Cheap and Delicious: Local Fast Foods and Restaurants in Japan Worth Discovering

Japan is a country where fast food looks completely different from many parts of the world. Local chains offer meals that are quick, inexpensive, and surprisingly balanced. Often, they are complete meals based on rice, vegetables, fish, and meat, accompanied by miso soup and pickles. Unlike typical Western fast food, many of these dishes can be eaten daily without guilt. Prices are also very reasonable — often even 30–50% lower than in the USA or Europe.

Matsuya

Specializes in gyudon, which is thinly sliced beef simmered with onions in a sweet soy-based sauce, served over hot rice. The menu also includes teishoku, which are set meals with grilled meat, miso soup, rice, and salad. You’ll also find options with ginger, tofu, or fried salmon. Everything is served quickly, and set meals start at around 520 yen (3.35 USD).

Sukiya

In addition to classic gyudon, they serve curry with pork or beef, donburi with egg and soy sauce, and dishes topped with kimchi, cheese, or natto. Meals are highly customizable in terms of rice size and toppings. There are also kid-friendly portions and affordable breakfast sets.

Yoshinoya

One of Japan’s oldest gyudon chains, known for its simplicity and consistent quality. Besides beef bowls, they also serve bowls with teriyaki chicken or ginger chicken, as well as seasonal offerings such as gyudon with mushrooms or soft-boiled egg. In the morning, breakfast sets are available with rice, miso soup, and a fried egg.

Mos Burger

The menu includes classic burgers, but also unique items like the rice burger, where grilled chicken or shrimp is served between two rice patties instead of a bun. Other standout options include the teriyaki burger loaded with fresh vegetables or a burger with wasabi sauce. Smaller sets without drinks or breakfast options are also available.

Tenya

Famous for tempura, a light batter used to fry vegetables and seafood. Set meals often include shrimp, pumpkin, sweet potato, mushrooms, green pepper, and sometimes fish, all served over rice with a light sweet soy-based sauce and miso soup. They also offer soba with tempura or udon noodle options. Prices start at 540 yen (3.48 USD).

Nakau

This chain serves mainly udon and soba noodles, both hot and cold. Popular rice dishes include katsudon (rice with breaded pork cutlet and egg) and oyakodon (rice with simmered chicken and onion in egg). The menu also includes miso soup and side dishes like vegetable tempura.

Coco Ichibanya

A Japanese curry chain where you can fully customize your meal — choose the spice level, toppings, and rice portion. Toppings include fried chicken, shrimp, cheese, vegetables, tofu, squid, fried egg, and even vegetarian options. The curry is mild, thick, and has a sweet-spicy flavor. Most meals range from 690–820 yen (4.45–5.29 USD).

Healthy, quick, and local

Japanese local fast food is quick, affordable, and surprisingly healthy. Ingredients are fresh and seasonal, and service is extremely efficient. These are places frequented daily by Japanese people on their way to work, school, or during lunch breaks. For anyone who wants to eat well without overspending, it’s the perfect choice.