Matsuya Releases "Chinese-Style Goro-Chiki"! Heading to the Store to See How It Tastes
Matsuya is one of Japan's most familiar beef bowl and set meal chains. With many convenient locations near train stations and major roads, it’s also very handy that you can sit down and order smartly right from your smartphone using their mobile app.
One of Matsuya's most popular series is "Goro-Chiki" (chunky chicken), which has previously been featured in various formats like curries and Western-style set meals. This time, however, they introduced a "Chinese-style Goro-Chiki" made with chili sauce. Wondering how Matsuya's signature chunky chicken would turn out with a Chinese culinary twist, I decided to head over and try it out.
Initially, I planned to order the set without salad (890 yen), but on the day I visited, a 50-yen discount coupon for the full set meal with salad (regular price 990 yen, tax included) was available on the official Matsuya Foods app. With the coupon, it came down to 940 yen—only a 50-yen difference compared to the salad-less version—so I went ahead and ordered the set meal with salad via mobile order.
By the way, with this order, my projected Matsuya point rank for November reached "Gold," increasing my mobile order point return rate from 3.0% to 4.0%. Taking advantage of standard app coupons and mobile ordering makes your everyday meals a bit more economical, so I highly recommend it.
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Tasting the "Goro-Chiki Chili Sauce Set Meal": Spicy Chili Sauce Meets Fluffy Egg!
The "Goro-Chiki Chili Sauce Set Meal" (990 yen incl. tax / 940 yen with coupon) arrived as a hearty set featuring the main dish served in an iron skillet alongside rice, miso soup, and a fresh vegetable salad.
A rim of bright yellow egg lines the border of the iron skillet, while generous chunks of chicken and vibrant red chili sauce sit in the center, topped with chopped green onions. True to the "Goro-Chiki" name, it is packed with hefty chunks of chicken, looking impressively voluminous from the very first glance.
Taking a bite right away, the spicy kick of doubanjiang (broad bean chili paste) and the savory, rich chili sauce coat the chicken thoroughly, delivering a classic Chinese-style flavor profile. Coating the juicy, substantial chicken with the tender egg softens the spice just enough, making it dangerously easy to devour bowl after bowl of white rice.
To be completely honest, while this chili sauce definitely pairs well with rice, I personally felt that previous Western-style set meals had an even better chemistry with the chunky chicken. Whether that impression came from how it paired with the accompanying side salad or simply personal taste, those accustomed to the Western-style editions might find this profile quite different and unique.
That said, the portion of chicken is undeniably generous, making it an extremely satisfying meal that leaves you completely full.
Summary: Perfect for When You Want a Unique Chinese Dish at Matsuya!
Since authentic Chinese flavor profiles are relatively rare on Matsuya’s menu, this dish is ideal for anyone looking to try something different from the usual beef bowls or Western set meals, as well as dedicated fans who want to try every iteration of the Goro-Chiki series.
The hearty chicken portion is guaranteed to satisfy, so definitely check it out when you crave a substantial meat-and-rice meal. Don't forget to check the official app for coupons before placing your order!