Hokkaido - Southampton's Taste of japan

If you’re craving a little slice of Japan right here in Southampton, Hokkaido might just be your go-to spot. I recently revisited for a friend’s birthday, and it was every bit as good as I remembered.

Let’s start with the appetisers. We kicked things off with some chicken karaage, golden, gently fried bites of Japanese fried chicken. They come with a mayonnaise-based sauce that was a nice dipping sauce, although I wish there was more of it. It’s not the absolute best karaage I’ve ever had in the city, but for a starter at this price point, it’s a pretty satisfying way to begin.

Chicken Karaage

Next up, the sushi. While my friend dove into a variety of fish sushi (think prawns, salmon, and tuna), I went for a couple of my favourites. The prawn nigiri was as fresh and delicate as you’d hope, but the real standout for me was the Spider Futo roll. A whole soft-shell crab tempura with avocado and cucumber roll, topped with a little caviar. It was crunchy, savoury that was as impressive to look at as it was to eat.

Miscellaneous Sushi

But the true star of the show? The Tonkotsu ramen. This bowl of heaven features a rich 12-hour pork broth that’s just packed with flavour. The chashu pork belly is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and I highly recommend ordering extra pork, I'd even order it if I wasn't having the ramen... Seriously, it’s that good. With the perfect noodle pull and classic toppings like egg, mushrooms and fish cake, this is easily the best ramen I’ve found in the city (so far).

Tonkotsu Ramen

If I had one little wish, it would be for a bit more variety in the dessert department. The mochi and ice cream are fine, but it feels a little basic. Maybe one day they’ll add a signature dessert as memorable as their ramen.

Overall, Hokkaido is a must-visit for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. The Christmas decorations were already up when we visited, adding a little extra charm to the evening. It’s like stepping into a cosy corner of Japan right here in Southampton. So if you’ve been dreaming of ramen as I have, you know where to go.