Hokkaido is known for its long, harsh winters, making hot pot meals an essential part of the season. These steaming, flavorful dishes are not only perfect for warming up but also showcase Hokkaido’s fresh seafood, high-quality meats, and seasonal vegetables. In this article, we introduce five must-try hot pot dishes that define winter in Hokkaido.
What Makes Hokkaido’s Hot Pot Special?
Hokkaido’s hot pot dishes stand out due to their rich, umami-packed broths and premium local ingredients. Unlike other regions in Japan, Hokkaido’s hot pots often incorporate seafood, dairy, and miso, reflecting the area’s unique food culture.
Let’s explore the top five hot pot dishes you should try this winter.
1. Ishikari Nabe – Hokkaido’s Signature Salmon Miso Hot Pot
Ishikari Nabe is one of the most famous hot pot dishes in Hokkaido, originating from the Ishikari region. This dish features fresh salmon cooked in a miso-based broth with seasonal vegetables such as cabbage, daikon radish, potatoes, tofu, and mushrooms. A Hokkaido twist includes butter and milk, giving the broth a rich and creamy taste.
Key Ingredients
- Fresh salmon
- Miso broth
- Cabbage, daikon radish, mushrooms, tofu
- Butter (optional)
Why You Should Try It
This dish was originally made by Hokkaido fishermen using freshly caught salmon. The miso-based broth combined with the fish’s natural umami creates a hearty, warming meal perfect for cold winter nights.
Best Way to Enjoy It
- Add a small amount of butter for a richer taste.
- Finish with rice to make a delicious salmon miso porridge.
2. Kiritanpo Nabe – Grilled Rice Stick Hot Pot
Although originally from Akita Prefecture, Kiritanpo Nabe has become a popular winter dish in Hokkaido as well. “Kiritanpo” are grilled rice sticks, which absorb the umami-rich chicken broth, giving them a wonderfully chewy texture.
Key Ingredients
- Grilled rice sticks (kiritanpo)
- Local free-range chicken
- Burdock root, maitake mushrooms, green onions
- Soy sauce-based broth
Why You Should Try It
The combination of chewy rice sticks and rich chicken broth makes this dish both flavorful and filling—a perfect meal for cold winter nights.
Best Way to Enjoy It
- Add kiritanpo just before serving to keep the texture firm and chewy.
- Use the leftover broth to cook udon noodles for a flavorful chicken udon soup.
3. Jingisukan Nabe – Hokkaido’s Famous Lamb Hot Pot
Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) is one of Hokkaido’s most famous dishes, typically grilled. However, some parts of Hokkaido also enjoy it in a hot pot style, where lamb and vegetables are simmered in a flavorful broth.
Key Ingredients
- Marinated lamb
- Cabbage, bean sprouts, bell peppers
- Special soy-based sauce
Why You Should Try It
Hokkaido has a long history of sheep farming, making lamb a unique regional specialty in Japan. The combination of tender lamb meat and a sweet-savory sauce makes this dish highly addictive.
Best Way to Enjoy It
- Try dipping the lamb into a soy-based dipping sauce with garlic and ginger for an extra kick.
- After finishing the meat and vegetables, add rice or noodles to create a delicious lamb-infused meal.
4. Crab Nabe – Hokkaido’s Winter Seafood Hot Pot
Hokkaido is famous for its crab, and during winter, locals enjoy it in a simple yet luxurious hot pot. Fresh crab is simmered in a light kombu broth, allowing its natural sweetness to shine.
Key Ingredients
- King crab, snow crab, or horsehair crab
- Kombu (kelp) broth
- Tofu, napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, green onions
Why You Should Try It
Hokkaido’s crab is considered some of the best in the world. When simmered in a hot pot, the meat becomes even sweeter, and the broth is infused with deep umami flavors.
Best Way to Enjoy It
- Add crab miso (crab innards) to the broth for an even richer taste.
- Use the remaining broth to make crab rice porridge for a satisfying finish.
5. Champon Nabe – A Fusion of Seafood and Pork
Champon Nabe is a hearty, ingredient-packed hot pot that combines seafood, pork, and vegetables in a rich broth. This dish is particularly popular in coastal areas of Hokkaido, where fresh seafood is abundant.
Key Ingredients
- Scallops, shrimp, squid, pork slices
- Napa cabbage, carrots, green onions, tofu
- Miso or salt-based broth
Why You Should Try It
The mix of seafood and pork creates a deep, well-balanced umami flavor, making this one of the most satisfying hot pots you can try.
Best Way to Enjoy It
- Add scallop adductor muscles to enhance the natural sweetness of the broth.
- Finish by adding Champon noodles for a flavorful seafood ramen.
Final Thoughts
Hokkaido’s winter may be freezing, but these hot pot dishes will warm you up while offering a taste of the region’s unique culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of rich miso-based broths, or someone who enjoys lamb, there’s a Hokkaido hot pot for everyone.
If you’re planning to visit Hokkaido in winter, make sure to try at least one of these traditional hot pots—they are truly a highlight of Hokkaido’s local cuisine.
