Traditional Japanese Fast Food Guide (Gyudon Edition)
Brandon
When most people think of fast food, they picture burgers and fried chicken from McDonalds or KFC from a drive through window. For many Japanese however, fast food comes in the more traditional form of gyudon in a sit-down restaurant. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do. Many Japanese will often opt to grab gyudon for a quick lunch or small dinner on the way home from work.
What is Gyudon?
Gyudon literally translates to beef bowl. It will consist of a bed of rice with a layer of thinly sliced fatty beef (or pork) followed by an assortment of optional toppings. Gyudon is popular due to it being cheap to make and its simplicity, making it a popular lunchtime meal for Japanese workers and a standard staple in most Japanese fast food restaurants. You can go plain or go fancy and get your bowl of beef filled with toppings to your liking. Additional toppings can include anything from green onions, mayo, to raw egg and everything in between. Cheese in particular is one of the most popular gyudon toppings among younger Japanese and is my fave topping personally.
Top 3 Gyudon restaurants
When it comes to Japanese style fast food and gyudon, three chain restaurants rein supreme: Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya.
Yoshinoya
Yoshinoya`s menu boasts having Japan's number 1 beef bowl, and many Japanese would find it hard to disagree. Along with their gyudon, Yoshinoya also serves up specialty noodles, curry and tempura dishes. However, if you do find yourself at Yoshinoya, it is recommended that you try the gyudon first. You won’t regret it!
Sukiya
Sukiya is a close competitor to Yoshinoya and is by no means a poor substitute. While their menu isn’t as diverse as Yoshinoya`s, Sukiya`s meat bowls are beloved by many. Sukiya`s cheese gyudon is to die for if you are a cheese lover or looking for a hearty filling meal for cheap. Many Japanese will go to Sukiya specifically for their delicious cheese gyudon.
Matsuya
Matsuya is the restaurant you go to if there is no Yoshinoya or Sukiya around. Matsuya`s gyudon lacks the flavor and love of their Yoshinoya and Sukiya counterparts, however it still makes a fitting meal for those looking for a quick lunch fix. Personally, I prefer to order hamburg from Matsuya if I find myself dining there.
How do you order at a Gyudon restaurant?
Most branches will have an English menu available making it easy for foreigners on the prowl. Some branches even have a ticket machine with pictures, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of speaking. If there is no ticket machine, usually you can get away with the picture pointing method on the menu.
Most branches of Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya will have a separate take out window if you want to get your food to go. If you don’t see a window, you can say “o-mochi-kae-ri-desu” which means you want to get your food to go.
Image Source
If you find yourself in Japan why not give gyudon a try? Have you ever had gyudon before? What is your favorite topping, or what topping looks the most appetizing to you? Let us know in the comments!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more news straight from Japan!
Related articles
Japanese Cafe: Most Beautiful Ones in Tokyo You Need to Visit!
Tokyo is full of surprises. One street throws neon lights and busy crowds at you like a video game. Turn the corner, and suddenly you’re in a quiet Japanese cafe (sometimes spelled “café”) that is a hidden treasure. These cafés aren’t just about grabbing coffee or tea. They mix design, comfort, and atmosphere to create...
Dagashi for Tsukimi: Best Snacks to Have!
When the weather turns crisp and the autumn moon shines bright, Japan celebrates tsukimi, the traditional moon-viewing festival.
Egg Drop Soup: Tsukimi Traditions in a Swirling Bowl
Can you imagine sitting under a glowing autumn moon, warming your hands and spirits with a bowl of egg drop soup? In Japan, as the air gets crisp and families gather for tsukimi, or moon viewing, this gentle soup transforms from a quick comfort food to a celebration of the season.
Curry Udon: A Comforting Twist on Japanese Noodles
When it comes to warm, cozy comfort food in Japan, curry udon is hard to beat. It’s thick, chewy udon noodles swimming in rich, flavorful curry broth. The soup is savory, a little sweet, and satisfying.
Aaron and Claire Show Us an Amazing Shogayaki Recipe!
Aaron and Claire are back with another quick and flavorful Japanese recipe: shogayaki, or Japanese ginger pork. If you like simple, affordable dishes that taste like they came straight from a cozy Japanese diner, you’ll want to try this.
Nori Snacks: Seaweed Treats You Need to Try!
When you think of Japanese snacks, you might picture Pocky, mochi (Japanese rice cake), or soft, fluffy custard cakes. But Japan also has another snacking world: crunchy, savory seaweed treats made from nori (Japanese seaweed) and other ocean goodies.