Right in Susukino, Sapporo, Genghis Khan Daruma Main Store has been lighting its charcoal grills since 1954. It’s famous for its no-frills, tight seating and that signature garlic‑chili sauce that keeps diners coming back for more.
The Story: Rich History and Unique Character
Founded in 1954 (Showa 29), this long-standing Jingisukan spot was started by a resilient woman who lost her husband young and needed to feed her five children . She chose mutton—a hearty, affordable meat—and created a homemade sauce that elevated the rich flavor of mature sheep. Her cooking turned simple sustenance into a local legend.
The name “Daruma” comes from the daruma doll, a symbol of perseverance—fitting, since this shop has stood firm through time. Even as it expanded to six branches across Sapporo, the main store remains the cultural heart of the chain .
That tiny, vintage interior hasn’t changed much in decades. Fourteen counter seats wrap around small charcoal grills, and you sit shoulder to shoulder. It might feel snug, but that’s exactly the draw: the scent of charcoal, the clatter of tongs, and the sight of your neighbors dragging garlic and chili into that signature sauce—those are all part of the experience .
The shop opens at 5 p.m. and stays busy until 3 a.m. on weekdays, and even later—5 a.m.—on weekends . It only closes for New Year’s, and day in, day out, the mission remains the same: deliver tasty, unchanged Jingisukan in a warm, familiar space .
Even today, hours before it opens, a line forms down the street. That’s not just hype—fans know the ritual: stand in fry-smelling air, anticipate the grill, then dive into that first bite with the cheers of fellow diners echoing around you.
Menu & Taste: Savoring Every Mouthful
Daruma keeps it simple. The standard Jingisukan—daikon-thin slices of fresh mutton—comes in at around 1,280 JPY and is the go-to . For something extra, the premium cuts like tenderloin or thicker shoulder steak go for about 1,680 JPY and are often gone early.
Vegetables—onions, cabbage, scallions—come prepped as a set for about 170 JPY, and you can also grab a side of homemade kimchi (385 JPY) or chanja (330 JPY) . Rice is available in small, medium, or large, priced 200, 250, or 350 JPY. And yes, bigger bowls tend to win out.
Your grill shows up hot, with lamb fat greased onto the dome, veggies around the edges, and slabs of juicy mutton on top. As meat sizzles, you dip each slice in that proprietary sauce, then hit it with a swirl of garlic and chili for a custom spice boost. That sauce is the real star—bright, tangy, and endlessly addictive.
And here’s the ritual: near the end, ask for hojicha tea, pour it over your rice mixed with leftover sauce and bits of meat, and turn it into an ochazuke bowl. It’s comforting, warm, and a perfect ending .
The meat—from mature sheep—has depth and umami you won’t get with milder lamb. Cooking it medium-rare keeps that richness intact. Combine the crunch of grilled veggies with tender meat, punchy sauce, and smoky hints from the charcoal, and it hits all the right notes.
Tips for Visiting: Enjoy It Like a Pro
Since there’s no reservation system, arriving early prevails. If you don’t want to queue, consider hitting the restaurant late—after midnight. The Susukino nightlife lingers, but the lines ease later.
Once you’re seated, order fast. Standard sets land on the grill right away: veggies, meat, and entrails of flavor. If premium cuts are still around, grab them—they disappear fast . Optional sides (kimchi, chanja, rice) can come next. Grilling takes mere minutes; most guests finish up in about 20 minutes.
Smoking in the air is real—your jacket and hair will smell like lamb, so wear something you don’t mind sacrificing. And yes, it’s part of the fun.
The garlic‑chili sauce is potent—start light, then build it up gradually so it doesn’t drown the meat’s flavor. Don’t skip the hojicha-drizzled rice bowl at the end—it’s practically sacred. Also, most places accept both cash and cards, and the main store stays open long hours while some branches close earlier—so just check if you’re planning a branch-hopping night.
Wonder Point
Genghis Khan Daruma Main Store is a Sapporo staple—simple, soulful, and utterly flavorful. The snug setting, charcoal aroma, customizable spice kick, and that final tea-forged rice bowl all add up to an experience you won’t forget. If you’re in Susukino and craving something local and legendary, don’t hesitate—Daruma delivers.
- 成吉思汗だるま 本店 (Genghis Khan Daruma Main Store)
- Phone: +81 011‑552‑6013
- Regular opening: 17:00 to 23:00 (last order at 22:30) / Since December 16, 2024, late-night service resumed—open until 5:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and often until around 3:00 AM on other nights.
- 1F Crystal Building, Minami 5‑jo Nishi 4‑chome, Chuo‑ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
