It's December already, and the temperature is getting lower. In the northern areas of Japan, it already started snowing, and more people opt for hot pot dishes to warm themselves up.

In Hokkaido, there is a place that stands out this year and has become a hot topic on social media and across Japan.

Hot pot dishes are generally easy to cook at home, and many prefer to do so, too.

However, the place I am going to introduce you is worth going to, and I am 100% sure you are going to love it.

Located at about a 3 minutes walk from the Susukino Station in Sapporo, you will discover the Hokkaido Menkoi Nabe Kuma-chan Onsen (北海道めんこい鍋 くまちゃん温泉）hot pot specialized restaurant.

Menkoi means cute in Hokkaido dialect, Nabe refers to hot pot, and Kuma is the word for bear.

Usually, hot pots are dishes to enjoy with more people, but here you can eat a hot pot for only one person, and not just any hot pot, but the tastiest, most adorable, and Instagrammable hot pot you've ever seen.

For those craving both delicious and cute, the adorable bear soaking in your hot pot as if enjoying a hot spring will satisfy your appetite (on both aspects: hunger and visual).

The building has three stories, and the dining areas are on the 2nd and 3rd floor, while the reception and checkout are on the 1st one.

Kuma-chan Onsen is full of kawaiiness, and besides warming up with a delicious and cute hot pot, you can also enjoy an astounding view of the Susukino area from outside the windows.

The hot pot restaurant is full of bears and items with bear designs, and it is a perfect spot for taking lovely Instagram pictures, as well.

The Shabu-Shabu (Japanese hot pot dish) is for only one person. You can choose the main ingredients, then the type of soup that you want.

Here is where the adorable bears make their appearance. You can choose from three types, each with a different color:

• 1.Orange Color Bear (with Tantan Chinese spicy soup and Korean Gochujang-chili paste)
• 2.Brown Color Bear (with Bonito Broth and Chicken collagen)
• 3.White Color Bear (with Soy Milk and Miso)

After choosing the soup stock, you have to choose the finishing items/ シメ/Shime Mono. You have three choices: Boiled gyoza (dumplings), ramen, or Korean Tteok-bokki.

The soup stock hardened in the lovely appearance of a bear will look as though it is enjoying the hot spring at the beginning. However, it will eventually melt because of the heat.

 

You can also order additional ingredients if you feel extra hungry.

After finishing the hot pot, you can also spoil yourself with a delicious Kuma dessert.

For a great experience in Japan, I warmly recommend passing by and enjoy a great gourmet experience at the Kuma-Chan Onsen in the beautiful Hokkaido.

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