What is Jingisukan?
Jingisukan is a traditional dish from Hokkaido, featuring lamb (mutton) seasoned with a special sauce and grilled on an iron pan. It's a style of barbecue that is both popular among locals and a hit with tourists in Japan.
This dish is especially beloved in Hokkaido and is one of the must-try gourmet experiences for visitors.
The characteristics of Jingisukan include the unique aroma and juicy flavor of lamb, and it is typically grilled using a special Jingisukan pan.
It is said that this dish became part of Hokkaido’s food culture during the pioneering era, when the wool industry was developing.
When traveling to Hokkaido, be sure to savor authentic Jingisukan!
Types of Jingisukan
1. Marinated Jingisukan
This is Jingisukan pre-marinated in a special sauce, popular especially in eastern Hokkaido (Obihiro, Asahikawa).
The sweet and savory soy sauce-based marinade penetrates the lamb, making it easy and delicious to enjoy just by grilling.
2. Fresh Lamb Jingisukan
This variety uses fresh lamb and is commonly found in major cities like Sapporo and Hakodate.
The style involves adding sauce right before eating, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavor of lamb.
Particularly, tender and less gamey cuts like shoulder loin and thigh are popular.
How to Enjoy Jingisukan Deliciously
1. Use a Special Jingisukan Pan
A dome-shaped pan specific for Jingisukan is used.
The center of the pan is raised, so you grill the meat in the center while steaming vegetables around it, which is key.
The fat from the meat drains away, allowing you to enjoy the dish in a healthier way by reducing excess fat.
2. Side Vegetables are Important!
It's common to grill the following vegetables with Jingisukan:
- Bean sprouts: Absorb the meat's juices and become delicious.
- Onions: Enhance sweetness.
- Cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture as an accent.
- Bell peppers and carrots: Add vibrant colors.
3. Dip in Sauce Before Eating
It is typical to eat grilled lamb by dipping it in a special sauce.
The sauce is usually soy sauce-based with a sweet and savory flavor, and each restaurant may have its original blend, sometimes adding apple, garlic, sesame, etc.
4. Enjoy with Rice & Beer
Jingisukan is perfectly paired with white rice!
It is also recommended to enjoy it with Hokkaido craft beer or local beer like Sapporo Classic.
Recommended Jingisukan Restaurants in Hokkaido
Sapporo Area
1. Daruma (Main Branch)
- Feature: The most famous traditional Jingisukan restaurant in Sapporo.
- Style: Uses fresh lamb, charcoal-grilled.
- Access: 5-minute walk from Susukino Station.
2. Sapporo Jingisukan Main Branch
- Feature: Known for lamb with minimal odor and special sauce.
- Style: Offers both fresh lamb and marinated styles.
- Access: 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station.
Hakodate Area
3. Hakodate Jingisukan Yoyotei
- Feature: Enjoy while taking in Hakodate’s night scenery at this popular restaurant.
- Style: Also serves lamb chops.
- Access: 15-minute walk from Hakodate Station.
Asahikawa Area
4. Daikokuya Asahikawa Main Branch
- Feature: Uses local lamb, enjoyed with perfect grilling.
- Style: Charcoal-grilled Jingisukan on a shichirin.
- Access: 5-minute walk from Asahikawa Station.
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring & Summer (May to August): Outdoor BBQ Style
In Hokkaido, there is a culture of enjoying Jingisukan BBQ outdoors from spring to summer.
It's a classic to enjoy Jingisukan with a beer in hand at parks or campsites!
Autumn & Winter (September to February): Savor Indoors
Winter in Hokkaido is cold, so enjoying Jingisukan in a warm indoor setting is the best.
Experiencing juicy lamb while viewing snowy landscapes is exceptional.
Convenient Info for Travelers
Jingisukan Dining Hours
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (varies by restaurant)
- Dinner: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Budget for Jingisukan Restaurants
- 2,000 to 4,000 yen per person
- All-you-can-drink courses: 4,500 to 6,000 yen
Recommended Jingisukan Souvenirs
In Hokkaido, you can buy vacuum-packed Jingisukan as souvenirs.
- Matsuo Jingisukan (known for marinated lamb)
- Takikawa Jingisukan (a brand from Takikawa City, Hokkaido)
Wi-Fi Information
- Free Wi-Fi is available at major stations and tourist information centers in Sapporo and Hakodate.
- Some Jingisukan restaurants also offer Wi-Fi.
Language Support
- Many major stores in Sapporo offer menus in English and Chinese.
- Popular restaurants around Susukino may have English-speaking staff for tourists.
Conclusion and FAQs
Jingisukan is one of the must-try specialties when visiting Hokkaido.
Experience Hokkaido's food culture with fresh lamb, special sauces, and the Jingisukan pan!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the best place to eat Jingisukan?
A: “Daruma” in Sapporo is a famous traditional spot, but there are delicious specialty restaurants in Hakodate and Asahikawa too.
Q: Does lamb have a strong odor?
A: If the restaurant uses fresh lamb, it will have minimal odor and be easy to eat. For first-timers, fresh lamb Jingisukan is recommended!
As a memento of your trip to Hokkaido, make sure to enjoy juicy Jingisukan!
