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Warm up in Sapporo with soup curry, a flavorful broth-based dish packed with spices, fried vegetables, and customizable toppings that make every bowl unique.

A bowl of Sapporo Soup Curry with a piece of fried chicken, leafy greens, and vegetables in a rich, brown broth, served on a wooden table.

What Is Soup Curry?

Japanese curry is often a thick stew served over rice, but soup curry is something entirely different. Born in Sapporo, this dish is closer to Southeast Asian curries, with a spiced broth that is light in texture but rich in flavor.

Bowls are built around a choice of protein, then topped with a colorful assortment of lightly fried vegetables like lotus root, eggplant, and bell pepper. Spice levels range from mild to fiery, so it’s easy to adjust to your preference. We found it both comforting and exciting, with flavors that kept us reaching for more.

Dining at Picante – A Local Favorite

A small restaurant with a wood-paneled exterior, bright red door, and yellow-trimmed windows. Several people are standing just inside. The sign above the entrance reads Picante in stylized letters, hinting at their famous Sapporo Soup Curry.

We tried soup curry at Picante, one of Sapporo’s most popular restaurants, and quickly understood its reputation. The cozy dining room had a warm, quirky atmosphere, and the staff helped guide us through the ordering process.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1 – Choose Your Base

A bowl of Sapporo Soup Curry features a fried chicken leg, sliced carrots, lotus root, potatoes, eggplant, green pepper, and shredded white onions in a rich broth, served in a black bowl on a wooden table.

Options include chicken leg, beef tendon, lamb, or a vegetarian bowl filled with maitake mushrooms, beans, and tofu. We ordered chicken and vegetarian, and both were excellent. The mushroom broth surprised us with its earthy richness.

Step 2 – Select Your Vegetables

Each bowl comes with beautifully presented vegetables such as broccoli, potatoes, bell peppers, and lotus root. They’re lightly fried, which adds texture and flavor.

Step 3 – Pick Your Spice Level

A bowl of Sapporo Soup Curry featuring tender pieces of meat, carrot, eggplant, green pepper, and other vegetables in a rich, dark broth, served in a black bowl on a wooden table.

Most restaurants use a scale from 0 to 10. We chose level 3, which delivered a nice kick without overpowering the flavors. If you’re not used to spice, start low.

Step 4 – Add Optional Toppings

Cheese, boiled egg, okra, and Hokkaido sausage are popular extras. Our kids loved adding cheese and egg, which made their bowls creamy and hearty.

Why We Loved It

  • Customizable for everyone: You can tailor spice, toppings, and protein.
  • Vegetarian-friendly: The maitake mushroom bowl was just as satisfying as the meat options.
  • Nutritious yet filling: Between the protein, vegetables, and rice, it’s a well-balanced meal.

Nami’s Soup Curry

Of course, after trying soup curry in Sapporo, we had to recreate it at home. If you are a curry enthusiast, we’d love for you to try Nami’s Sapporo Soup Curry recipe and see what you think!

How to Get to Picante Soup Curry

Train

  • JR Sapporo Station, North Exit. Walk 5 to 10 minutes.

Subway

  • Namboku Line, Kita 12 Jo Station. Walk about 5 minutes.

Taxi

  • From Odori Park or Susukino, about 10 minutes depending on traffic.

Pro Tip: Picante does not take reservations. Arrive early or visit during off peak hours to avoid a long wait.

Should You Try Soup Curry in Sapporo?

Warmly lit wooden wall with decorative carved masks and panels, and an ornate hanging lamp casting patterned shadows. The setting feels cozy and inviting—perfect for savoring Sapporo Soup Curry in a space with a traditional artistic touch.

Soup curry is one of Sapporo’s defining dishes and a true reflection of the city’s creativity with local ingredients. It’s flavorful, hearty, and different from any other Japanese curry you may have tried. No matter if you crave chicken, lamb, or mushrooms, you’ll find a bowl that hits the spot. We highly recommend it as part of any Sapporo food adventure.

More to Explore Nearby

After savoring the complex spices and rich broth of Sapporo’s unique soup curry, you are perfectly placed to discover the city’s most famous landmarks, green spaces, and bustling entertainment districts.

  • Odori Park – Explore the central park of Sapporo, a vast green space that stretches for over a kilometer, featuring seasonal flower displays and hosting the city’s major festivals.
  • Sapporo TV Tower – Head to the eastern end of Odori Park to visit this iconic structure, where you can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of the entire city.
  • Susukino – Dive into Sapporo’s bustling entertainment and nightlife district, known for its vibrant neon signs, diverse dining options, and the spectacular annual Ice Festival in winter.
  • Hokkaido Jingu – Find a moment of quiet reflection at this large, important Shinto shrine, nestled within Maruyama Park, which offers beautiful grounds and a deep sense of local culture.

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