Fast food, we all love it and hate it at the same time. Cheap, filling and extremely unhealthly options in any location you happen to be. In Japan, things are pretty much the same as the rest of the world, albeit with some expected twists. Bwlow is a quick, and hardly comprehensive guide to the common types of fast food here.
The first to note is trans-fats. Japan is not a country that looks down on this unhealthy, dangerous addition. When people say “McDonalds in Japan tastes so much better!”, it is likely this is culprit.
McDonalds
McDonalds is hardly the most popular Japanese fast-food outlet, but we may as well start with what we all know. The picture above shows the three burgers on special at the date of writing. A large “set” (a set includes fries & drink) costs about 5 dollars at lunch time. This is cheap, but it is seemingly set to target the salarymen who prefer to eat real Japanese food on their lunch.
Mc Donald’s Lunch Menu. From left to right. Teriyaki Burger, Fish Fillet & Shrimp Burger.
Another small difference is that almost all McDonalds, except those inside malls or other shops, are open 24 hours a day. It is also alright to put your head down and have a nap (it’s frowned upon in more busy locations). Going in after the midnight hour you will find a mix of people. Homeless who purchased a single coffee in exchange for a seat for the night. Salarymen napping after missing the last train, and usually a few night-owls (myself included) enjoying the quiet atmosphere, Nintendo DS or Smartphone in hand.
I would mention Burger Kind, but I honestly haven’t eaten there more than once or twice in Japan. The King seemingly does not have much appeal here and isn’t really found anywhere apart from very major city hubs.
Japanese Beef Bowl / Gyudon
The other option is Japanese beef bowl, or Gyudon. This is quite simply a bowl of rice covered with a layer of usually Australian, “fatty” beef. This is probably the best example of fast food, nippon style. Walk into any restaurant, drop some coins into a vending machine and order what you want. Go sit in a seat and hand over your ticket and your food is usually in front of you in 20-30 seconds. For about $4.00, you will have a big bowl of beef and rice, plus a side order of miso soup.
Japanese Beef Bowl, Salaryman Favorite.
The two main competitors are Matsuya and Yoshinoya, although Yoshinoya foregoes the vending machine ordering system for an atmosphere more akin to a real restaurant.
In the Winter, green tea will be served to you along with your meal. As the summer months come in water is the default option. And of course, beef bowl is not all they serve. Curry, pork on rice, different soups and many seasonal specials are available but rarely seen eaten (in my experience, at least).
A word of warning to any newcomers, beef bowl restaurants are found in Japan more commonly than McDonalds or other fast food joints, but are incredibly busy during the lunch rush. Many salarymen and office workers rush here during lunch; and tilting the bowl sideways, shovel an entire bowl of food into their mouths in a few minutes before running back to the office. It’s quite a sight to see.
Family Restaurants
Steak being about 20-30 dollars, most Japanese opt for Hamburger steak. Due to this, it is usually perfectly made and cooked becoming somewhat of it’s own food rather than an imitation of something else. “Family Restaurants” specialize in these kind of foods, and usually a whole bunch of Italian themed dishes to boot.
The main chains are Sizeria, Gusto, Jonathan’s and Dennys (Yes, the American franchise does not serve breakfast in Japan!).
Saizera’s Hamburger Steaks. Notice the cast iron skillet it’s served on, piping hot!
The Family restaurant term comes from it’s relative openess to entire family groups eating at once. Large booths have enough room for everyone, and a wall-high glass panel sepearates the smokers from the kids.
Press this handy button to call a staff member!
Hamburger steaks, served on cast iron skillets with a side of potatoes, shrimp, corn, peas or anything else of your choosing. Ranging from around $5-$10 dollars in price, they can be ordered in addition to pizza, spaghetti, salad or the famed Japanese Gratin dish, Doria. Instead of ordering actual drinks, you order access to the drinks bar. This is a self serve, all you can drink system filled with a range of teas, coffees and fizzy drinks.
Now that you know what to order, did I mention how to order? An efficient and headache saving device is sitting on every table. With a touch of a button you will have a staff member come by to help you. Why this is not standard in every restaurant in the world is beyond me but it certainly takes the stress away from ordering some food.
Check our Sizeria’s menu online here.
Mc Donalds Japanese site (Japanese only!)
Matsuya’s menu
