A Lifesaver for Hot Summer Days! Trying Matsuya's Featured Summer Menu: Hiyajiru
During these relentlessly hot summer days, it is easy to lose your appetite. Hearing that Matsuya introduced "Hiyajiru" (chilled soup)—a dish that seemed light and refreshing—I couldn't resist heading to the restaurant to try it for myself.
Matsuya is great because it is so convenient for a quick meal. Although I usually opt for Yoshinoya's beef bowl, I was craving Matsuya's Gyumeshi for the first time in a while, so I decided to order them together as a set menu.
Chilled Hiyajiru Bursting with Rich Dashi, and Addictive Gyumeshi Transformed by Table Condiments
I ordered the "Gyumeshi Hiyajiru Set" (regular size, 820 yen including tax). Ordering it as a combo set saves you 30 yen compared to buying the items separately, which is a nice little bargain.
When the "Hiyajiru" arrived, it looked very simple, with tofu, fresh vegetables, and chopped green onions floating in the bowl. However, taking a single sip revealed a surprisingly rich dashi flavor that defied its simple appearance. The refreshing chill slid smoothly down my throat, soothing a body fatigued by the oppressive summer heat. The smooth texture of the tofu and crisp vegetables perfectly complemented the deep, savory broth.
Next was the "Gyumeshi," which I hadn't had in a long time. When eating Gyumeshi at Matsuya, I have a personal favorite style. While I stick to a simple combination of shichimi (seven-spice powder) and pickled red ginger at Yoshinoya—since they don't have table dressings—the real highlight of dining at Matsuya is taking full advantage of their condiment lineup.
I drizzled French dressing and barbecue sauce over the bowl, then topped it generously with shichimi chili powder and red ginger. The rich acidity of the French dressing and the sweet, savory taste of the barbecue sauce combined with the spicy kick of shichimi and the refreshing bite of red ginger. This blend created an addictive flavor profile that made it impossible to stop eating. Paired with the rich dashi of the Hiyajiru, the meal was over before I knew it.
[Summary] Great for Hydration & Salt Replenishment! Enjoy Cool Comfort and Stamina in One Meal
Matsuya's "Gyumeshi Hiyajiru Set" is a highly satisfying combination where the chilled soup, packed with savory dashi, and the sweet-and-savory juicy beef bowl complement each other brilliantly.
It is the perfect meal combo when you want both refreshing coolness to endure the severe heat and a solid boost of stamina. Be sure to stop by your local Matsuya and experience the delicious harmony of cool, rich dashi and customized Gyumeshi for yourself.