こやなぎHello, I’m Koyanagi.
Hokkaido is famous for its rich Miso Ramen, but there’s a highly-rated shop that stands out for its Tsukemen (Dipping Noodles): Menya Takahashi. This hidden gem has been recognized as a Tabelog Hyakumeiten (Top 100 Restaurants) for eight consecutive years, establishing its reputation as the best Tsukemen in Hokkaido.
Menya Takahashi
I arrived around 11:50 AM on a weekday.
A staff member came out as I approached the entrance and instructed me to sign up first and then buy a meal ticket.
On the waiting sheet, I filled in my name, mobile number, and car plate number.
The system allows you to wait in your car until a seat is available and they call you! It’s nice to be able to wait inside the car during the hot/cool season.
What to Order: Signature Miso Tsukemen
Menya Takahashi offers several varieties, but we highly recommend the Miso Tsukemen.
This specialty features a rich, creamy broth with a pleasant spicy kick and a strong Miso flavor. Its thick texture is perfect for dipping.
For a traditional option, the standard Tsukemen is also great, boasting a deeply flavored rich seafood broth with tender char-siu (pork slices).
The Dining Experience: Vending Machines and Waiting
When you arrive, look for the sign-up sheet outside. You will be asked to write your name and number. The staff will call you when your table is ready—a system common at popular Japanese restaurants.
The Ticket Machine (Cash Only): Before you are seated, you must purchase your meal ticket from the vending machine. Be aware that it typically accepts cash only. Once you hand your ticket to the staff, they will ask if you prefer your noodles Atsumori (warm noodles) or Hiyamori (chilled noodles). If it’s a hot day, Hiyamori is highly recommended!
The shop itself is cozy, with a few counter seats and two small tables, adding to its authentic local charm.
The Vibe Inside the Shop
It was a small and cozy shop. There were five counter seats and two tables (one for four people and one for two people).
Here’s what the tabletop condiments looked like. After waiting about 5 minutes, the tsukemen arrived!
The Beautiful, Chewy Noodles
First up was the standard menu item, the (Normal) Tsukemen.
The dipping broth was a rich soup with a strong seafood dashi flavor. Inside the soup were one thick, substantial menma (bamboo shoot) and two slices of char-siu (pork). The char-siu was the chewy type (kamishimeru-kei), and it was moist and delicious! I definitely want to order extra char-siu next time!
I ordered the medium size (1.5 servings), and even as a woman, I could easily finish it.
This is the Miso Tsukemen.
It was pleasantly spicy, had a real kick (punch), and a delicious Miso flavor! It was thicker and felt richer than the seafood one. The ingredients in the dipping broth were the same as the standard Tsukemen: one extra-thick menma and two slices of char-siu.
Both options use thick, glossy, and incredibly chewy noodles (Gokubuto-men). Their smooth texture allows the rich broth to cling perfectly, guaranteeing an unforgettable mouthfeel.
I also ordered the kuzu-menma (broken bamboo shoots) on the side. They had a nice, crunchy texture (zakuzaku) and were well-seasoned and delicious. They make a great accent when added to the dipping broth!
Insider Tip: Don’t Miss the Soup Wari
After finishing your noodles, make sure to ask for “Soup Wari” (broth dilution). The staff adds a special dashi (broth) to your leftover dipping sauce, transforming it into a light, flavorful soup with a hint of dried sardine (Niboshi)—a perfect way to finish your Japanese food experience.
If you’re planning a Hokkaido trip and are looking for exceptional ramen and dipping noodles, Menya Takahashi is a must-visit restaurant.
こやなぎGotisou-sama
Google map
Menya Takahashi is located slightly outside of Sapporo’s central area, making access by public transport a bit tricky, but worth the effort.
Make a Day of It: Nearby Hokkaido Attractions
Since Menya Takahashi is located near the eastern side of the city, why not combine your visit with other sights? It’s a great stop on the way to or from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Alternatively, you can head back toward the city center and visit the famous Sapporo Beer Garden for a local brew, or explore the historic architecture in the Shiroi Koibito Park area.