It had been many years since my last visit, but the popular restaurant was as busy as ever with customers coming in one after another. The menu is still simple with options like "mori," "zaru," and "pork bowl," but that's all you need at a soba restaurant. I noticed they recently started offering takeout, but I prefer to enjoy freshly boiled soba in the restaurant. I ordered the "Kukai Set" which includes both pork bowl and soba, and it was just as delicious as I remembered. The soba was perfectly cooked with a great texture and sweetness, and the slightly sweet broth paired well with it. The pork bowl had generous portions of charcoal-grilled pork on top, making it a satisfying meal. It had been years since my last visit, but the food was still delicious! Thank you for the meal!

I heard that there is a popular restaurant in this area on the way from Chitose to Eniwa where you can enjoy delicious pork bowl and soba. I was told that there is usually a long line, but luckily I was able to enter without waiting. I ordered the recommended Kukai set (soba noodles and 70% pork bowl with 5% rice) for 1,300 yen. Please remember to wear a mask as it is required. First, the soba noodles were served. The thick, firm noodles were served cold, and when I tried them without dipping anything, I found that they had a chewy texture and made me want to eat them with salt. The broth was light and reminded me of soba soup, but I personally preferred to eat it with salt. The pork bowl was served next. The meat was grilled well over charcoal and the sauce had a dry seasoning with no overpowering sweetness, allowing the flavor of the pork to shine through. The quality of the meat and fat was excellent, and it was clear that it was not frozen. The grilling method, quality of the pork, and sauce all came together perfectly in the pork bowl. Adding pickles on top added a different kind of deliciousness. The meat was tender and the sauce was well-balanced, making the pork bowl highly rated in terms of pork quality.

Visited during a break on the way to Otaru Ride, just before noon. There were a few groups of customers already there. Masks were required inside the shop, so I reluctantly put one on, but the gentleman in front of me kindly offered me a mask, for which I was very grateful. The Kankai Set was as delicious as always. The pork loin in the pork bowl was just the right amount of sweetness. The soba was also incredibly flavorful. Grateful for the gentleman's gesture, I enjoyed my meal.

I visited the famous pork bowl and soba restaurant, Kukai, in Eniwa after a long time. I tried the Kukai set which includes both delicious soba and pork bowl. It was so delicious!! On this day, I also took a bath at Nagayuma Onsen. I suddenly felt like eating soba, but it was only 10:30 am. I searched for a good soba restaurant on Tabelog, even if it was a bit far from Nagayuma. Oh, Kukai in Eniwa, I haven't been there in a while. I drove for about 30 minutes, but got stuck at a railroad crossing near Shimamatsu Station for about 5 minutes. Finally, I arrived at Kukai. The parking lot was already full, but there was no line yet. I parked my car and saw a sign asking customers to wear masks. I was glad I had a mask in my car. I put on the mask and entered the restaurant with two friends. The small restaurant had 8 counter seats and only 3 tables. Luckily, one table was available, and we sat down. Everyone was patiently waiting, looking at their phones. It felt like we had traveled back in time to the COVID-19 era. We placed our orders and waited. It took quite a while because we were the last to arrive. We were seated at 11:05 am, ordered at 11:37 am, and the dishes were served at 11:42 am. I had the Kukai set for 1,300 yen. Five years ago, it was 1,100 yen, but the price increase was understandable. The soba in the set was made from locally grown botan soba, freshly ground. The soba had a perfect texture, and the slightly thicker noodles released a delicious flavor with each bite. The dipping sauce was rich with bonito flavor, slightly sweet, and complemented the soba well. The generous amount of sauce in the serving cup allowed us to fully enjoy the soba. The garnishes were plentiful, especially the green onions. The soba was undeniably delicious. Many customers also ordered the soba alone. The pork bowl, made with tender roast pork, was served with rice grown in Nagayuma and milled on-site. The meat was flavorful and slightly crispy, and the sauce was perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. I noticed a significant improvement in the quality of the meat compared to my last visit five years ago. There was no unpleasant pork smell, and the meat had a delicious umami and subtle sweetness. The rice was cooked to a slightly firm texture, with a glossy appearance, and each grain was tasty. The simple pickles also paired well with the pork bowl. If you wanted miso soup, you could add it for an additional 100 yen. I also tasted my companion's premium pork bowl, and it was also delicious. It's interesting how the food tasted even better than before, considering I had visited many other restaurants and tried various dishes since my last visit. Perhaps Kukai has improved, or my taste preferences have changed over time. In any case, I will definitely visit again, even if I have to wait for an hour. The delicious soba and pork bowl at Kukai were worth it! Thank you for the meal!

I arrived 15 minutes before the opening at 11 o'clock, but there was already a long line, so I couldn't get in on the first round! I waited for about 45 minutes to enter! I recommend the pork bowl and mori soba set! The noodles are very firm! The pork bowl has a delicious sauce that goes well with the rice! The meat is also flavorful with just the right amount of fat! Please note that you are required to wear a mask, so be careful!

After several years of wanting to visit, I finally had the chance to try "Sumika Charcoal-grilled Pork Bowl". When I arrived around 12:10, the parking lot was full, but luckily a spot opened up just as I was debating what to do. The restaurant was packed, with two people waiting outside. There was no waiting board, so we just had to wait until our turn. Inside, masks were mandatory. After waiting for about 15 minutes outside, we were seated. The menu was simple, with the popular Sumika Set (soba and pork bowl set) being a common choice, along with other options like just the pork bowl or soba (mori soba and kake soba only). I ordered the Sumika Set. It arrived about 10 minutes after ordering. - Sumika Set 1,300 yen For 1,300 yen, the portion size was reasonable and the cost performance was good. It was just the right amount for lunch, leaving me satisfied but not overly full. [Soba] ★★★ The soba was likely made with a 80:20 buckwheat to wheat ratio, and it was delicious. The aroma and texture were both excellent, clearly indicating that it was handcrafted. However, the downside was the dipping sauce, which was honestly too salty. The broth had depth, but the salt content was too high. Perhaps it was intended to be lightly dipped, similar to Edomae style, but it was just too salty. If the sauce was improved, I would rate it 4 stars. [Pork Bowl] ★★★★ The pork bowl came with five tender slices of pork, each large and tasty. The sauce had a bitter taste but complemented the meat well, pairing nicely with the rice. As the name suggests, the pork bowl was exceptional. Overall, the meal was delicious. If the soba dipping sauce was improved, it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, it's undeniable that this is a great restaurant. I might try the pork bowl on its own next time. Thank you for the meal.

"I visited 'Sumika,' a charcoal-grilled pork bowl restaurant, for the first time in about 10 years. I had heard that it was very popular on weekends with long lines outside, but on a weekday after 1:00 PM, I was able to enter smoothly. Upon entering the restaurant, wearing a mask was mandatory! I made sure to disinfect my hands with alcohol before taking my seat. The menu has remained the same as before, with the main dish being the 'pork bowl' available in two types: loin and premium belly. The only other item on the menu is their specialty 'handmade soba.' The 'Recommended Sumika Set @ 1,300 yen (tax included)' includes a soba and a pork bowl (70% meat, 50% rice) set. The soba is chilled in cold water, making it perfect for hot weather. It has a strong texture and a refreshing broth that pairs excellently with the rich and sweet pork bowl! The pork bowl arrived about 5 minutes after the soba was served. It is a regular-sized bowl with 70% meat and 50% rice, giving it a slightly small appearance. The meat consists of 5-6 slices with a decent thickness. The aroma of the sauce is pleasantly burnt and the meat is tender, with a moderate amount of fat due to being loin. The rice is cooked just right, adding to the deliciousness. Although there were no complaints, a combination of belly meat with the loin might have been nice. It was my first time eating here in a while, but both the pork bowl and soba had a consistently delicious taste! Some reviews mention that the COVID-19 measures are excessive, but wearing a mask and disinfecting with alcohol was perfectly fine for me. The service from the older ladies was polite, and the air conditioning made the atmosphere comfortable. Once again, thank you for the delicious meal!"

I went during the Obon period and was able to enter right after the store opened. 30 minutes later, it was full and there was a line. I had the Kukai Set. Both the soba and pork bowl were delicious and the portion size was good. Masks are required, so be careful.

I had the pork bowl and soba set for 1300 yen. The soba had a firm and smooth texture, while the pork bowl had thinly sliced pork loin. Both were delicious. I don't know how to express this deliciousness in words. I live nearby, so I often end up coming here.

Today is my second visit to this restaurant. Last time, I had the set with soba noodles, but this time I ordered the pork bowl to check the portion size. The "mega-sized" menu costs 2400 yen and weighs 1.4kg, but I opted for the smaller size this time. It was a bit bigger than expected, served in a slightly larger container. The flavor was good, with sweet sauce and tender meat. I enjoyed adding some spice with shichimi pepper and pepper. When I asked about the portion size at the checkout, I was told it was less than half of the mega-sized menu. Maybe around 600g? I might challenge myself to the mega-sized menu next time.

My parents live in Ebetsu, so I visit this restaurant once a month. Originally located in Oyachi, this place has been known for its delicious food since then. About 10 years ago, they moved to Shimamatsu, and since then, it has become a popular restaurant with long lines. According to my mother, there aren't many dining options in Shimamatsu, so having this place there is very convenient. I always order the pork bowl with soba set from Kukai. The charcoal-grilled pork in Kukai's bowl is really good. The sauce is not too sweet compared to other famous places. Also, the hand-made soba, which the owner learned on his own, is delicious. It's best to visit after 1 pm to avoid the lunchtime rush!

I stopped by this restaurant in Kitahiroshima on my way back from shopping at MOP. This place gives off a vibe of a specialty shop based on its signboard and reputation. They offer homemade stone-ground hand-pulled Hokkaido buckwheat noodles and charcoal-grilled pork bowl, fully equipped. I ordered the Kukai set with noodles and pork bowl. The noodles had a firm texture and a rustic flavor, with a light and delicious broth flavored with bonito. The pork bowl featured tender loin meat with a delicious charcoal-grilled taste. This place lives up to its reputation as a shop with a commitment to quality. It was so delicious that I want to visit again. Thank you for the meal.

This is the third time in three years that I've visited this place, and surprisingly, it wasn't affected by the pandemic. Customers are still required to wear masks while waiting inside the restaurant. Even on weekdays, there can be a wait right after opening, although it's not a large crowd. Unlike ramen, the turnover here is slow. The special pork belly is priced at 900 yen, while the set meal with pork belly is 750 yen. I usually prefer loin, but at this restaurant, I like the pork belly. It's cooked crispy without being burnt. The hand-cut stone-ground buckwheat noodles from Urausu Botan have a slightly firm and smooth texture, with a strong sweetness. The broth is on the spicy side, which is a nice touch.

Visited on a weekend evening. Was able to enter without waiting in line. According to reviews, wearing masks and eating quietly are strictly enforced, and this situation remains the same. Please check the rules posted inside the restaurant for details, as they are strictly enforced for various reasons. The staff provided excellent service and made the dining experience very pleasant. I tried the recommended Kukai Set (¥1,300). It included a pork bowl and soba set. The quality of the soba was very high. I enjoyed the slightly firm noodles served simply in a zaru. The pork bowl was delicious as expected. The pork was very tender and the sauce was also very tasty. The sauce made the rice go down smoothly, and although the pork bowl in the set was small, I would like to try it as a standalone dish next time, although it will be hard to resist the soba as well.

Whenever I go, there is always a line at this restaurant. This time, I was lucky and only had to wait about 5 minutes before being seated. This place is very careful about infection prevention measures, so wearing a mask is required when entering. Both the soba noodles and pork bowl were consistently delicious, and they were the perfect way to end my last day in Hokkaido. The soba noodles in particular had a satisfying chewiness and a rich aroma!

I arrived for a late lunch around 2 pm. Upon entering, masks and hand sanitizing were required. While waiting for my order, I was told to keep my voice down even though I was speaking softly. The service was a bit slow, with a 20-minute wait. The soba noodles were too chewy for my liking, and the broth was too salty and artificial. The pork bowl was tasty, but the sauce was too strong and lacked sweetness. It was a shame that the flavors didn't suit my taste. The excessive COVID-19 measures were disappointing. I wish I had read more reviews before going. It was a dull dining experience, especially since the food wasn't to my liking.

Today's lunch was at Kukai at the request of my friend. It was my first time visiting Kukai since they moved to Ebetsu. The move happened in 2011, so it has been about 12 years since I last visited! When we arrived, the restaurant was full. We arrived at 12:30 and had to wait inside the restaurant as there were no available seats. We were seated at 12:40 and ordered soba noodles and pork bowl, then waited in silence for our food. The soba noodles had a good texture and firmness, with a refreshing taste. The dipping sauce had a rich flavor that complemented the noodles well. The pork in the bowl was thinly sliced and tender, with a delicious sweet and savory sauce that paired perfectly with the Hokkaido rice. As we were eating, the line outside the restaurant kept growing. It's not a place where you can relax, so if you're just going for the food, it's a great choice!! The restaurant is still taking strict measures against COVID-19. It seems that only those who can cooperate with the early COVID-19 prevention measures and follow the rules of the restaurant strictly can visit. It might be difficult for those with children. The staff would gently remind customers to refrain from talking every time someone started a conversation. Please be aware of this if you plan to visit. I personally would like to go back even without conversation. The food was really delicious. Thank you for the meal^ - ^

It's a popular restaurant. Only two of us waiting for the opening on weekdays, but by the time we left at 11:30, it was full of cars and seats. I ordered the Kukai set. Everyone else seemed to order the same thing, haha. As for the taste, the soba was nicely chilled, firm, and had a great texture. The dipping sauce was on the sweeter side, which I liked. I was happy that they provided soba-yu from the start, and it was creamy and rich, so delicious. The mini pork bowl was exquisite too, with the sweet and salty roasted loin cooked over charcoal, it was delicious. The portions were quite generous, which was nice. Delicious soba and delicious pork bowl. I found a great restaurant, feeling happy. Thank you for the meal, goodbye - I'll definitely come back.

A restaurant in Ebetsu where you can enjoy both pork bowl and soba at the same time. Located near Shimamatsu Station, a local station about a 10-minute walk from the station along the national highway. The restaurant has a simple wooden hut-like structure and doesn't give off a particularly appetizing vibe from the outside. When I visited in mid-May 2023, after all COVID-related restrictions had been lifted, masks were required when entering and not eating. It's only natural to follow the rules of the restaurant, as each place may have its own policies. The popular choice here is the set menu that includes a smaller-sized pork bowl and soba noodles, but I decided to order them separately. I chose the pork belly for the pork bowl, which came with an option of miso soup (but strangely not included with pork belly, so I added it separately). For the soba, I opted for the cold noodles with seaweed. The pork bowl had a Hokkaido-style flavor with a light and refreshing sauce, and the charcoal-grilled pork had a subtle aroma without the typical charred taste. Adding some powdered sansho pepper from the table really enhanced the dish. The soba noodles were slightly thicker in texture, reminiscent of rustic buckwheat noodles, but they had a strong and pleasing aroma. Despite the slightly challenging access, I think this is a good restaurant.

I visited "Sumikai," a popular restaurant, for lunch after playing at "Escon Field HOKKAIDO," which opened last month. I ordered the recommended "Sumikai Set." First, I was served soba noodles followed by a pork bowl. The soba noodles were firm, which I liked. They also brought me soba broth later. The pork bowl was okay, but as I am used to the pork bowls in Obihiro, it was just average. I think it could use a bit more volume, maybe ordering a large size would be better. The customer service at the restaurant was excellent. Thank you for the meal.

I came for tourism from Osaka and they are putting a lot of effort into infection prevention measures. The pork bowl was very delicious, and I chose it as a set with soba, which was also very tasty. I really enjoyed alternating between the pork bowl and soba. The landlady and the regular customers were all very kind.