Gyudon (Beef Bowls): Japan's 4 Major Chain Restaurants in Comparison

Gyudon is a popular Japanese dish of rice topped with thinly sliced beef and onions, simmered in a mildly sweet sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

The beef is usually cooked until tender, and the dish is often garnished with a raw or lightly cooked egg, green onions, or pickled ginger. Gyudon is commonly served in restaurants and is known for its comforting flavors and quick preparation, making it a favorite among many.

In this article, we'll introduce Japan's four major gyudon chain restaurants.

Japanese Gyudon Chain Restaurants

1. Yoshinoya: The Original Gyudon Chain Store
2. Matsuya: Long-Standing Shop That's a Hit Among Customers
3. Sukiya: The Chain Store with the Most Locations
4. Nakau: A Top Choice for Customers
How to Order the "Secret Menu" at Gyudon Chains
Latest News! The "Late-Night Charge" Policy

1. Yoshinoya: The Original Gyudon Chain Store

Established in 1899, Yoshinoya was inspired by American fast food restaurants, making gyudon (beef bowl) representative of Japanese fast food that is "quick, cheap, and delicious."

In addition to serving gyudon all day, Yoshinoya is the first rice bowl chain to introduce a breakfast-only menu. Customers can enjoy steaming hot rice and miso soup in the morning, energizing the start of their day. You can also find affordable discounts on Yoshinoya's app or official website.

The next time you want to try Yoshinoya's dishes, be sure to check for suitable discounts first!

How to Order at Yoshinoya

There are two ways to order food at Yoshinoya: verbally and via a tablet. When ordering verbally, look at the menu at your seat and decide what you want to eat. Then raise your hand and wait for a staff to take your order.

Tablet ordering involves using the tablet device placed at your table. After selecting your meal, press "Submit!" The tablet also has an English and Chinese menu, so you don't need to worry about not understanding the dish names.

For more information, feel free to visit the Yoshinoya (Japanese) official website!

2. Matsuya: Long-Standing Shop That’s a Hit among Customers

Matsuya has the most advanced central kitchen system and is dedicated to using affordable, delicious ingredients. This effectively controls food quality and allows them to offer customers reasonable prices.

Many Matsuya locations feature modern and innovative designs, making it easy and stress-free for first-time visitors to Japan to enjoy delicious meals. In addition to the signature gyudon, the combination meals at Matsuya are a hit among many diners.

The sizzling grilled meat served on a hot plate, paired with fresh cabbage salad and a bowl of hot miso soup, allows customers to savor a hearty and flavorful meal.

How to Order at Matsuya

The ordering method at Matsuya differs from Yoshinoya and Sukiya. It features ticket machines at the entrance for customers to place their orders. After selecting the desired meal and paying at the machine, customers receive a ticket with a number and can wait at their table.

When the screen at the counter indicates that the meal is ready, customers can pick up their order and enjoy it at their seats! After finishing, simply return the utensils to the designated recycling area.

For more information, feel free to visit the Matsuya official website.

3. Sukiya: The Chain Store with the Most Locations

With nearly 2,000 branches across Japan, Sukiya is the gyudon chain with the most locations in the country.

Picking up the ordering tablet, you’ll be surprised to find that there are various toppings available for gyudon, such as cheese, kimchi, green onion omelet, grated radish, yam, and okra. They also regularly introduce limited menu items to enrich the flavors of their rice bowls.

Furthermore, Sukiya offers six portion sizes for its rice bowls, each differing in rice and meat quantities. The editor has compiled the differences in portion sizes in the table below:

How to Order at Sukiya

The ordering method at Sukiya includes verbal and tablet methods. Currently, Sukiya is gradually phasing out paper menus, so when you enter the restaurant, you can first use the tablet to see what you want to eat. Then, order with the staff or place your order using the tablet.

For more information, feel free to visit the Sukiya official website!

4. Nakau: A Top Choice for Customers

Originating in Osaka, Nakau is a chain specializing in rice bowls and udon noodles. Compared to their gyudon, Nakau is most famous for their oyakodon, made with eggs and chicken topped over rice.

Although the prices are friendly, the flavor and portions are definitely not compromised, making it a favorite among Japanese office workers. The editor often visits Nakau for oyakodon during lunch. In addition to rice dishes, Nakau's noodle offerings are also very appealing.

With a diverse menu of udon and soba noodles, including options for hot and cold dishes as well as various toppings, their most famous noodle dishes include the signature "curry udon" and the "Kyoto-style udon" that uses bonito and kelp broth. Both of these are must-try options!

How to Order at Nakau

The ordering method at Nakau also involves using a ticket machine at the entrance. After placing your order and paying at the machine, you can take your ticket to your seat. A staff member will come to collect the ticket. Then, hand it over and wait for your meal to be served!

For the latest information, visit the Nakau official website!

How to Order the "Secret Menu" at Gyudon Chains

Did you know these gyudon chain stores also have a "secret menu" that is not listed on the main menu? These secret menu options allow you to customize your meal. To communicate these requests to the staff, you must verbally explain your preferences. Let’s introduce some of the terms and their pronunciations!

Next time you visit a gyudon chain, why not customize a bowl that meets your taste preferences?

Latest Information! The Implementation of the "Late-Night Charge" System

When it comes to gyudon chains, a topic that has been frequently discussed recently is the introduction of the "late-night charge" system. It was first initiated by Sukiya and is now partially adopted by Matsuya. Specifically, Sukiya adds a 7% surcharge on food and drinks from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.. Matsuya's items may increase by around 10%.

There are many reasons for implementing a late-night charge system, such as increased labor costs during the nighttime alongside higher gas and electricity expenses. Although the prices have slightly risen, enjoying a steaming bowl of gyudon late at night can be considered a small joy in life!

In Conclusion

The four restaurants above introduce Japanese-style fast food for those traveling to Japan. Popular chain stores offer budget-friendly yet authentic Japanese cuisine. Since meals are available throughout the day, you can enjoy delicious dishes no matter when you visit. The next time you travel to Japan, be sure to check out these places and try their different menus!

This article has been updated with information from July 2024.