The other day, I tried Sukiya's new menu item, so I’d like to share my thoughts in this blog.
This time, I ordered the "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don." I remember having it before, but for some reason, I never wrote about it on my blog. So, I decided to document it properly this time.
Arrived at Sukiya! Tempted by the lunch set...
When I arrived at the restaurant, I saw an advertisement for the "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don" I had been looking forward to. However, right below it was a promotion for the budget-friendly lunch sets… Every time I see something like this, I can’t help but waver (lol). The curry and gyūdon sets were even cheaper than the "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don" on its own, which honestly made them quite tempting. Personally, I wish they would showcase more variations of the "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don" instead—then I wouldn't have to second-guess my choice. Since I visited during lunchtime, the discounted set meals felt even more appealing.
Despite my hesitation, I stuck to my original plan! I also ordered miso soup.
That being said, I came specifically to try the "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don" that day, so I brushed off my doubts and ordered it as planned. However, ordering just the main dish felt a bit lacking, so I decided to add miso soup as well. At Matsuya, miso soup comes free with meals, so in comparison, Sukiya's meal feels like an extra ¥110 upgrade.
Time to eat! Simple yet satisfying flavors.
Here it is—the "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don" has arrived! It’s a simple dish with beef short ribs served over rice, but that’s exactly what makes it so easy to enjoy without getting tired of it.
When I took my first bite, the beef was, of course, delicious, but what really stood out was the sauce! The balance of sweetness and umami was perfect, making the rice incredibly addictive. If Sukiya offered a "shiru-daku" (extra sauce) option like they do for gyūdon, I would have definitely chosen it—the sauce and rice were just that good together. The portion of beef was also satisfying, making for a hearty meal.
A sudden comparison with "Niku no Yama Gyu."
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, but as I was eating, I couldn’t help but recall the "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don" from Niku no Yama Gyu. Their beef short ribs are thicker than Sukiya’s and have a distinct smoky flavor from being grilled over charcoal. The seasoning is also carefully done, making it a high-quality dish. Considering that the medium size costs the same 690 yen, I honestly might choose Yama Gyu over Sukiya. Of course, Sukiya has far more locations, making it more accessible, but if you have a Niku no Yama Gyu nearby, I highly recommend trying both for a comparison.
Summary
Sukiya’s "Gyū Karubi Yakiniku Don" is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice, making it a satisfying meal. However, when compared to Niku no Yama Gyu, some may find the latter more appealing depending on their taste preferences.
If you have a Niku no Yama Gyu location nearby, I highly recommend trying both and comparing them for yourself!