If you think Hokkaido is only about Milk and Ice cream, you might be missing out on other local delicacies, especially Hokkaido Ramen. That's right, if Hakodate is famous for its Shio (salt) ramen, then Miso Ramen is renowned as Sapporo's must-eat.
There must be a bazillion Ramen stores across Sapporo, but this time, i'll introduce you to Sapporo Ramen Republic (札幌ラーメン共和国). For those who don't know, Sapporo Ramen Republic can be commensurate with an expo (a Ramen fair 🤣).
There are 8 ramen restaurants in total: (Read more: https://bit.ly/2iadx7m), catering some of the best ramen from different places across Hokkaido (Hakodate, Sapporo, and many more). On most occasion I would go for the restaurant with a long queue (criterion that the place is outstanding), but this time, I decided to go with Miso no (purely on a whim)
There are a number of dishes to choose from, but i would highly recommend its Miso Ramen or Spicy Miso Ramen
What makes Miso Ramen so special?
The noodles - now there are many kinds of noodles used for ramen. The 3 most notable ones are hosomen (thin noodles); futomen (fat noodles); and futsuu (normal noodles). I personally prefer futomen, because, as even though it is chewy, it is not sticky at all.
The broth - as the name suggests, Hokkaido Ramen isn't your typical pork-based soup. Ramen chefs can adjust according to personal preferences, such as using chicken bones, dried bonito, and so on. One distinct characteristics of Hokkaido ramen, is that the soup is very rich and oily. Nonetheless, the prime ingredient that puts this dish in the limelight, is in the miso paste - a savory paste that enhances the flavour drastically!
The toppings - again, it will depend on the chef. But from the pictures above, Misono has a liking towards Aijitsuke Tamago (味付け玉子) (soy sauce marinated eggs), teriyaki pork tenderloin, bean sprouts, corn, and bamboo shoots. Nonetheless, the unique point that took me by surprise, was the BUTTER - one whole slice being put directly into the bowl. By adding a source of dairy in, the soup becomes more fat and juicy.
Complementary dishes
My go to side dish whenever I go to a ramen place, would without doubt, be gyoza (Japanese-styled dumplings).
The greasiness is a great texture when eaten with gluten or carbs. And without fail, Misono serves mouth-watering gyoza
Last but not least, some juice to either cleanse your palette, or to excite the tastebuds.
There are some typical soft drinks in the menu, but I believe this Beet cider is exclusive to the restaurant.
If you're wondering about the taste, I would say it's close to that of Ramune, but less sweet.
Sapporo Ramen Republic is situated on the 10th floor, so you have to take an elevator up (inside JR Tower Esta). If you get off at Sapporo station, it will take around 7 minutes on foot to reach there.
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