Aji no Sanpei
味の三平
Overview
"Aji no Sanpei" (あじのさんぺい) is located on the 4th floor of the "Daimaru Fujii Central" building, next to Parco, in the Odori area of central Sapporo. Starting as a street stall in 1950 and opening at its current location in 1955, it is a historical landmark, recognized as the birthplace of Sapporo Miso Ramen and a cornerstone of Sapporo ramen history. Its most distinctive feature is a classic-style bowl that differs from today's rich miso varieties. The saltiness is modest, and the gentle preparation distinctly conveys the umami of vegetables. A film of lard (rādo) on the surface keeps the ramen piping hot until the very last bite, a method that later became a standard for Sapporo Miso Ramen. The toppings are simple: minced meat, onion, bean sprouts, and menma. Its unique use of minced meat instead of chashu (braised pork belly) is the origin for how modern Sapporo Miso Ramen shops now combine both chashu and minced meat. The noodles are Nishiyama Ramen's medium-thick wavy (chū-futochijire) noodles. The whitish wavy noodles, unchanged since its founding, offer a light texture distinct from the yellow aged egg noodles (jukusei tamago-men) prevalent today, serving as proof of its authentic origin. While shoyu (soy sauce) and shio (salt) ramen were central back then, the owner's development of a rich miso flavor, inspired by miso soup, and its combination with wavy noodles, became the foundation for Sapporo's entire ramen culture. A popular way to enjoy the dish is to introduce the homemade spicy miso (karamiso) from the table halfway through for a flavor change (ajien), adding a piquant spiciness and richness that elevates the appetite. Miso Ramen is reasonably priced at 1000 yen, and popular side orders include 4 shumai dumplings for 320 yen and canned Sapporo Classic beer. Despite its unexpected location on the 4th floor of a building, Aji no Sanpei is an indispensable stop for any ramen journey exploring the roots of Sapporo Miso Ramen, a fact reinforced by its selection as one of Ramen HOKKAIDO Hyakumeiten 2025 (one of the top 100 ramen shops in Hokkaido).
How to Order
1Before entering
Located on the 4th floor of the "Daimaru Fujii Central" building next to PARCO in the Odori area of central Sapporo, an unexpected location. It's a ramen shop that suddenly appears in a corner of a stationery store, and first-time visitors may find its location difficult to spot, but it's at the top of the escalator on the 4th floor of the building. Known as the birthplace of Sapporo Miso Ramen, starting as a stall in 1950 and opening at its current location in 1955. Since it's inside a building, waiting in line in summer or winter is relatively comfortable, not exposed to outside air. Operating hours are continuous (specific times and holidays should be confirmed at the shop). It's a popular shop with constant queues throughout the day, for example, 4 groups waiting after 11 AM on Saturday, 6-8 groups waiting after 1 PM on weekdays, and 6 people waiting 15 minutes before opening.
2Ordering - Verbal order
There are only 10 counter seats and no ticket machine. Orders are taken verbally by staff while you are queuing or immediately after entering the shop. It is advisable to decide on your menu in advance before joining the queue. The signature dish is Miso Ramen for 1000 yen, along with Shio Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Kids Ramen (Shoyu) for 800 yen (adults can also order this for a half portion), 4 Shumai dumplings for 320 yen (80 yen per piece), Otsumami Chashu (sliced pork) for 400 yen, and canned beer (Sapporo Classic 350ml) for 500 yen. Payment is cash only; credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments are not accepted. Payment is made at the counter after your meal.
3Seating and Receiving
The interior is compact with only 10 counter seats. If there are empty seats, you will be guided in order, and since your order has already been placed, your ramen will be served shortly. You can enjoy the dynamic process of ramen preparation right in front of you, watching the master chef work the pot. Service takes approximately 5-10 minutes, and turnover is good.
4Other
This shop started as a stall in 1950 and began operating at its current location in 1955, making it the birthplace of Sapporo Miso Ramen. At that time, shoyu and shio ramen were dominant, but the combination of a rich miso taste, inspired by miso soup, and chijire (wavy) noodles is said to have laid the foundation for today's Sapporo Ramen. The soup, unlike modern rich miso systems, is a gentle classic style with modest saltiness and a clear taste of vegetable umami. The structure where a film of lard covers the surface, keeping it piping hot until the end, became a standard cooking method for later Sapporo Miso Ramen. The ingredients are simple: minced meat, onion, bean sprouts, and menma. The use of minced meat instead of chashu is the origin of modern Sapporo Miso Ramen shops' practice of "using both chashu and minced meat." The noodles are Nishiyama Ramen's medium-thick chijire noodles, white-ish and wavy, unchanged since the shop's opening. A common practice is to add homemade spicy miso about halfway through the meal, which boosts appetite with its pungent spiciness and richness. The side dish of Shumai dumplings is also authentic and meaty, a popular combination often ordered with ramen by many regulars.
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Seating
Voices
友人のオススメですすきのにある｢味の三平｣へ🍜
— よっし～ (@yossy1514) May 18, 2025
みそラーメンを注文。見た目はそんなに色がなく薄そうなイメージだったが食べるとしっかりみそラーメンで美味かった
お店が文具店のフロアの一角にあるという一見さんお断りみたいな立地でビックリ pic.twitter.com/b4aRxkRgrk
夜飯は札幌味噌ラーメン発祥の店と言われている「味の三平」へ🍜
— ぐり🌰サウナ (@sgrsny5051) January 7, 2025
スープはあっさり味噌なんだけど、割とラード感ありで、食べる内にこってりに変化。箸が止まらない。見た目以上にたっぷりのひき肉と野菜が入っていて、満足の一杯😋💮
東京で食べる味噌ラーメンとは全く違うのに驚いた😳 #味の三平 pic.twitter.com/wueSuXpfC1
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Business Hours
Crowd Calendar
| Lunch | Afternoon | Dinner | Late night | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | - | No waitRef. | - | - |
| Weekend | Up to 15 minRef. | Up to 15 minRef. | - | - |
* Dashed cells = reference data from past visit examples (replaced once enough reviews arrive)
Dietary Notes
No dietary data yet
This information is based on user reports and is not official information from the shop. Cross-contamination in the cooking environment cannot be guaranteed. If you have severe allergies, please confirm directly with the shop.
Animal-free menu available
Reports received (1)
No MSG
Reports received (1)
Gluten-free menu available
Reports received (1)
Halal options available
Reports received (1)
Dietary information is verified through blind consensus. Reports become public when 3 or more independent users agree.
Ingredients & Allergens
Allergen info coming soon
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