tells you everything. Cash only, no frills, just exceptional soup curry.
5Picante (ピカンティ)
Spice-Forward
What to order: Their signature chicken curry at the Kita 13 location — the original and best branch. The spice levels here are no joke — start lower than you think.
"Picante at Kita 13 Jo is my favorite though I don't like their Odori and Maruyama location."
— u/Old_Jackfruit6153 · r/Sapporo
"My top 3 are Sama, Picante, and Cocoro."
— u/BetaBarrel1018 · r/Sapporo
tabiji verdict: Picante is a spice lover's dream — their broths are bold and complex. The Kita 13 location is the one Sapporo locals swear by (the other branches don't quite match up). If you like heat, crank up the spice level and enjoy the burn.
6Chutta! (チュッタ!)
Soup Curry
What to order: The crispy chicken soup curry — the chicken comes with a satisfying crunch and the broth is deeply aromatic. Try the Ebetsu location if you can reach it.
"My wife and I cannot live without Chutta ❤️"
— u/cortjezter · r/Sapporo
"Chutta — my 1st soup curry in Sapporo in a hole in the wall on the 2nd floor of a building. It blew my mind. Comes with crispy chicken and even every vegetable was tasty. You know that curry is good when the smell lingers onto your clothes."
— u/tatertots1298 · r/Sapporo
tabiji verdict: Chutta has the kind of devoted following that signals something special. The hole-in-the-wall vibes and mind-blowing flavors make this a true local discovery. If you can make it to the Ebetsu location, that's the original and best.
7Medicine Man (メディスンマン)
Thin & Spicy
What to order: Their signature thin, spicy broth with chicken. Medicine Man's soup is thinner than most — more like a spiced consommé. The spice hits different here.
"Medicine Man for a thinner, spicier soup. Med man for a thinner, spicier soup and Nishitonden for coconut or tomato base."
— u/PharazynPharaoh · r/Sapporo
"Check out a place near the Yamahana area called Medicine Man. It is our favorite soup curry shop. The soup isn't as thick as many other places but the flavor is there."
— u/moonpilot · r/Sapporo
tabiji verdict: Medicine Man takes a different approach — a thinner, more aromatic broth that lets the individual spices shine. If you find typical soup curry too heavy, this lighter style might be your favorite. A genuine local recommendation off the tourist trail.
8Suage+ (スアゲプラス)
Tourist-Friendly
What to order: The parikari (crispy) chicken curry — deep-fried chicken pieces in their aromatic broth. English menu available.
"Soup Curry & Dining Suage+ — Gotta try soup curry since it's their specialty — this place has an English menu available."
— r/JapanTravel · Sapporo Restaurant Recommendations
"Whether you go to one of the chains like Suage or a shop like Kanako's Soup Curry, you won't be disappointed if you like all things curry."
— r/JapanTravel · One Year in Japan thread
tabiji verdict: Suage+ is the safe, accessible introduction to soup curry — English menus, central locations, and consistently good (if not exceptional) food. Some locals find it overrated, but for first-timers navigating Sapporo, it's a solid and stress-free choice.
9Okushiba Shoten (奥芝商店)
Shrimp Base
What to order: Their signature ebi (shrimp) soup base with chicken — the shrimp broth is rich, umami-forward, and unlike anything else on this list.
"I'm a big fan of Okushibashoten and their shrimp soup base."
— u/CorruptPhoenix · r/Sapporo
"I asked my Mom what was the best food during our trip, and the soup curry from Okushiba Shoten was her number 1!"
— r/Sapporo · Visiting Sapporo thread
tabiji verdict: Okushiba Shoten's shrimp base is genuinely unique — deep, oceanic umami that transforms the soup curry experience. If you love seafood, this is your must-visit. The negi miso option is also worth trying for something different.
10Lavi (ラビ)
Shrimp Base
What to order: The shrimp-based soup curry with chicken — Lavi's ebi broth is their signature. Rich, creamy, and deeply savory.
"My friends like Lavi for their shrimp based soup."
— u/rplusw7 · r/Sapporo
tabiji verdict: Another shrimp-base specialist, Lavi is slightly more accessible than Okushiba Shoten with more central locations. If you love the idea of a seafood-forward soup curry but want something easier to find, Lavi delivers.
11Ramai (ラマイ)
Thai-Influenced
What to order: Their Indonesian/Thai-influenced soup curry — the broth has a distinct Southeast Asian character with lemongrass and galangal notes.
"Soup Curry is one of the Sapporo staples, and I highly recommend Ramai for it. It's a little bit away from the main downtown areas, but still worth the trip."
— r/japanlife · Sapporo Food Recommendation
"Ramai — more of a Thai vibe, but it's excellent soup curry."
— u/cortjezter · r/Sapporo
tabiji verdict: Ramai brings a distinctly Southeast Asian twist to Sapporo soup curry. If you love Thai or Indonesian curries, this fusion style will speak to you. It's a bit outside the center, but residents say it's worth the detour.
12Kanako's Soup Curry (カナコのスープカレー)
Local Favorite
What to order: The "Chicken Grill on rice" — specifically recommended by a long-term Sapporo resident who calls this their absolute favourite shop.
"Whether you go to one of the chains like Suage or a shop like Kanako's Soup Curry (my absolute favourite), you won't be disappointed. If you do decide to go to Kanako's, try to order the 'Chicken Grill on rice'."
— r/JapanTravel · One Year in Japan: Sapporo
tabiji verdict: A true local's pick — Kanako's doesn't appear on most tourist lists, which is exactly why it's worth seeking out. The Chicken Grill on rice is the signature order. When someone who lived in Sapporo for a year calls it their absolute favourite, pay attention.
13Soup Curry Yellow (イエロー)
Soup Curry
What to order: Classic chicken leg soup curry — straightforward and satisfying.
"I'm a big fan of soup curry, especially Soup Curry Yellow in/near Susukino."
— r/JapanTravelTips · Where to Eat in Sapporo
"Yellow is good."
— u/hau2906 · r/Sapporo
tabiji verdict: Conveniently located near the Susukino entertainment district, Yellow is a solid choice if you're exploring that area. Simple, unpretentious, and consistently good. Note: some Redditors report a change in quality after an ownership change — YMMV.
14SHO-RIN (奨鈴)
Soup Curry
What to order: Their signature chicken soup curry — rich, well-spiced broth with generous portions.
"I lived in Sapporo for 2 years and my personal favorites aside from Garaku is the soup curry of SHO-RIN and Rakkyo."
— u/justme_look2024 · r/Sapporo
"Went to Sapporo and bf loved SHO-RIN."
— u/bucketandmopp · r/Sapporo
tabiji verdict: When a two-year Sapporo resident lists SHO-RIN alongside Garaku as their favorites, that's a strong endorsement. Less well-known than the big names, but equally satisfying. A true insider pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soup curry restaurant in Sapporo?
Based on Reddit consensus, Garaku is the most frequently recommended soup curry in Sapporo. It's popular with both tourists and locals for its rich, complex broth. SAMA and Rojiura Curry Samurai are close runners-up, each with loyal followings for their coconut-base and vegetable-forward styles respectively.
How much does soup curry cost in Sapporo?
A typical soup curry meal costs ¥1,000–¥1,500 ($7–$10 USD). Most shops let you choose a base soup, protein (chicken leg is standard), spice level, and rice amount. Extra toppings add ¥100–¥300 each. It's one of Sapporo's best-value meals.
What is soup curry and how is it different from Japanese curry?
Soup curry is a Sapporo specialty — a light, spiced broth (more like a Southeast Asian curry soup) loaded with large, individually prepared vegetables and a protein (usually bone-in chicken leg). It's served with a separate bowl of rice that you dip into the soup. Completely different from thick, gravy-like Japanese curry rice.
What soup base should I choose?
Most shops offer multiple bases. Original/standard is a safe starting point. Coconut base (try at SAMA or Samurai) is creamier and milder. Tomato base adds acidity. Shrimp/ebi base (Okushiba Shoten, Lavi) is rich and umami-forward. For your first time, try the original base at medium spice to taste the shop's signature flavor.
Do Sapporo soup curry restaurants have English menus?
Tourist-popular spots like Garaku, Suage+, and SAMA usually have English or picture menus. Smaller local shops may be Japanese-only, but ordering is straightforward — pick a soup base, main dish, spice level (1-10+), and rice amount (S/M/L). Google Translate's camera mode works well on Japanese menus.
