Donburi is a Japanese rice bowl topped with fried vegetables and protein. So naturally a restaurant named Donburi is going to be famous for its Donburi dish. Since Giin is a Donburi fiend, she finally convinced my impatient self to wait in line with her for a bowl. So now you know. This is one of those places with long lines.
But fret not, fellow hungry people. The guys who work here have got it figured out. The line moved quicker than I thought it would. An employee went along the line giving out menus and taking orders, and even directed the traffic to fit as many strangers as possible under the heat lamp. Finally we were ushered into the tiny 2-person indoor waiting area and then to our seats. From line to seat – 20 minutes. Not too bad.
This place is fast-paced. Efficient. Small. As soon as we were seated, the food we had ordered in line was placed in front of our hungry faces. Steaming vegetables over a big-ass bowl of rice. Apparently the customer favorites are the Katsudon (pork) and Unagidon (eel). As far as alcohol goes, Japanese beer only, probably to keep the eaters rotating and the lingering drinkers out.
I ordered the Chicken Katsudon and Giin ordered the Mixed, with shrimp and pork. Both dishes were seasoned exactly the same, with crisp breading around the proteins. The other half of the dish, the rice, was also perfectly cooked. Great. The side dishes were simple and fresh. Awesome.
Okay. I have a confession. Thus far, I have found Donburi in Korea to be overly sweet and salty. I have some major gripes with sugar mixed in with savory foods. Isn’t sugar supposed to be added to eliminate over-salting?! I had hoped that Donburi would justify my dissatisfaction with Donburi in Korea, but it didn’t. (While we’re on this topic: Does anybody know a good Pho place around here? With Sriracha. Why don’t Koreans eat their Pho with Sriracha?!) Back to Donburi: regardless, I am going to give this place a blue pin of superiority because the dish was still tastier than any other Donburi I’ve had in Korea and everyone seems to love it.
Mixed Katsudon (Shrimp and Pork) 8,000₩
Chicken Katsudon 7,000₩
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Conclusion
The best Donburi I’ve found in Korea. Efficient, friendly service. Food, fresh and hot, sweet and salty, crispy and soft! Good vibes all around. It’s no secret though so expect a wait.
English Name: Donburi
Korean Name: 돈부리
English Address: 366-18, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Korean Address: 서울시 마포구 서교동 366-18
Phone Number: 02-3141-8398
Website: www.hddonburi.com
Hours: 11:30-14:30 & 15:30-22:00
Price: 15,000₩ for 2.
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