Kawamura Dashicha

Wander the neon-lit labyrinth of Susukino, Sapporo's entertainment district, until you reach Kawamura Dashicha, a traditional Japanese restaurant, and peer inside to see the large hagama pots cooking rice right at the counter. The sister restaurant of Michelin-starred Komatsu is on a mission to make its guests’ “mind and body happy through food.” Simple, heartfelt dishes play a role in that. At the heart of Kawamura Dashicha lies its dashi chazuke, a dish that features freshly cooked rice bathed in rich, umami-laden dashi tea soup and topped with seasonal delicacies like crab roe and beef cheeks. The restaurant recommends placing freshly shaved bonito flakes on the sweeter Tsuranuki rice and adding a splash of soy sauce before the soup is poured. Beyond the dashi tea, anticipate a full menu that showcases Hokkaido’s seasonal ingredients designed by Takashi Yamazaki, from succulent sashimi and sushi to crispy tempura. Although dishes are entirely seasonal, past standard-setting examples includes the chilled sea urchin steamed custard, selections of solf-shelled turtle and conger eels, and grilled manganji peppers. The only thing left is drinks and dessert, but with an extensive sake menu and treats like strawberries hugged in soft mochi, Kawamura Dashicha has everything covered.