Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan｜Keyaki

The line-up during dinnertime is quite long. They only have around 8-10 seats in total inside. You first have to place an order with the machine inside before lining up. There is some English on the machine buttons so foreigners can order with ease. I ordered the butter corn ramen, their number 1 ramen. I added a piece of chashiu for only ¥150. The portion for the regular size was still pretty big! They have 2 different spoons, with a metal one having holes in it so you can easily eat smaller foods without having to drink soup. The ramen was really tasty! Butter corn ramen is a highly recommended specialty in Sapporo, and this one does not dissapoint. Despite having butter and oils from the soup broth, it didn't feel too heavy. The other toppings were great as well. It hit the spot very nicely during a cold winter night. It was a bit salty for my taste, so I couldn't finish drinking the soup. The chashiu pork was a very chick cut. It did have a slight cured taste, similar to ham. It was tender, but more that it just broke apart, kind of like if you pressure cooked some honey ham. Definitely different texture from regular chashiu. I'd give the ham a 4/5 stars. Service is quick, since it doesn't seat many. Parties up to 2 can be seated, but any more and they will ask if you can sit separately.

Hokkaido’s specialty corn butter ramen tastes pretty good! It is also the most famous ramen in Hokkaido! You can come and try it! Here I go again, this time spicy miso ramen! Super delicious! Highly recommend this flavor! Add vinegar and black pepper! Absolutely amazing! 5 star praise! No wonder it’s so famous! Delicious indeed! I personally don’t recommend corn butter ramen!

Exactly what we were looking to experience in a renowned Hokkaido ramen shop. One of us (party of 2) isn’t a big meat person. The regular miso ramen still has some small pieces of pork in it but they were easily avoided. You’ll order/pay at the machine at the front of the shop (which has English on the buttons, some of the print being a little more worn out on some of the buttons than others). Put money in first, then press the buttons of the items you would like to order. You’ll receive a ticket for each item ordered. You’ll either be seated if one of the 8-10 seats is open or wait in line outside until one opens up. Most people were finished in about 15 minutes after receiving their ramen so it should turn over pretty quickly. Like so many other small eateries, the staff is friendly and helpful but busy. We had the miso ramen and miso ramen with boiled egg and they were flavorful, piping hot, and loaded with veggies and those delightful ramen noodles. Highly recommend for a cozy, quick blast of flavor and warmth before strolling through Sapporo on a crisp evening.