Cover Roman-style slices (Photo: Baby Crosta)
Roman-style slices (Photo: Baby Crosta)
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A recent trip to Niseko has inspired our dining editor, gastronomically speaking
Niseko, known for its soft, powdered snow during Japan’s cold winter months, is an easy tourist destination for anyone with an affinity for snow sports. While easily populated with those looking for a thrill by means of skiing or snowboarding, the town also has much to boast in terms of its gastronomical offerings.
Having visited Niseko, here is a collection of my most memorable meals. From a Neapolitan pizza tasting menu that uses local Hokkaido produce to a legacy restaurant known for Genghis Khan, Hokkaido delicacy of grilled mutton, these restaurants across Niseko Village and Hirafu will give you the push to book tickets to the ski paradise.
Read more: 21 trendy cafes in Johor Bahru to visit right now
Visit Baby Crosta post-ski
Award-winning Philippine pizzeria Crosta Pizza’s first international location is on the slopes of Niseko Village, making the ideal post-ski meal. Premium Hokkaido produce crowns Roman-style slices in Baby Crosta’s funky, neon-light-illuminated space, which definitely lives up to the prestige of its sister restaurant.
Baby Crosta
Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. Instagram / @babycrosta
See also: Unconventional meals to celebrate Chinese New Year with friends
Visit Mame Niseko for a treat
In the village of Hirafu within Hotel Dharma Niseko is Mame Niseko, led by chef-owner Hideki Endo, who was previously of Matsuhisa Paris. Known for its innovative and contemporary Japanese fare, diners can select between two options—a standard omakase course and its premium counterpart.
Mame Niseko
Address: 1-chome−6−14, 1F Hotel Dharma Niseko, Nisekohirafu 2 Jo, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 50 3528 8176
Sip on cocktails at Chuya Teahouse & Bar
Led by Malaysia’s very own Jon Lee of Penrose, Chuya boasts cocktails crafted with seasonal produce (order the strawberry, yuzu, and elderflower gin-based concoction). By day, the bar is a serene tea house, and while I did not have a chance this trip, I hear the soft serve is especially delectable.
Chuya Teahouse & Bar
Address: 919-5-7 Aza, Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 136 44 3491
For Hokkaido’s best seasonal produce, visit Bianca Omakase
Walk into Bianca Omakase (after taking your boots off), and it feels akin to entering someone’s home, fully furnished with quaint wooden shelves and soft carpets. That is what Yuichi Ito, the Best Pizzaiolo 2022 in Japan, and his team aim to offer—an intimate, pizza-forward, seasonal chef’s table located just above Baby Crosta.
Visit for the innovative pizza toppings (my personal favourite is the cured duck, foie gras, and grape) and faultless pizza crust, but you’ll leave raving about the house-made cured meats and stracciatella.
Bianca Omakase
Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. Instagram / @biancaomakase
Slurp down comforting ramen at Gogyo by Ippudo
An izakaya by night and a ramen shop by day, Gogyo by Ippudo runs the gamut when it comes to Japanese comfort food. Try the Hakata Tonkotsu ramen, topped with tender pork slices, or the spicy ramen for an extra kick.
Gogyo by Ippudo
Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 136 44 1152
To warm up on a snowy day, visit Niseko Loft Club
Niseko Loft Club, founded in 1989, is known for Genghis Khan, a Hokkaido delicacy of grilled mutton. Located in Hirafu, the restaurant serves cuts of lamb, venison, beef, and deer cooked at your table.
Niseko Loft Club
Address: Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido. +81 136 44 2883
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Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
