Okami Soup

"Ōkami Soup," located in an alley about a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line's Nakajima-Koen Station, turning right at the first intersection after proceeding along Kikusui Asahiyama Koen Dori. Owner Ken Sumi, after training at Sumire, started with a food stall and opened this miso ramen specialty shop in 2001, consistently earning a spot on "Ramen HOKKAIDO Hyakumeiten" (Top 100 Ramen Restaurants in Hokkaido). The shop's name, meaning "Wolf Soup," was inspired by the concept of offering wild and robust miso ramen, symbolizing a "powerful taste like a wolf." Its most distinctive feature is a punchy yet mellow miso soup, covered with a thick film of lard. This rich bowl is built on a pork bone and chicken bone base, with the sweetness of potatoes and onions, and a strong kick from garlic, ginger, and various spices. While it descends from the Sumire lineage, many remark that its flavor is closer to Junren, and in recent years, it has been refined slightly towards a more natural approach. The soup is served piping hot; though the surface might initially feel cool, stirring it causes heat to erupt from below, ensuring it stays hot until the very last drop. The noodles are Nishiyama Seimen's medium-thick, square, wavy noodles (a Sapporo classic), with a delightful wheat aroma, chewy texture, and firm resilience that perfectly intertwines with the soup. The menu boasts a concise lineup of just two signature items: Miso Ramen for 1100 yen and Miso Tamago Ramen (Miso with Egg Ramen) for 1300 yen, a clear commitment to specializing exclusively in miso. For the egg-inclusive ramen, the shop meticulously uses free-range natural eggs from Tobetsu town, characterized by their vibrant lemon-colored yolks. Toppings include bean sprouts, onion, minced pork, cabbage (a rare inclusion for Sapporo miso ramen), thick slices of pork belly chashu, and white leek, with the refreshing hint of ginger balancing the aftertaste. Ordering is unique: instead of a vending machine, a staff member takes your order after you enter, and payment is made upfront in cash via a tray system. The interior walls and ceiling are adorned with signed papers and autographs from numerous artists such as ONE OK ROCK, back number, and =LOVE, creating a distinctive ambiance. The counter also features playful, original chopstick holders that pay homage to Sumire, where the owner trained, fostering a unique atmosphere that draws ramen enthusiasts. For those in the Nakajima-Koen area seeking a powerful Sumire-style miso ramen, Ōkami Soup stands as a central choice.