Dropping by Matsuya: In Search of the Buzzworthy New Set Meal
Matsuya is a popular beef bowl chain with locations across Japan, perfect for grabbing a quick and satisfying bite whenever hunger strikes. This time, I visited after hearing about their newly launched "Generous Beef Plate Set Meal" (Tappuri Gyuzara Teishoku).
I took my seat with high expectations, eager to see just how generous this "generous" beef plate would actually be. As a quick tip, the official Matsuya Foods app regularly distributes discount coupons. During my visit, a 50-yen coupon was available, allowing me to order the meal for 740 yen instead of the regular 790 yen (tax included; coupons are available for a limited time). Checking the app before ordering is definitely a smart, hassle-free way to save.
Tasting the "Generous Beef Plate Set Meal" (790 Yen): Honest Thoughts on Portion and Flavor
When my number was called, I picked up the meal. The set comes complete with seasoned beef served on a shallow plate, steamed rice, fresh salad, Japanese pickles, and miso soup.
According to official information, the beef in this meal corresponds to a "large" (Oomori) portion of their standard Gyumeshi (beef bowl). Looking at the meat spread across the flat plate, my candid impression was a calm "it is certainly a fair portion"—somewhat modest compared to the towering image I had built up from the word "generous." In a bowl style, the toppings cover the rice, making the portion feel visibly piled high. In a set-meal style, the meat sits separately on a flat plate where you can see the entire portion at once, which may account for this slight visual contrast.
Taking a bite with chopsticks, the thinly sliced beef was tender, juicy, and thoroughly infused with the sweet and savory sauce. With every chew, the sweetness of the beef fat and the rich soy sauce aroma spread across the palate—delivering that familiar, reliable Matsuya quality. While the sauce is said to have undergone continuous recipe refinements, to me it tasted just like the delicious, comforting Gyumeshi flavor I know so well, without any drastic departure. Nevertheless, that dependable taste naturally pairs well with steamed rice.
Because I finished the whole plate comfortably without feeling overly stuffed, my initial expectations might have been slightly too high. If you expect a massive, mountainous portion from the label "generous," it might feel slightly different from what you envisioned. If you want a truly massive serving of meat, opting for the "Extra-Large Beef Plate Set Meal" (Tokumori, 990 yen) might be closer to that image. I would definitely like to give the Tokumori size a try next time.
That said, considering you get a well-rounded set meal with fresh salad, pickles, and miso soup in the 700-yen range (740 yen with coupon), the cost performance is undeniably solid.
[Summary] Ideal for Anyone Looking for a Quick, Meat-Focused Meal
Matsuya's "Generous Beef Plate Set Meal" lets you enjoy a large-sized serving of savory beef in a leisurely teishoku format at your own pace. While expectations for the word "generous" will vary from person to person, it remains a practical and well-balanced option delivering meat, rice, and vegetables in the 700-yen range. If you want a quick meal that feels a bit more structured than your everyday beef bowl, give it a try!