Visiting Matsunoya for Freshly Fried Comfort! Excited for the Long-Awaited Return of a Seafood Classic
When you are craving freshly fried, crispy cutlets on an everyday budget, "Matsunoya" is the ultimate go-to spot. Conveniently located near train stations and major roadsides, its user-friendly touchscreen ticket kiosks and seamless self-service make dining here effortless.
Recently, Matsunoya announced some exciting news: the "Aji Fry (Fried Horse Mackerel) Set Meal," a personal favorite that had been off the menu for a while, has finally made its long-awaited comeback! While the simultaneously revived "Kaki Fry (Fried Oyster) Set Meal" was also tempting, I headed straight to the restaurant to reunite with the fried horse mackerel I had been craving for so long.
Tasting the "Aji Fry (2 Pieces) Set Meal"! Truly Satisfied with the Large, Crispy Coating and Plump, Tender Fish
For this visit, I ordered the revived signature dish: the "Aji Fry (2 Pieces) Set Meal" (930 yen including tax). At the ticket kiosk, I used a "100-yen discount coupon" from the official Matsuya Foods app and combined it with a "free croquette voucher" received on a previous visit. As a result, I scored a hearty set meal complete with a croquette for just 830 yen.
When my order number was called and I picked up the tray, the sheer presence of the fried fish immediately amazed me. Resting solidly on the wire rack were two oversized pieces of fried horse mackerel, slightly overlapping each other. The appetizing aroma of freshly fried, coarse panko breadcrumbs toasted to a golden-brown perfection instantly whetted my appetite.
Breaking into it with my chopsticks produced a crisp, wonderfully satisfying "crunch!"
Taking a direct bite, the horse mackerel inside the crispy exterior proved remarkably thick and fluffy, releasing a rich, juicy fish flavor with every chew. Dining out often leads to a meat-heavy diet with too little seafood, so being able to easily enjoy a delicious, substantial fish meal like this is genuinely appreciated.
Dipping it generously into the accompanying tartar sauce, the creamy richness and gentle acidity blended flawlessly with the natural fats of the mackerel, making the steamed rice disappear fast. Between bites, I refreshed my palate with a mound of shredded cabbage and miso soup while savoring the steaming-hot croquette added via the complimentary coupon. In terms of sheer volume and taste, it was thoroughly satisfying.
[Summary] Perfect for a Hearty Fish Feast! Looking Forward to the Fried Oysters Next
Matsunoya's "Aji Fry (2 Pieces) Set Meal" delivered exactly as promised—offering substantial portions and a delightful contrast between crispy breading and fluffy fish. By taking advantage of app coupons and complimentary vouchers, you can treat yourself to an even more affordable, satisfying meal.
Whenever you are in the mood for a hearty, budget-friendly seafood meal, keep this dish high on your list. Having been reminded of how good their fried horse mackerel is, I am definitely trying the revived "Kaki Fry Set Meal" next!