Matsunoya’s Signature Seafood Fry Returns
Matsuya Foods Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Musashino City, Tokyo; President: Kazutoshi Kawarabuki) will launch Fried Horse Mackerel (Aji Fry) and Fried Oysters (Kaki Fry) at its tonkatsu chain Matsunoya from 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. These “hidden favorite” menu items, praised every time they appear, are back once again this year.
Coated in the crispy batter only a tonkatsu specialty restaurant can deliver, these seafood fries are a must-try not just for Matsunoya regulars but for seafood lovers everywhere. With oysters offering an early taste of winter, it is a lineup unique to this time of year.
Thick-Cut Fried Horse Mackerel
The Aji Fry uses thick, meaty true horse mackerel. The crisp batter, applied with tonkatsu specialty techniques, contrasts beautifully with the fluffy white flesh inside. A satisfying crunch gives way to a light, flaky texture packed with the natural umami of the fish.
Fried Oysters: An Early Taste of Winter
The Kaki Fry is defined by its creamy, milky richness that melts across the palate the moment you bite in. Plump oysters bursting with concentrated umami are wrapped in a crisp golden coating, letting guests savor a winter classic ahead of the season.
Best Enjoyed with Rich Tartar Sauce
Both items are recommended with a generous helping of Matsunoya’s rich, flavorful tartar sauce. Its creamy depth pairs perfectly with both the delicate flesh of the horse mackerel and the milky sweetness of the oysters, amplifying the appeal of the seafood many times over.
Menu Lineup and Prices
- Fried Oyster (5 pcs) Set: 1,030 yen
- Extra Fried Oyster (7 pcs) Set: 1,290 yen
- Loin Katsu & Fried Oyster (2 pcs) Set: 1,030 yen
- Extra-Thick Rib Loin Katsu & Fried Oyster (2 pcs) Set: 1,290 yen
- Fried Horse Mackerel (2 pcs) Set: 930 yen
- Loin Katsu & Fried Horse Mackerel (1 pc) Set: 1,030 yen
- Extra-Thick Rib Loin Katsu & Fried Horse Mackerel (1 pc) Set: 1,290 yen
- Seafood Assortment Set (2 fried oysters, 1 fried horse mackerel, 1 shrimp): 1,030 yen
- Fried Oyster Egg Donburi: 930 yen
- Fried Oysters à la carte (2 pcs): 400 yen
- Fried Horse Mackerel à la carte (1 pc): 350 yen
- Morning Value Fried Horse Mackerel Set (no side dish): 550 yen
- Morning Value Fried Horse Mackerel Set (with side dish): 590 yen
Beyond seafood, combination sets pairing the fries with Matsunoya’s signature loin katsu or extra-thick rib loin katsu are also available, offering a luxurious way to enjoy both meat and fish in one meal. The Seafood Assortment Set lets you sample fried oysters, horse mackerel and shrimp all on one plate.
Sales Details and Notes
- Launch date: From 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- Locations: Matsunoya stores nationwide (excluding some locations)
- All prices include tax; dine-in and takeout prices are identical.
- Miso soup for takeout requires an additional charge.
- Shareholder benefit tickets can be used for the Fried Oyster (5 pcs) Set, Extra Fried Oyster (7 pcs) Set, Fried Horse Mackerel (2 pcs) Set, Fried Oyster Egg Donburi, and Morning Value Fried Horse Mackerel Set.
- The Morning Value Fried Horse Mackerel Set is available only from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (dine-in only).
- Please contact individual stores to confirm availability.
During morning hours, the Morning Value set starts at just 550 yen, making freshly fried horse mackerel remarkably accessible — a hallmark of Matsunoya, which draws a strong breakfast crowd. Crispy batter, tender seafood and rich tartar sauce await for a limited time only, so be sure to visit a store and experience it for yourself.