Reader’s Question: This November, I would like to go to Soup Curry GARAKU at New Chitose Airport on a Monday at 3 PM. How long is the wait time?
Soup Curry GARAKU: A Hidden Gem in New Chitose Airport
Hey
there, fellow travelers! So, let’s chat about this little adventure I had last November at New Chitose Airport. You know, the airport that serves Sapporo and offers so much more than just a place to catch a flight? I totally stumbled upon Soup Curry GARAKU, and let me tell you, it was one of those spontaneous decisions that made my trip unforgettable.
If you’ve never had soup curry before, you’re in for a treat. It’s essentially a warm hug in a bowl, packed with fragrant spices, fresh veggies, and tender meat or tofu. Seriously, it’s like the comfort food of Hokkaido! So, when I heard about GARAKU, I knew I had to make it a priority during my airport layover. But what about the wait time? Spoiler alert: It can get a bit busy, especially on a Monday afternoon.
Getting to New Chitose Airport
First things first, let’s talk logistics. New Chitose isn’t just your everyday airport; it’s a gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Hokkaido. I hopped on a train from Sapporo, and oh boy, the ride was a breeze! It’s just about 37 minutes, and I got to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Plus, the train is super convenient and punctual—classic Japan vibes!
Once I arrived, I was greeted by the hustle and bustle of travelers, which always gets my heart racing. I mean, who doesn’t love that electrifying airport energy? After a quick glance around, I made my way to the signs leading me to GARAKU. Little did I know, that’s where the real adventure was waiting.
Arriving at GARAKU
When I finally found the entrance to GARAKU, I felt a rush of excitement. The aroma wafting through the air was intoxicating—like spices dancing around me, begging me to come inside. I arrived at around 3 PM, thinking that it wouldn’t be too crowded since it’s a Monday. But boy, was I mistaken!
As I walked in, I could see a line of hungry souls stretching towards the door. I started to mentally prepare myself for what could be a long wait. I checked the time; it was just after 3 PM, and I was already regretting that I didn’t bring a book to keep me entertained while I stood there. But you know what? The anticipation just made the experience even more exhilarating.
The Wait: A Lesson in Patience
Now, let’s chat about that wait time. In case you’re wondering, it varied, but I was in line for about 30-40 minutes. Not too bad, right? I mean, in the grand scheme of things, that’s just a short moment in the universe of travel. Plus, there’s a certain charm to waiting in line in Japan. The staff was super friendly, and everyone seemed to be in good spirits, sharing smiles and the occasional excited chatter about the dishes they were about to devour.
I took a moment to soak it all in. The decor was cozy and warm, with wooden accents and traditional Japanese touches. The atmosphere was lively, and I couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversations filled with excitement about the soup curry they had tried before. It made my stomach grumble even more!
Finally, the Meal of My Dreams
After what felt like an eternity (but was really just 30 minutes), I was finally seated. I wasted no time and quickly scanned the menu, knowing I wanted to try their famous chicken soup curry. What can I say? I was hungry, and the anticipation made my cravings even more intense!
When my meal arrived, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The colors were vibrant—the curry was a rich, golden hue, and it was filled to the brim with delicious veggies and large, juicy pieces of chicken. I could hardly contain my excitement as I snapped some pictures before diving in.
Taking the First Bite
Now, here’s where it got magical. As soon as I took that first sip, it was like an explosion of flavors in my mouth. The spices were perfectly balanced—neither too hot nor too bland. Just right! I remember closing my eyes for a second, savoring the moment, and wishing I could bottle up that taste to take home with me.
The chicken was tender, the veggies fresh, and the hint of garlic and ginger made it feel like a warm embrace on a chilly November day. It was the ultimate comfort food, and at that moment, I understood why GARAKU had such a following.
An Unexpected Bonus
As I was slurping away, I struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to me. Turns out, they were visiting from Tokyo and had made a special trip just for the curry! Talk about dedication! We swapped travel stories, and it made my meal even more enjoyable. Who knew a bowl of soup could bring people together like that?
We laughed about how we both thought we’d be in and out of GARAKU in no time, only to find ourselves enveloped in the cozy atmosphere and the tantalizing smell of soup curry. It’s moments like those that remind me why I love traveling so much—the unexpected connections that make each trip feel unique.
Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
After finishing my meal, I felt completely satisfied—just the right amount of full, if you know what I mean. I lingered for a bit, soaking up the ambiance, watching as other patrons enjoyed their meals and shared laughter. It was a beautiful end to my little airport adventure.
So here’s my two cents: if you’re planning to visit Soup Curry GARAKU at New Chitose Airport on a Monday around 3 PM, brace yourself for a bit of a wait—30 to 40 minutes is pretty standard. But trust me, it’s worth every second. The flavors, the atmosphere, and the chance of meeting fellow travelers make it an experience you won’t forget.
Next time you find yourself in Hokkaido, don’t skimp on soup curry. And make sure to check out GARAKU—your taste buds will thank you, and who knows, maybe you’ll meet some amazing people along the way, too! Safe travels, my friends!
