Sukiya: The Reliable, Go-To Spot for Quick and Satisfying Japanese Set Meals
With locations spread across train stations and roadsides nationwide—many operating around the clock—one of Sukiya's greatest appeals is how easily you can just drop in anytime.
While Sukiya is best known for its beef bowls and curry, browsing through their touchscreen menu reveals a surprisingly rich lineup of teishoku (set meals). After days of heavy meals like Chinese food or deep-fried dishes, you might suddenly crave grilled fish. That’s when having an easy, accessible place for a fish set meal is truly a lifesaver. I quickly placed my order via the table tablet and waited with anticipation.
Juicy, Seared Salt-Grilled Mackerel Paired with Classic Side Dishes: The Salt-Grilled Mackerel & Natto Set (Regular Rice)
Before long, my order arrived: the "Salt-Grilled Mackerel & Natto Set Meal" (regular rice, 730 yen including tax), with the tray completely filled with side dishes.
The star of the meal, the seared salt-grilled mackerel (aburi shio saba), had beautifully browned, crispy skin and a tender, flaky texture. Packed with just the right amount of fat and perfectly salted, it paired wonderfully with the steaming hot bowl of white rice.
What makes this meal even better is the generous array of traditional side dishes:
• Fermented soybeans (natto) with chopped green onions
• Raw egg
• Seasoned nori seaweed
• Crisp Japanese pickles (oshinko)
• Hearty miso soup loaded with ingredients
This lineup is truly the quintessential Japanese comfort food combination. You can enjoy natto over rice, whip up tamago kake gohan (raw egg over rice), or wrap bites with seasoned seaweed—keeping every mouthful exciting until the last bite. It provides a wholesome, comforting feeling that gently revitalizes your body after too many greasy meals.
Looking at other fast-food chains, Matsuya currently doesn't offer a mackerel set, and Yoshinoya focuses mainly on beef side sets. When you simply want to enjoy grilled fish paired with classic Japanese side dishes, Sukiya's combination is easily the best choice. While around 700 yen might seem standard compared to cheap gyudon bowls, having this many dishes readily available anytime makes it an exceptionally satisfying value.
[Summary] Highly Recommended When You Want a Quick, Wholesome Japanese Meal!
The Salt-Grilled Mackerel & Natto Set Meal is a deeply comforting, hearty meal that fills you up with rustic and authentic flavors.
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone whose dining out tends to center on meat and fried foods, or for anyone wanting to add more fish to their diet without hassle. You can also adjust the rice portion from mini (700 yen) to large (780 yen) depending on your appetite. Next time you crave a quick and delicious grilled fish meal in Japan, be sure to give it a try!