Figuring earlier is better, I arrived twenty minutes before opening — and found more than thirty people already in line. Within minutes, another thirty had formed behind me.
Looking around the queue, the languages and the phones told the story: by my count, about nine in ten customers were international travelers. This corner of the Nijo Market felt like the center of Sapporo's tourist map.
Down the stairs, the basement room is more open than you'd expect, with high ceilings and about seventy seats. I was seated in the first round at opening. Counter seats are spaced a generous 20 cm apart — comfortable alone, though the wooden stools aren't made for lingering.
Ordering is by tablet, with photos. I chose the tender chicken leg with vegetables (1,480 yen), spice level 2, medium rice, plus grilled cheese for 120 yen. Ordered at 11:35; the bowl arrived at 11:50.
The Japanese dashi aroma rises clearly from the soup, and level 2 already carries real heat. The spices are balanced rather than loud. Alongside the chicken leg: potato, carrot, broccoli, cabbage, paprika, wood-ear mushroom, lotus root and pea shoots.
One spoonful in, the twenty-minute head start felt worth it.
Note: the shop moved into the Nijo Market in October 2025 (the old site is now a mala soup place). I visited on a Wednesday; weekday openings seem to be the move — reviews mention two-hour waits on weekend evenings.