I’m about to talk about what I personally consider the No.1 miso ramen restaurant at this point.
“Saimi” is located in a slightly outlying area of Sapporo. Despite being somewhat distant from busy districts like Susukino and Sapporo Station, there are constant lines, and it’s achieved an incredible score of 4.21 (as of August 19, 2015) in Tabelog’s Hokkaido ramen category, ranking first as an extremely popular restaurant.
It’s said to be a restaurant that became independent from “Sumire,” another popular Sapporo establishment.
While I have various issues with Tabelog personally and can’t fully trust it, when it comes to scores in the 4-point range, it’s a different story.
Like “Itto” in Shinkoiwa, Tokyo.
During what has now become my annual Hokkaido expedition, I visited Saimi for the first time.
I’ve tried several well-regarded miso ramen places in Hokkaido, and while they were all delicious, this Saimi was personally the most delicious I’ve had so far. I waited in quite a line, but the quality was convincing enough to justify it!
Saimi – An ultra-popular ramen restaurant in Misono, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
“Saimi” is about a 5-minute walk from Misono Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Toho Line.
Since it takes about 5 minutes from Hosui-susukino Station to Misono Station, you should be able to get there without spending too much time.
It was around 1 PM on a weekday, but there was a line at the restaurant. The surrounding area has many residential buildings and not many people passing through, but only this spot had an abnormal population density. Truly a popular restaurant indeed.
Getting in line. The chashu ramen was sold out.
I think it was about 20-30 minutes? After waiting, I entered the restaurant. Ah, as expected, they’re wearing Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters uniforms.
I placed my order and waited again for a while at the waiting seats inside the restaurant.
Inside the restaurant are many autographs and many customers silently slurping noodles.
Finally got seated! It looks like there are table seats too.
I ordered miso ramen (750 yen) and a small rice (an amazing 50 yen!).
Piping hot, fragrant, rich miso ramen – this is the best.
The miso ramen covered with piping hot lard, characteristic of Hokkaido, has arrived!
The toppings are chashu, bean sprouts, green onions, bamboo shoots. It’s unusual that ginger is also on top.
The strongly yellow egg noodles are also distinctive.
First, I take a sip of the soup. Oh, th-this is…! Delicious!!
Perhaps the miso is slightly charred, as a fragrant aroma and richness spreads throughout my mouth. What is this, it’s absolutely amazing.
When you dissolve the ginger, it becomes slightly more refreshing and you can enjoy another variation in taste.
The curly egg noodles sourced from Morisumi Seimen, a long-established noodle factory in Sapporo. Beyond their vibrant appearance, they bind well with the flavorful soup while the noodles themselves have great taste and texture.
Enjoying the small rice that can be added for 50 yen together with the soup is also wonderful.
Carb restriction? What’s that?
Afterword
While you need to be prepared to wait in line, this is definitely a ramen you should try. It’s personally No.1 among all the miso ramen I’ve eaten so far. It was truly delicious.
I highly recommend it as a must-visit gourmet spot when you visit Sapporo!
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