24/7 gyudon (beef bowl) restaurants are now dominated by a handful of top dog franchises. Here’s why Matsuya stands above the competition…
I’ve spoken before about Japan’s phenomenon of 24-hour rice bowl restaurants, focusing on the likes of Sukiya and Nakau. Truthfully, when it comes to excellent standards of beef at the lowest prices, Matsuya is the undefeated champ.
More Variety
Matsuya is an independent franchise operated by its parent company Matsuya Foods Corporation.
As such, the company is more focused on its top-selling brand, Matsuya, unlike Sukiya and Nakau which are spread wider due to sharing the same parent company (along other sibling franchises).
Scrolling through the menu at Matsuya, I noticed a far wider range of category tabs than its competitors, each offering an extensive list of dishes, set combinations, and size varieties.
Better Beef
For me, it’s the difference in beef quality that really puts Matsuya on a pedestal.
Not only are their gyudon meats tastier and juicier, but they also offer other varieties of beef including beef ribs and beef hamburger steaks.
Unlike competitor gyudon chains such as Sukiya and Yoshinoya, Matsuya has a greater variety of condiments including meat sauces and salad dressings.
Superior Dishes
Comparing dish to dish with Sukiya, I certainly prefer Matsuya’s style of cooking and presentation.
For instance, when you order a gyudon with soft-boiled egg at Matsuya, they have it on top of your dish already cracked open, marinated, and ready to eat.
On the other hand, Sukiya simply keeps the egg in its shell for you to crack open yourself (talk about too much trust in the customer).
Overall, from the meat quality to the variety of dishes and condiments and right down to that damned soft-boiled egg presentation, I must say Matsuya is where it’s at!
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