YAYOI（やよい軒）是來自日本Plenus旗下的連鎖日式定食餐廳，自2014年進駐台灣市場以來，逐漸擴展至多個城市，包括台北、新北、高雄、台中等地。主打的是「一汁三菜」的經典日式定食概念，強調均衡營養、健康飲食以及日常簡約的飲食哲學，在台灣市場上成功塑造出平價但有品質的日式家庭餐廳形象，受到學生、上班族與家庭客層的廣泛歡迎。

餐點方面，最受歡迎的菜色之一是「鹽烤鯖魚定食」，以鹽烤方式處理的挪威鯖魚香氣撲鼻，外皮微脆、魚肉油脂豐富且無腥味，搭配白飯、味噌湯與小菜，呈現出最基本也最道地的日式定食風味。另一道熱門餐點是「漢堡排定食」，使用牛豬混合肉製成的日式漢堡排煎至外酥內嫩，淋上特製和風醬汁，配上半熟蛋與米飯十分下飯。此外，「照燒雞腿」、「豬排咖哩」、「唐揚雞塊定食」等料理也頗具人氣，特別受到年輕族群喜愛。餐廳的米飯品質受到特別重視，使用日本技術烹煮，口感粒粒分明、軟硬適中，甚至提供免費續小菜、飯跟飯的服務，使人感到物有所值。

菜單設計上會定期推出季節限定餐點，如春季的櫻花便當、秋季的松茸釜飯，藉由這種方式讓消費者每次造訪都有新的期待感，並且引入日本當地飲食文化中的季節感（“shun”旬之味）。此外，也針對台灣市場口味進行細微調整，例如略微降低鹹度、增強食材新鮮度，確保在保有日式風味的同時更貼近在地消費者的喜好。

在整體市場評價方面，在台灣被普遍認為是CP值頗高的日式餐廳選擇。其定食價格多落在NT$250～NT$400之間，雖然相較於一般簡餐略高，但在服務品質、餐點內容與用餐氛圍方面普遍被認為對得起價格。消費者常提到其店內環境整潔、燈光柔和，服務人員親切有禮，加上點餐流程現代化（部分分店使用平板點餐或手機自助掃碼），讓用餐體驗更加便利與舒適。對於上班族來說，是適合中午快速但完整地補充營養的好去處；而在晚餐或假日時段，也常見家庭客群前來聚餐。

不過，也有一些評論提及在高峰時段會出現候位時間過長、餐點出餐稍慢的情形，特別是在假日熱門商圈的分店。此外，部分熟悉日本本店的饕客則認為，雖然整體味道與品質穩定，但與日本本地的YAYOI相比仍略遜一籌，特別是在食材來源與細節呈現上。

總體而言，YAYOI在台灣成功地建立「家庭式日式定食」的品牌形象，為大眾提供平實價格下也能享受日式飲食文化的選擇。既能滿足日常快速用餐的需求，也能在特定節慶或場合提供具有儀式感的餐桌體驗，是兼具實用性與文化意涵的日式餐廳。如果想要體驗日本人日常的「吃飯配湯配小菜」的均衡一餐，會是不錯的選擇。

YAYOI (やよい軒) is a Japanese-style set meal (teishoku) restaurant chain operated by Plenus, originally from Japan. Since entering the Taiwanese market in 2014, it has gradually expanded to multiple cities, including Taipei, New Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung. The restaurant centers on the classic concept of “ichiju-sansai” — one soup and three side dishes — emphasizing balanced nutrition, healthy eating, and the simplicity of daily meals. In Taiwan, YAYOI has successfully built a reputation as an affordable yet high-quality Japanese family restaurant, gaining popularity among students, office workers, and families alike.

One of the most popular dishes is the “Salt-Grilled Mackerel Set Meal,” featuring fragrant Norwegian mackerel grilled with salt. The fish has a slightly crispy skin, rich oily flesh, and no fishy odor. Served with white rice, miso soup, and small side dishes, it embodies the most fundamental and authentic flavor of a Japanese set meal. Another fan favorite is the “Hamburg Steak Set Meal,” made with a blend of beef and pork grilled to perfection — crispy outside, tender inside — and topped with a special Japanese-style sauce, served alongside a soft-boiled egg and rice. Other well-loved menu items include Teriyaki Chicken, Pork Cutlet Curry, and Karaage Fried Chicken, which are especially popular among younger customers. Rice quality is given particular attention, cooked using Japanese techniques to achieve a perfect balance of firmness and fluffiness. The restaurant also offers free refills of rice and side dishes, enhancing the overall value.

The menu is seasonally updated with limited-time offerings, such as cherry blossom bento boxes in spring or matsutake mushroom rice pots in autumn. This approach introduces customers to the Japanese culinary philosophy of shun — eating seasonal ingredients at their peak — and keeps each visit fresh and exciting. Additionally, slight adjustments have been made to suit the Taiwanese palate, such as reducing saltiness and emphasizing ingredient freshness, ensuring that the Japanese essence is preserved while aligning better with local tastes.

In terms of market reception, YAYOI is generally regarded as a high value-for-money Japanese dining option in Taiwan. Set meals typically range from NT$250 to NT$400. While this is slightly higher than average casual meals, the quality of service, food, and dining atmosphere is considered well worth the price. Customers frequently praise the clean environment, soft lighting, and courteous staff. Some branches have modernized the ordering process using tablets or QR code systems, making dining more convenient and comfortable. For office workers, it is an ideal place for a quick yet complete lunch, while during dinner or on weekends, it becomes a popular spot for family gatherings.

However, some critiques mention long wait times during peak hours and slightly slow service at busier branches, especially in popular shopping districts on holidays. A few diners familiar with the Japanese original locations feel that, while the overall taste and quality are consistent, it still falls slightly short compared to YAYOI in Japan, particularly in ingredient sourcing and attention to detail.

Overall, YAYOI has successfully established itself in Taiwan as a go-to brand for “home-style Japanese set meals,” offering the general public an accessible way to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. It satisfies both the need for quick daily meals and the desire for more ceremonial dining experiences during special occasions. For anyone looking to experience the everyday Japanese meal of rice, soup, and small dishes, YAYOI is a solid choice.