Jingisukan is a traditional dish originating from Hokkaido, featuring lamb or mutton and assorted vegetables grilled on a distinctive helmet-shaped pan. The dish is typically enjoyed by dipping the grilled meat and vegetables into a savory soy-sauce-based sauce. Sapporo boasts numerous Jingisukan restaurants, each offering their own unique and original sauce variations.
There is no historical connection between Jingisukan and Genghis Khan, the Mongol Emperor, nor with Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the younger brother of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was the Shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate. Despite some speculation, Jingisukan did not derive from these historical figures.
There are two types of ordering available: “all-you-can-eat” with a time limit, or ordering à la carte with no time limit. The time-limited option is cheaper and suitable for those who can consume more within the allotted time. Additionally, some restaurants also offer other options such as chicken, pork, and beef dishes alongside Jingisukan.
One of the most popular Jingisukan restaurants in Sapporo is located at the Sapporo Beer Garden, which also houses the Sapporo Beer Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the history of Sapporo and its transformation into a renowned beer city.
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