ファイヴ・スポット
✔️Shrimp Fried Rice ¥1000
✔️Grilled Dumplings (6 pieces) ¥720
✔️Beer (medium bottle) ¥600
After traveling from Asahikawa to Biei, passing through Furano, I arrived in Sapporo a little after 7 PM. Upon reaching the hotel, I naturally searched for a local Chinese restaurant using Google Maps. I decided to visit a place called "Koushuu," which has been loved by locals since its establishment in 1959. The restaurant is located slightly off the main arcade of Sapporo's central area, in between 4th and 5th streets, marked by a shining yellow sign. As one of the representative Chinese restaurants in Sapporo, there was a line outside even after 8 PM, and I had to wait for about 15 minutes before being seated.
The main floor, with table seating, was full, so I was led to the second floor with small and large round tables. The retro atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era was quite charming. The menu was very diverse, categorized into appetizers, shrimp dishes, pork dishes, chicken dishes, seafood and vegetable dishes, egg and tofu dishes, noodles, rice dishes, dim sum, and desserts.
Since I had not researched the menu beforehand, I was a bit indecisive about what to order. But for a first visit to a local Chinese restaurant, I thought, "This is it!" and ordered the three items mentioned above. The grilled dumplings took about 15 minutes to be ready, so the Shrimp Fried Rice arrived first. The dome-shaped mound of Shrimp Fried Rice was surprisingly a regular portion. It contained eggs, green onions, and was topped with green peas and five large shrimp. The mild flavor of the fried rice, mixed with the slight saltiness and sweetness of the eggs, was delightful.
The grilled dumplings also had a substantial weight to them, with a thick and chewy skin filled generously with the meat mixture. The Fried Rice came with soup and pickled vegetables, while the dumplings came with a special vinegar-based sauce. Both dishes were hearty but not greasy, with a light seasoning. They were the type of dishes you can enjoy without worrying about calories.
The lively atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food made it a fantastic restaurant filled with the essence of local Chinese cuisine. My stomach and heart were completely satisfied, and I left the restaurant feeling refreshed after a long drive.