Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Review: Is the Salmon & Ikura Don a Hidden Gem at Mitsuwa
| Address | 675 Saratoga Ave San Jose, CA |
| Cuisine | Japanese |
| Parking | Free / Parking Lot |
| Highlight | Salmon Roe |
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is located inside of the Japanese food court of Mitsuwa Marketplace.
This popular ramen chain traces its origins back to Hokkaido, Japan, where it began in March 1988. Founded by Hitoshi Hatanaka, the very first Hokkaido Ramen Santouka was just nine seats and a single item on the menu: shio ramen (salt-based ramen).
Hatanaka’s goal was simple yet ambitious—to create a mild, creamy, and deeply flavorful ramen broth that could stand out in Japan’s competitive ramen scene. What made Santouka special from the start was its commitment to crafting the broth from scratch, simmered slowly to bring out a gentle richness without overwhelming the palate. This same philosophy and attention to quality have carried through as the brand expanded globally. Even in international locations like the one nestled inside San Jose’s Mitsuwa Marketplace, the signature broth is still made in-house, ensuring that diners experience the same warm, satisfying flavors that made Santouka a hit in Japan over three decades ago.
You’ll find a small food court with multiple eateries offering everything from savory bites to sweet treats inside Mitsuwa Marketplace. One of the stands even served a rich and creamy Matcha Latte that looked tempting, especially for a mid-day pick-me-up. However, I ultimately decided to try the Hokkaido Salmon & Ikura Don from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, a well-known ramen chain that also offers donburi options featuring ingredients from northern Japan.
At first glance, the dish was visually appealing. The vibrant orange salmon roe (ikura) glistened atop a neatly packed bed of rice, giving off that luxurious, ocean-fresh vibe. I genuinely enjoyed the pop and flavor of the ikura and found the rice to be well-prepared—slightly warm with just the right stickiness. However, the shredded salmon didn’t quite live up to expectations. It lacked the fresh, tender quality I was hoping for and instead felt dry and muted in flavor. A friend later mentioned that this dish used to feature fresh, raw salmon slices instead of shredded fish, which may explain the disconnect. If true, it’s a disappointing change, especially for those seeking the more traditional donburi experience.
Hokkaido Salmon & Ikura Don
Cost: $17.49
One don bowl that uses Hokkaido Grown Rice. Limited to 20 meals / per day.
| Hokkaido Salmon & Ikura Don | $17.49 |
| Ito En Unsweetened Green Tea | $1.95 |
| Total with Tax | $21.26 |
Closing Remarks for Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
At $17.49, the Salmon & Ikura Don leaned toward the pricier side, especially for a casual marketplace meal at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. I went in expecting something a bit more special given the Hokkaido branding and the premium ingredients. The dish certainly had its strong points—the salmon roe (ikura) was the clear standout. Each bite offered a satisfying pop of briny richness that elevated the overall flavor profile. The rice was also well done: slightly warm, nicely seasoned, and sticky enough to hold together without being mushy. These elements worked in harmony to create a base that hinted at something more impressive.
However, the experience fell short when it came to the shredded salmon. Instead of the rich, buttery texture associated with fresh or lightly cured salmon, this version tasted dry and underwhelming. It lacked the delicacy and freshness that typically defines a good donburi. The texture and flavor felt closer to flaked, pre-cooked fish—something more at home in a bento filler than as the star of a premium rice bowl.
Overall, while I appreciated the effort and presentation, the dish just didn’t deliver the harmony and quality I associate with Hokkaido-style donburi. For nearly $18, I expect a more memorable experience—especially from an eatery with the reputation of Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. Unless they revert to the fresh salmon version or improve the current recipe, I’ll likely pass on this particular don next time. That said, Mitsuwa Marketplace has plenty of other intriguing food stalls to explore, and I’m looking forward to trying something new on my next visit.
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