Since its opening in Sapporo in 2009, the renowned “Ebisoba Ichigen” has expanded to a total of 12 locations, including Tokyo and internationally in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
※Number of locations as of January 2024
On a recent gastronomic tour of Hokkaido, I ventured in, wondering if it would be alright to bring along a small child (one and a half years old).
While Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen, Ebisoba Ichigen is known for its shrimp soba, which, as the name suggests, features a broth richly infused with sweet shrimp.
You can choose from three types of seasonings—miso, salt, and soy sauce—and three levels of pork bone broth addition, making a total of nine varieties.
It’s fun to search for your favorite flavor!
The Popular “Ebisoba Ichigen Head Store” Within Walking Distance from Sapporo’s City Center
We arrived at the “Ebisoba Ichigen Head Store” around 7 PM on a Sunday.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from Susukino, slightly far but not an unreasonable distance.
There was no line outside, but the waiting area inside was full. It’s indeed a popular spot.
While waiting, you can choose from the menu.
Depending on how much pork bone broth is blended in, the options are “As is” for a straightforward shrimp flavor, “Moderate,” and “Rich” for a deeper taste. Seasonings available are miso, salt, and soy sauce.
This time, we chose the “As is – Shrimp Salt – Thin Noodles” and “Moderate – Shrimp Miso – Thick Noodles” based on a recommendation from my wife’s friend who lives in Hokkaido.
A particularly popular side dish with shrimp soba is the “Shrimp Onigiri,” which we also ordered.
The restaurant only has counter seats.
I was worried if it would be okay with a toddler, but they provided a small chair and warmly welcomed us, saying, “Let us know if you need anything.”
Ramen Dominated by the Flavor of Shrimp Broth, Delicious
This is the “Shrimp Miso Ramen (Moderate – Thick Noodles).”
The distinct shrimp flavor blends smoothly with the mellow taste of miso, making it very delicious!
The miso does not overpower but firmly complements the distinct shrimp flavor.
Another option is “Shrimp Salt Ramen (As is – Thin Noodles).” This one packs an undiluted shrimp flavor punch, truly deserving of the name “shrimp soba.”
The thick shrimp broth, made from a large number of sweet shrimp heads, clings deliciously to the noodles.
Enjoying the shrimp rice ball cooked in shrimp broth in between slurps of ramen is a treat for shrimp lovers.
Though I forgot this time, turning the leftover soup into a risotto-style dish is also delicious.
While there are many famous ramen spots to visit in Sapporo, “Ebisoba Ichigen Head Store” is certainly one of the top contenders.
If you love shrimp, it’s highly recommended to add this to your travel itinerary.
“Ebisoba Ichigen Head Store” Access & Basic Information
“Ebisoba Ichigen Head Store” is located a bit off from the bustling areas of Susukino and Nakajima Park in Sapporo.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from Nakajima Koen Station on the Namboku Subway Line, or about a 5-minute walk from the Higashi-Honganji-mae stop on the Sapporo tram.
The restaurant also has a free parking lot with 11 spaces available.
【Basic Information about Ebisoba Ichigen Head Store】
| Restaurant Name | Ebisoba Ichigen Head Store |
|---|---|
| Phone Number | 011-513-0098 |
| Address | 1024-10 Minami 7 Jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM the next day |
| Day Off | Irregular |
| Seating | 16 counter seats |
| Web | Official: Ebisoba Ichigen – Ebisoba Ichigen |
※Content is accurate as of the time of writing. Please check the official website for the latest information.
