Menya Saimi

Menya Saimi (Saimi), located in Misono, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, is approximately a 5-minute walk from Misono Station on the Toho Subway Line. Owner Masahiko Oku, who trained for seven years at Sapporo's long-established Sumire, opened his own shop in Misono on November 3, 2000, establishing it as a definitive representative of Sapporo Miso Ramen. This acclaimed restaurant has consecutively received THE TABELOG AWARD, been continuously selected for the Ramen Hyakumeiten (Top 100 Ramen Shops), and inducted into the Ramen Walker Grand Prix Hokkaido Hall of Fame, consistently ranking among the top ramen shops in Hokkaido. Its most distinctive feature is its unique miso ramen, which builds on Sumire's flavor profile while adding lightness with a clear soup (chintan soup) base. The surface oil is minimal and the color isn't dark, yet the piping hot soup is thoroughly rich and concentrated. It's crafted with a pork bone base, the deep umami of miso, and a pleasant hint of garlic, with the fragrant aroma of bean sprouts stir-fried in an iron pot with lard rising from the bowl. The soup, with its robust saltiness and profound flavor, embodies the "jun-sumi-kei" (a style derived from Sumire's tradition but with its own evolution) while achieving such perfection that you'll want to drink every last drop – a key reason for its long-standing fan base. The noodles are springy, yellow, medium-thick wavy noodles from Morisumi Seimen, perfectly cooked to an exquisite al dente texture that retains a unique powdery bite, matching the soup beautifully. A classic way to enjoy a "flavor change" (ajien) is to dissolve the grated ginger placed on top of the chashu (braised pork belly) partway through the meal, showcasing a bowl that inherits Sumire's legacy while establishing its own unique direction. The toppings are simple: stir-fried bean sprouts, chashu, menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), white leeks, and ginger, but each is expertly prepared, forming a flawless composition. In addition to the signature Miso Ramen (1,000 yen), the menu offers a wide range including Spicy Miso Ramen (1,050 yen), Shio Ramen (1,000 yen), Shoyu Ramen, and Menhan (small serving, 900 yen), allowing repeat customers to enjoy comparing different flavors across multiple visits. Souvenir fresh noodles (miso and shoyu) are also popular, often purchased by tourists as a memory of Sapporo. While a 1-2 hour wait is common on weekends and during peak lunch hours, the excellent operation by the owner and staff ensures a good turnover, and the efficient pace makes waiting less stressful, further contributing to its popularity. Menya Saimi is widely supported by both tourists and locals as a central choice when exploring miso ramen in Sapporo.