Otaru is a beautiful coastal town in Hokkaido, known for its charming canals, fresh seafood, and delicious local dishes. One must-try specialty is Ankake Yakisoba, a crispy fried noodle dish topped with thick, savory sauce and a variety of ingredients. Here are five of the best restaurants where you can enjoy this unique dish while exploring Otaru.
1. Keien
Located just a 3-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, Chuka Shokudo Keien is a popular long-established Chinese restaurant. Their Ankake Yakisoba is known for its chewy, steamed noodles and light soy-based sauce, making it an easy favorite among both locals and visitors.
- Easy access from Otaru Station
- Well-balanced soy-based Ankake sauce
- A long-standing local favorite
▶ Visit Official Site: Keien
2. Ryuho
If you’re hungry, Ryuho is the place to go. Known for serving the largest portion of Ankake Yakisoba in Otaru, this dish features two servings of noodles covered in a perfectly seasoned thick sauce. Despite the size, the flavors remain light and well-balanced.
- Huge portion size – great for big eaters!
- Mild and delicate flavors
- Friendly atmosphere and welcoming service
▶ Visit Official Site: (No official website available)
3. Tororian
Tororian is operated by a local noodle-making company established in 1949. Their thin, house-made noodles and lighter sauce create a dish that is both flavorful and easy to eat. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors trying Ankake Yakisoba.
- Handmade noodles from a 70+ year-old company
- Well-balanced sauce with a lighter taste
- Welcoming atmosphere for first-time visitors
▶ Visit Official Site: Tororian
4. Gojuban Saikan
Gojuban Saikan is a hidden local gem, known for its generous portions and well-seasoned sauce. Their Ankake Yakisoba is simple yet incredibly satisfying, featuring a rich blend of vegetables and seafood in a delicious, thick sauce.
- Generous portions with fresh ingredients
- Simple, comforting flavors
- A local favorite for many years
▶ Visit Official Site: Gojuban Saikan
5. Tenrenge
Tenrenka offers three different styles of Ankake Yakisoba: Mixed (Gomoku), Shredded Pork, and Shrimp (Shio-based). This variety makes it a great place to try different flavors while enjoying authentic Chinese cuisine at a reasonable price.
- Three different styles of Ankake Yakisoba
- Authentic yet affordable Chinese flavors
- Cozy and casual dining atmosphere
▶ Visit Official Site: Tenrenge
Final Thoughts
Otaru’s Ankake Yakisoba is a must-try dish for food lovers visiting Hokkaido. Whether you prefer a light and delicate sauce, a big hearty portion, or a variety of flavors, these five restaurants offer some of the best Ankake Yakisoba experiences in Otaru. Be sure to stop by one (or more!) during your trip to enjoy this unique local specialty.
FAQ
Ankake Yakisoba is a Japanese noodle dish made with crispy pan-fried noodles topped with a thick, savory sauce. The sauce, made with broth and starch, coats the noodles and ingredients, creating a rich and flavorful dish. It often includes vegetables, pork, or seafood.
Ankake means “thick sauce” in Japanese. “An” refers to a savory, thick sauce made by mixing broth with a thickener like cornstarch or potato starch, giving it a smooth and glossy texture.
Yes, most of these restaurants have picture menus or welcoming staff to help visitors.
Chuka Shokudo Ryuho serves the largest portion, featuring two servings of noodles in their signature sauce.
