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Donburi, or rice bowls, is widely popular in Japan for its quick and easy preparation, not to mention affordable. If you’re wondering which Japanese rice bowls to try on your trip, we highlighted some of our recommendations.
Donburi comes in different shapes and sizes (and toppings). From meat and seafood to veggies and eggs, donburi caters to a wide variety of palates.
You can find it virtually anywhere—from humble street stalls and casual restaurants to high-end establishments. It's also generally an affordable option, making it a popular choice for students, office workers, and families.
From classic combinations like gyudon (beef and onion) and katsudon (pork cutlet) to regional specialties and seasonal ingredients, there's a donburi for every taste. You can also often customize your bowl with extra toppings or sauces.
Here are some must-try donburi in Japan:
1. Kaisendon (Seafood rice bowl)
If you live for seafood, kaisendon could be your jam. This Japanese rice bowl is typically topped with or a mixture of tuna, salmon, uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), shrimp, crab, scallops, etc.
2. Tendon (Tempura rice bowl)
For this donburi, tempura is the star of the bowl, hence the name tendon (tempura and donburi). Tempura is a battered piece of meat, seafood, or veggie that’s deep-fried before laying on top of the fluffy rice.
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3. Oyakodon (Chicken and egg rice bowl)
Oyakodon translates to “parent and child rice bowl” because it uses tender chicken meat and egg which are simmed in a savory-sweet sauce. Thigh is often used for this rice bowl while the egg is often soft and slightly runny.
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4. Gyudon (Beef rice bowl)
One of the most popular donburi is gyudon. Thinly sliced beef and onions that are simmered in sweet sauce are used as toppings, resulting in a flavorful rice bowl. Others refer to gyudon as gyumeshi.
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5. Katsudon
Another popular Japanese rice bowl is katsudon. Its main topping is tonkatsu, or deep-fried breaded pork cutlet. It’s simple and delicious.
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Looking for a fun food tour in Kyoto? Join our local guides for the Nishiki Market Kyoto Food Tour, where we will take you to the best food spots at Nishiki Market and let you feast on various delicious dishes.
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