Menya Saimi

Michelin Bid Gourmand Sapporo Ramen Shop It is 15 minutes drive the Stellar Place Sapporo so the distance is manageable. The Ramen is good but I guess I have put my expectation with the Bid Gourmand Label so the expectation bar is higher. For me, the ramen is good but I am not sure why it recieved the Bid Gourmand award.

Saimi is one of the most well-known ramen shops in Hokkaido, and I came because it was the highest ranking ramen restaurant in Hokkaido (and 2nd best ramen restaurant in Japan) on the Ramen Database. I was pleasantly surprised to find only a short queue when I visited on a Friday evening at 6:30pm. We were seated within 10 minutes. Known to have inherited the Sumire lineage, Saimi’s miso ramen is a slightly milder and perhaps a more refreshing interpretation of the classic Hokkaido miso ramen. It was a lighter take on Miso ramen, and the broth felt refreshing. The broth had a balanced depth of flavor, as it wasn’t too sweet, not was it too salty. I found the ginger to be a nice complement to the broth, mixing the ginger with the broth brought out another layer of flavour to the dish. The noodles were perfectly cooked with just the right firmness and bouncing as. While I did finish every last drop of the soup, I couldn’t help but feel that my bowl of ramen might not have captured the full “legendary” essence that many associate with Saimi. That said, it was a satisfying, well-executed bowl that’s worth trying if you are in the Sapporo, and are curious about “Hokkaido’s number 1 ramen shop!”

Almost there. This joint is one of the most famous in Sapporo. When we arrived on a Friday afternoon, there is already a queue that continues even after we finished. The miso ramen is springy, fresh but there is only one cha siew even if you order large. The Miso taste is a little different that the typical ones in other stores. Not as strong probably for a reason. Small eating area thus the queue but people eat fast here. Free parking onsite.

While I finished every last drop of my soup, I have a feeling that my miso ramen wasn’t quite representative of the legendary status of this place. There was a very slight bitterness, possibly of something burnt but otherwise the ramen seemed a bit overrated. Arrived at 11.10am to join the line, and sat down at 11.35am.

Unintentionally got to the restaurant 30 minutes before opening for dinner service. There was no queue. As it got closer to opening, the queue got longer. We were one of the first to get served. We ordered the spicy miso and the normal miso ramen. The stock was very flavourful. It had like a charred smokiness, the miso was not overpowering, and the noodles had great texture. The ginger added a freshness. It was a really good bowl of noodles, especially on a snowy winter night. It was a perfect start to my food adventure in Japan.

Saimi is one of the most famous ramen shops in Hokkaido yet surprisingly the queue was short when I visited it on a Sunday evening (at around 3pm). I waited for around 10 mins before I got my seat in the shop. It is common knowledge that Saimi has inherited the Sumire lineage; and I think the miso ramen at Saimi offers a slightly milder and more refreshing take on the famous miso ramen, hence perhaps its popularity. The shop is also easily accessible from the Misono station. (Instagram ID: Gaga.bichon)

Spectacular ramen. The miso ramen is out of this world. The 1-hour wait under the sun was totally worth it. The carpark attendant issued umbrellas to the patrons in the queue.

Really interesting and delicious ramen. I tried the miso ramen which is different to other ones I've had before. Quite fragrant, and somehow rich and light at the same time. No English menu, so just try the miso or spicy miso, they are the best. A very local type place, but they are foreigner friendly. Highly recommended.