Quick answer
Sapporo's soul food, soup curry, offers a diverse range of flavors and styles, with prices varying across different establishments; for the quintessential experience, Garaku's signature chicken leg soup curry with original base is highly recommended. This guide highlights top-rated soup curry spots in Sapporo, curated based on extensive Reddit analysis, ensuring a delightful culinary journey through the city.
- Best overall
- Medicine Man (メディスンマン)
- Price/value range
- ¥1,200 – ¥1,500
- Top-ranked pick
- Garaku (ガラク)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Garaku (ガラク): The most recommended soup curry in Sapporo on Reddit — and for good reason.
- Soup Curry SAMA (サマ): SAMA is the go-to for coconut-base soup curry lovers.
- Rojiura Curry Samurai (侍): If you want soup curry that makes you feel vaguely healthy, Samurai is your spot.
Sapporo's soul food, soup curry, offers a diverse range of flavors and styles, with prices varying across different establishments; for the quintessential experience, Garaku's signature chicken leg soup curry with original base is highly recommended. This guide highlights top-rated soup curry spots in Sapporo, curated based on extensive Reddit analysis, ensuring a delightful culinary journey through the city.
Sapporo's soul food, soup curry, ranges in style from spice-forward to veggie-packed, and can be found throughout the city. For the best experience, try Garaku's signature chicken leg soup curry with original base, recommended by locals and visitors alike. This guide highlights the top spots in Sapporo, based on extensive Reddit analysis.
Soup curry is Sapporo's soul food — a spiced, aromatic broth loaded with individually prepared vegetables and a bone-in chicken leg, served alongside a separate bowl of rice. Born in Sapporo in the 1970s, it's nothing like thick Japanese curry rice. Think of it as a Southeast Asian-inspired curry soup, but uniquely Hokkaido.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/Sapporo, r/JapanTravel, r/JapaneseFood, and r/japanlife to find the shops that actual Sapporo residents and repeat visitors recommend over and over. Every place on this list has been independently praised by multiple Redditors.
Soup Curry Map
How we built this list
We analyzed 100+ Reddit posts and 500+ comments across r/Sapporo, r/JapanTravel, r/JapaneseFood, and r/japanlife — spanning 2019 to 2026. Shops were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every shop on this list was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different people. We weighted long-term Sapporo residents' picks more heavily than first-time visitor posts.
1Garaku (ガラク)
Soup CurryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Soup Curry in Chuo-ku, near Odori Park with a ¥1,200–¥1,600 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 5,010 Google reviews · Soup Curry · Chuo-ku, near Odori Park
- Limitations
- it moves fast
- Price / value
- ¥1,200–¥1,600 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- The most recommended soup curry in Sapporo on Reddit — and for good reason. Garaku's broth is complex, deeply spiced, and addictive. Expect a line at peak times (especially the Odori location), but it moves fast. The tourist-friendly pick that locals also genuinely love.
- What to order
- Garaku (ガラク), located in Chuo-ku near Odori Park, is known for its signature chicken leg soup curry with original base. The signature chicken leg soup curry with original base is a must-try. Choose your spice level (start at 5 for mild kick). The vegetables are perfectly prepared — crispy fried broccoli is a highlight.
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2Soup Curry SAMA (サマ)
Coconut BaseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Coconut Base in Multiple locations (Odori, Susukino, etc.) with a ¥1,000–¥1,500 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 409 Google reviews · Coconut Base · Multiple locations (Odori, Susukino, etc.)
- Limitations
- Price band: ¥1,000–¥1,500
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,500 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- SAMA is the go-to for coconut-base soup curry lovers. The creamy, mild coconut broth is perfect if you want something less intensely spicy. Multiple locations make it easy to find. Their tomato base is also worth trying on a second visit.
- What to order
- Soup Curry SAMA (サマ), with multiple locations including Odori and Susukino, is known for its coconut base soup curry, rated 4.4 stars from 409 reviews. Coconut base soup curry with chicken is the star at SAMA, but the tomato base is also excellent for something tangier. Go with medium spice to start.
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3Rojiura Curry Samurai (侍)
Veggie-ForwardQuick comparison
- Best for
- Veggie-Forward in Multiple locations with a ¥1,100–¥1,500 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1,915 Google reviews · Veggie-Forward · Multiple locations
- Limitations
- the quality stays consistent
- Price / value
- ¥1,100–¥1,500 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- If you want soup curry that makes you feel vaguely healthy, Samurai is your spot. The sheer variety of individually prepared vegetables is impressive — crispy fried broccoli, roasted lotus root, glazed pumpkin. It's become a franchise, but the quality stays consistent.
- What to order
- Rojiura Curry Samurai (侍), with multiple locations, is a veggie-forward soup curry restaurant known for its 20-vegetable soup curry. The 20-vegetable soup curry is their signature dish packed with an absurd variety of vegetables, each prepared separately. The coconut base pairs well with the veggies.
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4Soup Curry King (スープカレー キング)
Soup CurryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Soup Curry in Behind Yodobashi Camera, Kita-ku with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2,011 Google reviews · Soup Curry · Behind Yodobashi Camera, Kita-ku
- Limitations
- Cash only, no frills, just exceptional soup curry
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- When NYC foodies are desperately searching for a replacement, you know it's good. Soup Curry King is beloved by Sapporo locals — the kind of place where the line tells you everything. Cash only, no frills, just exceptional soup curry.
- What to order
- Soup Curry King (スープカレー キング), located behind Yodobashi Camera in Kita-ku, is known for its chicken leg soup curry featuring a massive bone-in chicken leg. The chicken leg soup curry features a massive bone-in chicken leg in a rich, spice-forward broth. Cash only, so bring yen.
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5Picante (ピカンティ)
Spice-ForwardQuick comparison
- Best for
- Spice-Forward in Kita 13-jo (main location) with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 1,546 Google reviews · Spice-Forward · Kita 13-jo (main location)
- Limitations
- Price band: ¥1,000–¥1,400
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- Picante is a spice lover's dream — their broths are bold and complex. The Kita 13 location is the one Sapporo locals swear by (the other branches don't quite match up). If you like heat, crank up the spice level and enjoy the burn.
- What to order
- Picante (ピカンティ), with its main location in Kita 13-jo, is a spice-forward soup curry restaurant known for its signature chicken curry. Their signature chicken curry at the Kita 13 location is the original and best branch. The spice levels here are no joke — start lower than you think.
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6Chutta! (チュッタ!)
Soup CurryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Soup Curry in Multiple locations (Ebetsu flagship) with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 5,010 Google reviews · Soup Curry · Multiple locations (Ebetsu flagship)
- Limitations
- Price band: ¥1,000–¥1,400
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- Chutta has the kind of devoted following that signals something special. The hole-in-the-wall vibes and mind-blowing flavors make this a true local discovery. If you can make it to the Ebetsu location, that's the original and best.
- What to order
- Chutta! (チュッタ!), with multiple locations including its Ebetsu flagship, is known for its crispy chicken soup curry. The crispy chicken soup curry features chicken with a satisfying crunch and a deeply aromatic broth. Try the Ebetsu location if you can reach it.
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7Medicine Man (メディスンマン)
Thin & SpicyQuick comparison
- Best for
- Thin & Spicy in Yamahana area with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 706 Google reviews · Thin & Spicy · Yamahana area
- Limitations
- Price band: ¥1,000–¥1,400
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Medicine Man takes a different approach — a thinner, more aromatic broth that lets the individual spices shine. If you find typical soup curry too heavy, this lighter style might be your favorite. A genuine local recommendation off the tourist trail.
- What to order
- Medicine Man (メディスンマン), located in the Yamahana area and rated 4.4 stars from 706 reviews, is known for its thin, spicy broth with chicken. Their signature thin, spicy broth with chicken is a must-try. Medicine Man's soup is thinner than most — more like a spiced consommé. The spice hits different here.
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8Suage+ (スアゲプラス)
Tourist-FriendlyQuick comparison
- Best for
- Tourist-Friendly in Multiple locations (Susukino, etc.) with a ¥1,100–¥1,500 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 5,641 Google reviews · Tourist-Friendly · Multiple locations (Susukino, etc.)
- Limitations
- for first-timers navigating Sapporo, it's a solid and stress-free choice
- Price / value
- ¥1,100–¥1,500 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- Suage+ is the safe, accessible introduction to soup curry — English menus, central locations, and consistently good (if not exceptional) food. Some locals find it overrated, but for first-timers navigating Sapporo, it's a solid and stress-free choice.
- What to order
- Suage+, with multiple locations including Susukino, is a tourist-friendly soup curry restaurant known for its parikari (crispy) chicken curry. The parikari (crispy) chicken curry features deep-fried chicken pieces in their aromatic broth. English menu available.
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9Okushiba Shoten (奥芝商店)
Shrimp BaseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Shrimp Base in Multiple locations with a ¥1,200–¥1,600 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.7★ from 3,601 Google reviews · Shrimp Base · Multiple locations
- Limitations
- Price band: ¥1,200–¥1,600
- Price / value
- ¥1,200–¥1,600 · 4.7★
- Why it made the list
- Okushiba Shoten's shrimp base is genuinely unique — deep, oceanic umami that transforms the soup curry experience. If you love seafood, this is your must-visit. The negi miso option is also worth trying for something different.
- What to order
- Okushiba Shoten (奥芝商店), with multiple locations, is known for its ebi (shrimp) soup base with chicken. Their signature ebi (shrimp) soup base with chicken features a rich, umami-forward shrimp broth that's unlike anything else on this list.
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10Lavi (ラビ)
Shrimp BaseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Shrimp Base in Multiple locations with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 3.6★ from 124 Google reviews · Shrimp Base · Multiple locations
- Limitations
- want something easier to find, Lavi delivers
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 3.6★
- Why it made the list
- Another shrimp-base specialist, Lavi is slightly more accessible than Okushiba Shoten with more central locations. If you love the idea of a seafood-forward soup curry but want something easier to find, Lavi delivers.
- What to order
- Lavi, with multiple locations, is known for its shrimp-based soup curry with chicken, rated 3.6 stars from 124 reviews. The shrimp-based soup curry with chicken is Lavi's signature ebi broth, which is rich, creamy, and deeply savory.
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11Ramai (ラマイ)
Thai-InfluencedQuick comparison
- Best for
- Thai-Influenced in Slightly outside central Sapporo with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 2,438 Google reviews · Thai-Influenced · Slightly outside central Sapporo
- Limitations
- residents say it's worth the detour
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 4.4★
- Why it made the list
- Ramai brings a distinctly Southeast Asian twist to Sapporo soup curry. If you love Thai or Indonesian curries, this fusion style will speak to you. It's a bit outside the center, but residents say it's worth the detour.
- What to order
- Ramai, located slightly outside central Sapporo, is known for its Indonesian/Thai-influenced soup curry. Their Indonesian/Thai-influenced soup curry has a distinct Southeast Asian character with lemongrass and galangal notes.
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12Kanako's Soup Curry (カナコのスープカレー)
Local FavoriteQuick comparison
- Best for
- Local Favorite in Sapporo with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ from 903 Google reviews · Local Favorite · Sapporo
- Limitations
- Price band: ¥1,000–¥1,400
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- A true local's pick — Kanako's doesn't appear on most tourist lists, which is exactly why it's worth seeking out. The Chicken Grill on rice is the signature order. When someone who lived in Sapporo for a year calls it their absolute favourite, pay attention.
- What to order
- Kanako's Soup Curry, located in Sapporo and rated 4.3 stars from 903 reviews, is a local favorite. The "Chicken Grill on rice" is specifically recommended by a long-term Sapporo resident who calls this their absolute favourite shop.
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13Soup Curry Yellow (イエロー)
Soup CurryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Soup Curry in Near Susukino with a ¥1,000–¥1,400 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 1,601 Google reviews · Soup Curry · Near Susukino
- Limitations
- Price band: ¥1,000–¥1,400
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,400 · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- Conveniently located near the Susukino entertainment district, Yellow is a solid choice if you're exploring that area. Simple, unpretentious, and consistently good. Note: some Redditors report a change in quality after an ownership change — YMMV.
- What to order
- Soup Curry Yellow, located near Susukino, is known for its classic chicken leg soup curry. The classic chicken leg soup curry is straightforward and satisfying.
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14SHO-RIN (奨鈴)
Soup CurryQuick comparison
- Best for
- Soup Curry in Sapporo with a ¥1,000–¥1,500 spend range
- Strengths
- 4.1★ from 790 Google reviews · Soup Curry · Sapporo
- Limitations
- equally satisfying
- Price / value
- ¥1,000–¥1,500 · 4.1★
- Why it made the list
- When a two-year Sapporo resident lists SHO-RIN alongside Garaku as their favorites, that's a strong endorsement. Less well-known than the big names, but equally satisfying. A true insider pick.
- What to order
- SHO-RIN (奨鈴), located in Sapporo and rated 4.1 stars from 790 reviews, is known for its signature chicken soup curry. Their signature chicken soup curry features a rich, well-spiced broth with generous portions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soup curry restaurant in Sapporo?
Based on Reddit consensus, Garaku is the most frequently recommended soup curry in Sapporo. It's popular with both tourists and locals for its rich, complex broth. SAMA and Rojiura Curry Samurai are close runners-up, each with a loyal following for their coconut-base and vegetable-forward styles respectively.
How much does soup curry cost in Sapporo?
A typical soup curry meal in Sapporo costs ¥1,000–¥1,500 ($7–$10 USD). Most shops let you choose a base soup, protein (chicken leg is standard), spice level, and rice amount. Toppings and extra vegetables usually add ¥100–¥300 each.
What is soup curry and how is it different from Japanese curry?
Soup curry is a Sapporo specialty that's completely different from thick Japanese curry rice. It's a light, spiced broth — more like a Southeast Asian curry soup — loaded with large, individually prepared vegetables and a protein (usually a bone-in chicken leg). You eat it by dipping spoonfuls of rice into the soup. It was invented in Sapporo in the 1970s and is the city's signature dish.
What soup base should I choose at a soup curry restaurant?
Most shops offer multiple soup bases. The standard/original base is a good starting point. Coconut base is creamier and milder — great for spice-sensitive eaters. Tomato base adds acidity and sweetness. Shrimp/ebi base (at places like Okushiba Shoten and Lavi) is rich and umami-forward. For your first time, try the original base at medium spice to taste the shop's signature flavor.
Do Sapporo soup curry restaurants have English menus?
Tourist-popular spots like Garaku, Suage+, and SAMA usually have English menus or picture menus. Smaller local shops may be Japanese-only, but ordering is straightforward — you pick a soup base, a main dish (chicken is チキン), spice level (1-10+), and rice amount (S/M/L). Google Translate's camera mode works well on Japanese menus.
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