During my recent trip to Sapporo, I discovered that curry soup was a must-try when visiting the city. However, all the curry soup restaurants recommended in travel books had long queues stretching for hours. Instead of waiting, I stumbled upon a local favorite that seemed authentic and popular among the locals. Upon arrival, I noticed a significant number of locals patiently lining up. After waiting for about half an hour, it was finally my turn to enter the cozy and intimate restaurant.
The restaurant wasn't very large, with limited seating available. I decided to order a seafood curry soup and a chicken thigh curry soup.
The soup seemed to be crafted from a blend of various ingredients, creating a flavorful broth infused with curry spices. Taking a sip of the soup alone already revealed its delightful sweetness. Additionally, I ordered a cheese-topped rice dish, which was served with a generous slice of cheese on top. Whether it was the quality of the rice or the combination of flavors, the dish was already incredibly tasty.
Compared to regular Japanese curry, the curry soup had a more pronounced aroma of spices, a spicier kick, and a refreshing hint of freshness. I found it to be a delightful and flavorful experience. However, one minor disappointment was the texture of the chicken thigh in the curry soup. It was slightly tough compared to the tender meat typically found in slow-cooked curries.
To complement my meal, I decided to try a unique drink—a yuzu-flavored lassi. It was a special twist compared to the mango lassi commonly served in Indian curry houses.
If you ever find yourself in Sapporo, I highly recommend exploring the local curry soup scene, and this restaurant would be a great place to start. The distinct flavors and the fusion of curry and soup make for a memorable culinary adventure.
