Japan Food Series: Soup Curry at Sama and Rojiura Curry Samurai – A Sapporo Specialty Worth Discovering
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Table of Contents
Introduction – Discovering Soup Curry in Sapporo
Soup curry was one of the biggest food discoveries I made after arriving in Sapporo. Before this trip, it wasn’t something I was familiar with at all, and it’s not a dish you casually come across outside of Hokkaido. It was only after looking up restaurants and local food specialties that I realized how important soup curry is to the city’s food identity.
Unlike traditional Japanese curry, which is thick and stew-like and typically poured over rice, soup curry is lighter, broth-based, and served separately from the rice. The soup itself is deeply spiced and aromatic, built on stock and layered with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili. Vegetables play a major role and are usually served in large, clearly defined pieces rather than mixed in. Rice on the side lets you control each bite.
Soup curry isn’t a novelty or tourist gimmick in Sapporo. Locals take it seriously, and there are countless dedicated restaurants throughout the city. This post focuses on two of them: Sama and Rojiura Curry Samurai, both offering strong but slightly different takes on this local specialty.
Soup Curry in Sapporo – What Makes It Special
Soup curry originated in Sapporo in the 1970s and developed into a dish perfectly suited for Hokkaido’s colder climate. It’s warming without being heavy, flavourful without being overwhelming, and customizable in a way that keeps it interesting even after multiple bowls.
What makes soup curry stand out compared to other Japanese curries is the balance. The broth is complex but not thick, the vegetables remain distinct rather than dissolving into the dish, and the separation of soup and rice gives you control over texture and intensity. It feels like its own category rather than a variation of curry.
Trying soup curry at more than one restaurant made it clear that while the foundation is consistent, execution and emphasis can vary significantly.
Sama – Restaurant Overview
Japan, 〒001-0016 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, Kita 16 Jonishi, 3 Chome−1−20 メゾンにれの樹 1F
Sama is a soup curry restaurant located in Sapporo’s Kita Ward, tucked away on the ground floor of a quiet building near residential streets rather than in a busy tourist area. The setting feels local and relaxed, the kind of place you’d stumble upon while deliberately searching for something specific rather than walking in by accident. Inside, the atmosphere is casual and comfortable, with a clear focus on the food rather than décor or presentation.
This was one of the places I visited after learning about soup curry, a regional specialty that’s closely associated with Sapporo and Hokkaido. Before arriving in Sapporo, soup curry wasn’t something I was familiar with at all. It wasn’t until I started looking up restaurants and local food culture that I realized how important this dish is to the city.
Would return? Yes.
Soup Curry — Braised Pork and Vegetables
This was a very flavourful bowl and a strong introduction to soup curry. The broth had noticeable depth, with layers of spice that developed as you ate rather than hitting all at once. It wasn’t aggressively spicy, but it was rich, aromatic, and warming—exactly the kind of dish you’d crave in Sapporo’s colder climate.
The pork was mostly tender and well-braised, breaking apart easily in many sections. There were some drier pieces, which slightly took away from the overall consistency, but the flavour of the pork itself was still solid. Where this dish really shined was in how the vegetables absorbed the soup curry. Each piece tasted infused with spice and broth rather than just sitting in it.
Vegetables in soup curry aren’t an afterthought—they’re a core part of the dish. The texture contrast between soft, spice-soaked vegetables and the lighter broth made each bite interesting. Combined with rice on the side, this felt like a complete, hearty meal rather than something light or soup-like.
This dish clearly showed why soup curry is so popular locally. It’s filling without being heavy, flavourful without being overwhelming, and comforting in a way that feels intentional rather than indulgent.
Order again? Yes.
Soup Curry — Seafood and Vegetables
The seafood version leaned even more into comfort food territory. The soup curry base had excellent flavour and felt heartier overall, with a richness that paired well with seafood. As a broth, it was satisfying and deeply seasoned, making it easy to keep eating spoon after spoon.
The seafood itself was mixed in execution. The mussels were the standout—they were cooked well, flavourful, and complemented the soup nicely. The shrimp, however, were overcooked. They lacked that bouncy, tender texture you want from shrimp and instead had a tight, firm bite that made the overcooking noticeable. The scallops were also slightly overcooked, losing some of their natural softness.
That said, the dish was still enjoyable as a whole. The vegetables again played a major role, soaking up the curry and providing texture and substance. The rice on the side was very good—well-cooked, clean in flavour, and an essential part of the experience. If I were to order this again, I’d definitely get extra rice. The balance between soup and rice is something you naturally start adjusting as you eat, and having more rice would only improve the meal.
Despite the seafood execution issues, the flavour of the soup curry itself carried the dish. It reinforced that the broth is the true star of soup curry, with proteins and vegetables supporting it rather than defining it.
Order again? Yes.
Rojiura Curry Samurai – Restaurant Overview
Rojiura Curry Samurai is one of the more well-known soup curry chains in Sapporo, and the location in Cocono Susukino makes it especially accessible. Compared to Sama, the setting here feels more polished and modern, with a busier atmosphere that reflects its location in a central commercial complex.
Rojiura leans into bold flavours and hearty portions, and it feels designed to appeal both to locals and visitors who may be trying soup curry for the first time.
Soup Curry – Braised Pork and Fried Chicken
This was a very good bowl of soup curry and an excellent example of Rojiura’s style. The soup curry itself had great flavour—rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying. It leaned slightly bolder than Sama’s version, making it immediately impactful.
The braised pork was very tender and well-prepared, breaking apart easily and absorbing the broth. The fried chicken added another dimension to the dish, offering texture contrast and extra richness. While fried chicken in soup curry isn’t universal, it worked well here and didn’t feel out of place.
Overall, this was a strong, confident bowl of soup curry that felt complete and satisfying.
Sama vs. Rojiura – A Quick Comparison
Sama felt slightly more understated and traditional, with flavours that developed gradually and vegetables that really took centre stage. Rojiura Curry Samurai felt bolder and more immediately satisfying, with heartier protein options and a more energetic atmosphere.
Neither approach is better -just different. Trying both made it clear how versatile soup curry can be while still staying true to its roots.
Final Thoughts
Soup curry ended up being one of the defining food experiences of my time in Sapporo. It’s a dish that doesn’t reveal everything in one bowl. The more you try it, the more you understand why it has such a strong local following.
Sama provided a thoughtful, well-balanced introduction that highlighted the role of vegetables and spice layering. Rojiura Curry Samurai delivered a more robust, bold take that leaned into richness and indulgence. Together, they showed two sides of the same regional specialty.
As part of my Japan Food Series, this comparison reinforced that soup curry isn’t just something to try once – it’s something worth exploring across multiple restaurants. And after these experiences, it’s easy to see why soup curry is considered a must-try when visiting Sapporo.