What is Donburi?
A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Rice Bowls
Donburi is a Japanese dish made by serving various toppings over a bowl of rice. It’s a simple and popular meal in Japan, with many different types to choose from.
The toppings can include meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, and more, depending on the type of donburi.
Donburi is a great way to enjoy a complete Japanese meal in one bowl! 🍚
Popular Types of Donburi 🍚
Oyakodon（親子丼）
A classic donburi made with chicken and eggs cooked together in a sweet and savoury sauce. The name literally means “parent and child,” referring to the chicken and egg.
Gyudon（牛丼）
A simple and popular donburi topped with thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savoury sauce.
Katsudon（カツ丼）
A bowl of rice topped with a crispy pork cutlet, egg, and onions cooked in a savoury sauce.
Tendon（天丼）
A bowl of rice topped with tempura, often including shrimp and vegetables, with a sweet and savoury sauce.
Kaisendon（海鮮丼）
A bowl of rice topped with various types of fresh seafood, such as salmon, tuna, shrimp, and sea urchin.
Unadon（うな丼）
A bowl of rice topped with grilled eel glazed with a rich, sweet and savoury sauce.
Regional Donburi 🇯🇵
Japan has many regional rice bowls made with local ingredients. Here are a few unique donburi you may come across in different parts of Japan.
Harako-meshi（はらこ飯） — Miyagi
A regional dish from Miyagi made with cooked salmon and salmon roe served over rice. It’s known for its simple combination of local seafood and rice.
Shiroebi Don（白えび丼） — Toyama
A donburi topped with small, delicate white shrimp known as shiroebi, a specialty of Toyama. They can be served fresh or fried, depending on the dish.
Tare-katsu Don（タレカツ丼） — Niigata
A Niigata specialty made with thin, crispy pork cutlets dipped in a sweet and savoury sauce and served over rice.
Akaushi Don（あか牛丼） — Kumamoto
A Kumamoto specialty featuring local Akaushi beef served over rice, often with a soft-cooked egg and a savoury sauce.
Dietary Information
Donburi varies a lot depending on the toppings, sauce, and ingredients used.
Common ingredients that may be important for dietary requirements include pork, beef, fish and seafood, eggs, soy sauce, and wheat. Some sauces contain soy sauce and wheat.
Always check the ingredients if you have allergies or specific dietary requirements.
Donburi at Convenience Stores & Supermarkets
Donburi is also widely available at Japanese convenience stores and supermarkets. You can find options such as gyudon, katsudon, chicken bowls, and seafood bowls, making them a convenient choice for a quick meal.
Try a Japanese donburi and find your favourite bowl! 🍚