Hokkaido’s specialty, lamb
Hokkaido is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. While its stunning nature is a major draw, another reason the island attracts so many visitors is its exceptional food.
In Japanese cuisine, lamb is rarely used, but this is not the case in Hokkaido! It is actually considered one of the ‘must-try’ local dishes, especially the Genghis Khan lamb BBQ.
The great thing is that there’s a steamed bun made with halal lamb and seasonings, waiting for many Muslims to try! As of March 2025, this halal lamb steamed bun is available exclusively at Lawson Sapporo Kita 25jo Nishi, just a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Masjid!
What is special about the steamed bun?
One of the things Japanese convenience stores should be proud of is their fresh steamed buns, often displayed right in front of the cashier. These buns are always made fresh, ensuring a fluffy dough with a variety of tasty fillings such as minced meat, cheese, curry, or even pizza. However, the downside is that most of them contain pork and/or other meats, which means many Muslims may hesitate to try them.
The great thing about this steamed lamb bun is…Probably it is the only bun in Japan made with 100% Halal ingredients.
The product is sold frozen and needs to be heated up. The bun comes in a special plastic bag, so no special tools are required to cook it. Simply microwave it for 2 minutes, then let it sit for another 2 minutes to allow the steam to moisten the bun. That’s it!
How is the taste?
Their taste is slightly sweet, inspired by Genghis Khan BBQ lamb. When we try the bun, we can clearly taste the unique flavor of the lamb meat. Thanks to the excellent seasonings, the flavors blend seamlessly, eliminating any unpleasant odor of the meat.
The bun is surprisingly fluffy, especially considering it was rock-hard when frozen.
The portion is actually larger than typical steamed buns in Japan. It’s quite satisfying, making it perfect for breakfast or even a light lunch.
Details of the shop
As of March 2025, unfortunately, this product is available at only one Lawson in Sapporo. However, if you have the chance to visit Sapporo, you definitely should try this unique taste!
They also offer plant-based steamed buns, which are suitable for Muslims with dietary restrictions. The price is 792 yen for the lamb bun and 814 yen for the plant-based bun.