[Sapporo] In the mood for some amazing seafood when in Sapporo, Hokkaido?
I have been told to visit Nijo Market 二条市場 so many times.
Nijo Market 二条市場 in Sapporo is known for its fresh seafood and local produce, featuring over 200 vendors offering a variety of items including fresh and prepared seafood, fruits, vegetables, and regional delicacies.
Put this market in your itinerary if you are visiting Sapporo.
Nijo Market 二条市場 is easily accessible via the Sapporo Subway.
You can get off at Odori Station, which is served by the Tozai, Toho, and Namboku Subway Lines.
From Odori Station, the market is just a 10-minute walk southeast.
When given a choice with so many Japanese restaurants, I followed the queue inside and landed up at Donburi Chaya 海鮮丼のお店 どんぶり茶屋.
The restaurant specialises in seafood donburi, offering a variety of options including their popular Kaisendon, which features a mix of fresh seafood over rice.
You have options ranging from basic bowls with tuna, salmon, and ikura to fancier ones with uni and crab.
The atmosphere of Donburi Chaya is warm and energetic – you get people coming in and out all the time.
The service is prompt and friendly, and staff obviously knows how to handle customers coming in groups (and speak English).
Their top pick is the tourist-friendly Chitose-Donburi (3,300 Yen).
Instead of a single big bowl, you get several small bowls included with sweet shrimp, yellow tail, tuna, salmon, scallop, king crab, salmon roe, herring roe, along with miso soup.
This allows diners to try a variety given the limited time, but I preferred the bigger bowls – better mouthfeel, with more substantial seafood to rice ratio.
The rice also tasted on the stickier and dry side for me unfortunately.
Overall, this choice which is Number 1 on the menu seems more catered for tourists who are just coming here once. But it can be good for the gram.
Another popular option would be the Oshikura-Donburi (2,980 Yen).
This is a slightly less expensive option that still offers a variety of sashimi. This bowl might cater to those looking for a rich variety without the highest price tag.
There are also other Kaisen-Donburi which are standard seafood rice bowls which likely include a mix of the day’s freshest catch.
Ranging from about 2,080 Yen to 3,480 Yen, each presenting different combinations of seafood like crab, sea urchin, and various types of fish.
The restaurant is known for its transparency regarding the freshness and sources of its seafood, which adds to the trust and satisfaction of its customers.
Though I suspect there may be other restaurants around which appeals more to the Japanese locals.
However, availability of a Muslim-friendly menu and Halal options broadens its appeal, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
Donburi Chaya 海鮮丼のお店 どんぶり茶屋
Inside Shin Nijo Market, 1-7 Minami 3 Johigashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido 060-0053
北海道札幌市中央区南3条東1丁目7 新二条市場内
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Donburi Chaya
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