Yoshinoya Japan Adds Ostrich Meat To Its Menu

By a show of hands, who remembers the iconic 80s marketing campaign: “Pork. The other white meat”?

This slogan aimed to highlight pork as a lean meat alternative and change its “fatty protein” reputation. A Northwestern University study in 2000 deemed it one of the most memorable slogans and marketing campaigns in advertising history.

Now, Yoshinoya Japan is set to claim that crown with an exciting new addition: ostrich! Don’t quote me on this, but their slogan could very well be, “Ostrich: The other other, other white meat.” Dubbed their “fourth meat” after beef, pork, and chicken, ostrich bowls will be available while supplies last, with only 60,000 bowls being served across select Yoshinoya Japan locations.

This new offering isn’t just a bid to go viral or differentiate themselves from other food bowl competitors; it has been part of their strategy for years. Yoshinoya has been exploring ostrich meat for the past 20 years because it requires fewer resources and is healthier than beef.

With the ostrich’s gigantic legs, I couldn’t help but think of a family meal-sized fried ostrich leg booth—one leg could feed 15! I had ostrich once, about a decade ago in Sydney, Australia, where I tried a dish called “Four Arms Pizza,” featuring both ostrich and emu.

Based on that experience, I might just need to try one of those 60,000 bowls, which come with a salad, soup, and raw egg on the side. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Yoshinoya Japan website lists the locations serving the ostrich meat bowls, so you can try something truly unique.