Sapporo’s Ikura-Don: An Overflowing Bowl of Salmon Roe

Cam is a big fan of ikura or, salmon roe. So, being in Sapporo, Hokkaido and knowing how renowned the city is for seafood, there was no better place to seek out ikura. Little did we know though that ikura here is not served normally. In fact, there is a whole song and dance (drums included) with the serving of a bowl of rice topped with salmon roe. And not just topped but OVERFLOWING with ikura, so much so that they do not stop filling up your bowl with roe until the roe starts falling over the edges of the bowl. Welcome to the ikura-don, Sapporo style.

We visited Umi Hachikyo in Sapporo to try, no - experience - their ikura-don: a heaping bowl of rice topped with fresh, plump, bright red ikura, or salmon roe. The wonderful staff came out chanting to the beating of drums and with great fanfare presented a giant metal bowl filled with ikura. They then proceeded to top up our bowl of rice with salmon roe and only stopped when it looked like the bowl was about to spill with delicious, delicious little fish eggs.

Cam was nearly crying tears of joy. The ikura in Japan is slightly flavoured with umami seasoning and was incredibly fresh. They pop in your mouth and are highly addictive. Umi Hachikyo was truly one food experience we won’t forget and if you’re ever in Sapporo, we highly recommend checking out this place!