Sapporo Ramen, primarily known for its miso-based soup, is renowned throughout Japan. With numerous ramen noodle restaurants in Sapporo, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.
However, there’s one place I can confidently recommend: ‘Aji no Sanpei’.
This ramen restaurant is a legendary name in Sapporo Ramen culture. When people think of Sapporo Ramen, they often refer to miso ramen, which originated in Sapporo and gained national acclaim.
Aji no Sanpei’s founder, Morito Omiya, began crafting miso soup in 1954, pioneering the miso ramen genre in Sapporo.
Today, Aji no Sanpei operates on the 4th floor of the ‘Daimaru Fujii Central’ building. With only 13 seats, it’s consistently busy, especially around lunchtime when wait times can exceed 30 minutes.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
To avoid long waits, arrive about 10 minutes before opening at 10:45 or 10:50, or visit between 16:00 and 18:00 in the evening, when it’s typically less crowded.
For six decades, Aji no Sanpei has faithfully served miso ramen that retains the original founder’s flavor profile. This commitment has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of Sapporo Ramen culture.
Aji no Sanpei: What Makes It Different?
The most unique aspect of this ramen shop lies in its steadfast preservation of the original taste since its establishment. Currently operated by the third generation, as far as I know… I first tasted their ramen when I was 10 years old, taken here by my father, and the taste remains unchanged even after 50 years. This shop does not have any chain stores. It’s the only one of its kind across Japan.
In ramen shops, when they become popular, they quickly expand as chain stores nationwide. However, such ramen shops do not pursue subtle flavors. Their soups typically taste good only with the first sip, and often become too strong to finish by the end of the meal, making you feel like you won’t need to eat it again for about a month. However, Aji no Sanpei ramen is different. You might find the soup taste underwhelming or average with the first sip, but after finishing the entire bowl and leaving the shop, it’s the kind of ramen that makes you want to eat it again the next day.
Apart from Aji no Sanpei’s flavor, I have hardly encountered ramen shops in Sapporo that achieve such subtle balance of flavors.
Aji no Sanpei(味の三平)
