Every year, the Sapporo Beer Festival draws thousands of visitors to the heart of Sapporo, Japan, for a celebration of local brews and exquisite culinary offerings. The 2024 edition promises to be a gastronomical journey that pairs the rich, frothy delights of Sapporo’s finest beers with a plethora of local and international cuisines. In this article, we explore the must-try foods at this vibrant festival, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
Hokkaido’s Famous Seafood Delights
Renowned for its fresh and flavorsome seafood, Hokkaido offers a bounty from the sea that is a must-try at the Sapporo Beer Festival. The coastal waters provide a variety of seafood that is as fresh as it gets. One of the standout dishes is the Hokkaido King Crab, known for its delicate, sweet meat. Enjoying this with a crisp, light beer such as the Classic Sapporo Premium will enhance the flavors and add to the experience.
Another must-try seafood dish is the Grilled Scallop, served in its shell and flavored with a hint of butter and soy sauce. The scallops are sourced directly from the cold waters of Hokkaido and are known for their rich, creamy texture. Pairing these with a darker beer, like the Sapporo Black, can make for an exquisite taste contrast.
Not to be missed is the Squid Sashimi, a delicacy that is often enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Freshly caught and thinly sliced, this dish is served with a simple dipping sauce that accentuates its natural flavors. A light ale is the perfect companion to this dish, enhancing its delicate textures.
Indulgent Grilled Meats
For meat lovers, the Sapporo Beer Festival is a paradise. The festival showcases a variety of grilled meats that are marinated and cooked to perfection. A festival favorite is the Hokkaido Wagyu Beef, known worldwide for its marbling and taste. Grilled over charcoal, the fat renders out, leaving incredibly tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Another popular meat dish is the Yakitori – skewered chicken grilled over a charcoal fire. What makes it special is the choice of different parts of the chicken used, each offering a unique flavor and texture. The tare sauce, a sweet soy glaze, adds a rich depth to the dish, making it a perfect match for a robust Sapporo Reserve.
Pork enthusiasts should not miss the Hokkaido Pork Genghis Khan. It is a savory grilled dish named after the legendary Mongolian emperor. This dish typically involves marinated slices of pork grilled with vegetables and served with a spicy dipping sauce, offering a burst of flavors that are beautifully balanced with a semi-sweet beer like Sapporo’s Yebisu.
Savory Snacks and Appetizers
No festival is complete without the array of savory snacks and appetizers to tantalize your taste buds. At Sapporo Beer Festival, the variety includes everything from simple edibles to exotic offerings. A must-try is the Ikayaki, a whole squid grilled and basted in a soy-based sauce. Its chewy texture and umami flavor make it an excellent beer companion.
Another crowd-pleaser is the Cheese-Stuffed Takoyaki. These are dough balls filled with diced octopus and molten cheese, a twist on the classic Osaka street food. The gooey cheese and tender octopus make an irresistible combination with a creamy Sapporo Classic.
For a light yet fulfilling option, try the Miso Corn Butter. Sweet corn on the cob slathered with miso butter, then grilled, offers a sweet, savory, and buttery treat that pairs wonderfully with a light pilsner.
Local Sweets and Desserts
While exploring the savory, do not forget to indulge in the sweet. The festival offers a range of desserts that are as innovative as they are delicious. A standout is the Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream. This dessert is known for its richness and creaminess, derived from locally produced milk.
Another must-try is the Melon Buns filled with cream. These are not only a visual treat but also offer a burst of melon flavor that is refreshingly sweet.
The Yubari King Melon itself, a local specialty, is often served in various dessert forms, from fresh slices to incorporation into fine pastries, making it a perfect finale to your festival food journey.
Iconic Sapporo Beverages
While the food is a highlight, the beverages, particularly the beers, are not to be overlooked. The Sapporo Premium Beer is a classic choice, known for its crisp and refreshing taste, making it an excellent pair for almost any dish.
For something a bit different, the Sapporo Black offers a dark, luscious brew with hints of chocolate and coffee, ideal for richer dishes or desserts.
Lastly, the local craft beers, often available only during the festival, provide a unique tasting experience. These are usually experimental flavors that play with local ingredients, creating a palette of tastes that are as unique as they are delightful.