The Beloved Donburi – An Invite to the Deep Flavor Secrets of Japan

“No rice, no life!” – a popular saying in Japan that shows its deep-rooted sentiment for rice in its culinary culture. Sushi is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But Donburi (also known as “Don”), where rice plays a crucial role, is no less a beloved dish and placed at the heart of Japanese cuisine.

At its core, Don is a bowl of steamed rice served with various savory toppings. The variety of ingredients that can be put on top gives it a diverse range of flavors and textures. It’s where the simplicity meets depth of flavor in a single bowl.

Without further ado, let’s dive in! Recommended by a discerning Korean foodie friend and endorsed by many Asian cuisine enthusiasts, B-Gourmet offers an array of classic Don dishes. They serve everything from fresh sashimi to Tempura Don with deep-fried veggies, from tender bites of teriyaki chicken to rich, flavorful cuts of beef.

Before we get to the main dishes, let me share a tip about the appetizers that we always order at B-Gourmet.

First up is “Hiyayakko“, a simple yet delicious traditional Japanese dish of cold, fresh tofu topped with ginger paste and nori (dried seaweed). The tofu is incredibly smooth and delicate, like biting into a piece of cloud, chilled and refreshing. The ginger paste and spring onions add a zesty kick that complements the mildness of the tofu, while bonito flakes (dried, fermented, and smoked tuna flakes) and nori stripes bring a hint of umami richness. The nice contrast between the creamy tofu and the pungent ginger paste really enhances the pure and clean flavor of the dish, making you appreciate that sometimes less is more.

The next appetizer is a well-known favorite throughout Japan and beyond – “Takoyaki”, which means grilled octopus in Japanese. These bite-sized golden-brown balls, originally from Osaka, are cooked in a round-molded Takoyaki grill pan. They’re crispy on the outside and soft creamy on the inside. With each one harboring a tender piece of Tako (i.e. octopus), scallion and tempura scraps at its core, and a variety of toppings – Takoyaki sauce (sweet and mild), Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes and crushed dried seaweed flakes, you’ll experience a delicate balance of subtlety and umami richness that often characterizes the Japanese cuisine.

And if you’re a fan of fried foods, you must try the ‘karaage‘ at this restaurant! These are boneless chicken chunks, deep-fried to a golden-brown perfection. They’re crispy outside, juicy and tender inside. With one bite, you’ll indulge in a delicious blend of flavors – a hint of ginger, garlic, saltiness from soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from mirin. For those who like it spicy, there’s the ‘Jojo Chicken’ dazzled with a Japanese spicy mayo-based sauce. It’s labeled for ‘extreme hot lovers,’ so it might be too much for some. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other options, like sesame, teriyaki, or original flavors. They come with a wedge of lime for a zesty kick and a side of shredded cabbage, adding a refreshing touch to the crispy chicken pieces.

Now let’s move on to the main courses. There’re many classic Dons at B-Gourmet that’ll leave you spoiled for choice. Let’s start with some of the most iconic and popular ones.

Next up is a combination of 2 beloved Japanese classics: the crispy breaded pork cutlet (Katsu or Japanese Schnitzel) and savory Japanese curry, served over steamed rice. Curry, while not native to Japan, has made its way into everyday meals in Japan. It’s usually made with curry powder and simmered with various vegetables like onions, carrots and potatoes and even meat, untill they are all tender and their flavors blend together. It’s very flavorful and slightly sweeter and milder than Indian and Southeast Asian curries. The thick aromatic curry sauce is generously poured over and soaked into the crunchy pork, infusing the dish with its incredibly rich flavors and aromas. 

Teriyaki Chicken Don, a Japanese household favorite. Boneless, tender chicken thighs, glazed with caramelized teriyaki sauce, rest on steamed rice. At B-Gourmet, it comes with additional toppings like sliced onions, Japanese mayo, shredded nori (seaweed) and cabbage to add balance and depth to the texture and flavor. The Teriyaki sauce has the signature sweet and salty taste often found in Japanese cuisine. It not only coats the chicken during cooking, but is also used as a key ingredient in the marinade, keeping the chicken moist and juicy and bursting with rich and savory flavor with each satisfying bite.

Located in the Westend, the ambiance of this restaurant exudes a serene atmosphere reminiscent of Japan. While Tokyo often brings to mind the images of bustling streets, represented by the lively Shibuya crossroad with its constant rush and hurried pace, there exists a different tranquility in some areas of the metropolis, particularly in its residential districts. Imagine a peaceful neighborhood, where intermittent bird chirps break the stillness, allowing your face to be painted by the rare winter sunlight, while enjoying a comforting and satisfying meal. Under the embrace of the radiant sun, moments of tranquility linger as time gently flows. Isn’t it true that “no rice, no life”?