Local Delicatessen is Asahikawa’s Newest Hotspot

What comes to mind when you think of Asahikawa?
Most likely the Asahiyama Zoo and the famous ramen spots.
There is nothing wrong with visiting the standard tourist destinations, but we understand that some of us are more intrigued by the local side.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the local favorite, Shichifuku Bento at Suzuki Shoten.
It is located along the Asahikawa Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, the first permanent “pedestrian paradise” (no cars, only pedestrians allowed on street) since 1972.

The restaurant sign says it was established in 1962 meaning it has been serving the local community for a very long time.
Let’s take a deeper look into the restaurant and why we recommend as a place to visit. 

Access to Shichifuku Bento

Suzuki Shoten is often referred to as “Shichifuku Bento” and is located along the Heiwa-dori Shopping Park in the so-called “downtown” of Asahikawa. 

Quoted：旭川平和通買物公園

Locals refer to this area as the “city” it has become the place where they hang out and dine.
The intimacy of the “city” and the locals made the two inseparable. 

The “city” runs straight from the Asahikawa Station and our target is located at the end of it, farthest from the station.

Suzuki Shoten is located on the first floor of the Shichifuku Building.
Shichifuku Market, a popular local market used to be inside the building, and this is where the owners of the Suzuki Shoten opened a deep-fry eatery; the beginning of Suzuki Shoten.
Today, the eatery offers a wide variety of menus including tempura is the locals’ favorite bento store.

 Hidden Gem

You may think a small mom-and-pop store like this one is only known by the locals, but in fact, it has been featured in various magazines and media and became a hidden tourist spot for celebrities.

 

The catch is, it has only been featured in local magazines therefore the recognition is still very limited.
Because of this, many people visit Asahikawa but leave without knowing the hidden gem!

Locals Support Each Other

Suzuki Shoten and Sato Produce Stand, located across from Suzuki Shoten, are a vestige of the market.

All menus prepared at Suzuki Shoten use the freshest vegetables of the day, which they get from Sato Produce.
There is also a seafood stand on the same floor where they get their fish from.

What Attracts the Asahikawa Locals

The “Omakase” Standard

The glass display case at Suzuki Shoten has a variety of comforting menus such as kinpira gobo (stir-fried burdock and carrot), nimono (simmered vegetables and meat), and unohana (soy pulp).

The standard way of ordering is the “omakase” style.
Omakase is defined as a chef’s choice. Customers would often choose one favorite menu and leave the rest up to the staff. 

E.g.
“Can you put in the kinpira gobo and the rest omakase.”

“500 yen worth of food with zangi (fried chicken) and unohana.”

Suzuki Shoten is en essential part of the Asahikawa locals, and the line to order forms outside during lunctime. 

 

Favorite Menu – Nori Mench Katsu

Among the many delicious menu, “nori menchi katsu” (nori seaweed crapped minced meat cutlet) is Suzuki Shoten’s signature dish priced only at 80 yen per piece.

The nori seaweed wrapped the freshly fried crips menchi katsu is a must-try menu on your visit to Suzuki Shoten.
Some customers become fans of it as they praise it as the best menchi katsu they have ever eaten.

 

Menu Full of Nostalgia

Aside from the nori menchi katsu, plenty of menus using fresh Hokkaido seafood such as nishin no kanroni (herring braised in sweet soy sauce) and kobumaki (salmon wrapped in kelp).
These are something you can’t find in places like Tokyo.

Customers who are young in age prefer the fried menu.
Creme croquette starts at 100 yen per piece and they even have a bacon cheese sandwich croquette!

Generous portion for a minimal price is another reason for being the local favorite for such a long time.

The Intimate Atmosphere

Needless to say, the taste of the food is delicious, but another aspect of the Suzuki Shoten is the intimacy between the customer and staff.

E.g.
Customer: “Can I get a zangi and creme croquette?”
Staff: “You’re young and need to eat well balanced diet. I’ll put in some veggies too.”

Customer: “What’s for special today?”
Staff: “Zangi! You better have one so I’ll put it in for you.”

These conversation reminds us of home, specifically mother preparing a lunchbox. You’ll be able to have the heart warming conversation with any staff you order from.

When you come visit to Suzuki Shoten, let them know your price for the bento, particular menu you want to eat, option of with or without rice, and simply omakase the rest.
This is the local style of ordering here. Again, everything they have are savory and leave with a sense of nostalgia. 

Shichifuku Bento Suzuki Shoten Summary

The current owner and his wife took over the Suzuki Shoten ownership with a mindset of continuing to serve the local community.
The love they have for their hometown is passed down for generations. 

Suzuki Shoten is located within walking distance from Asahikawa Station along with many shops along the way, making it a must-visit spot when visiting Asahikawa.
They are closed on Sundays, so be mindful of planning your trip.

If you’re looking for somewhere besides the Asahiyama Zoo, please consider visiting the “new” hotspot, the local favorite Shichifuku Bento Suzuki Shoten.

<From Asahikawa Station to Shichifuku Bento Asahikawa>

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip