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The new “Wild Game Burger” comes with a choice of either one or two deer meat patties.

Japan’s northernmost island Hokkaido, formerly known as Ezo, is home to a large number of world-class ski resorts, pristine national parks, and a rather interesting local culinary culture with connections to the island’s indigenous Ainu population. Even now, it’s not unusual to find dishes made with locally sourced venison, known as “Ezo Shika”, or “Ezo Deer”, which was once a vital food resource for the Ainu. From 28 April, you’ll now be able to try the deer in burger form at select outlets of fast food chain Lotteria, where you can try one patty in the “Ezo Shika Burger Single” or two in the “Ezo Shika Burger Double”.

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▼ The single-patty burger retails for 800 yen (US$7.52) on its own or 1,190 yen as part of a drink-and-fries set meal.

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The two-patty burger retails for 1,0o0 yen or 1,390 yen for a set meal. Each burger contains a slice of locally-grown onion, along with lettuce and a generous serving of rich-flavoured, original demi-glace sauce, made from red wine, bouillon, and stewed apples.

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With more protein and less calories than a beef or pork patty, deer meat has been touted as a healthy option for meat-lovers watching their waistlines. If you want to get your chomps around one of these limited edition fast food deer burgers though, you’ll have to make the trip to one of Lotteria’s locations in Hokkaido, such as Sapporo Chuo, Sapporo Susukino, or Shin Sapporo Duo.

Source, Images: Lotteria