Get Bowled Over by Nagoya’s Donburi

Oct 31, 2022

Get Bowled Over by Nagoya’s Donburi

Simplicity in itself, the donburi is the go-to dish for those who want a combination of filling food and flexibility. Though donburi literally means bowl, it generally refers to a bowl of rice with a single topping, often consisting of fish, meat, vegetables, or other ingredients simmered together.

That is not to say that it makes up an extensive description. There are restaurants specializing in donburi all around Nagoya, catering to all budgets and tastes. Here are a few for you to check out.

Sukiya – Gyu-Don

The epitome of cheap and cheerful Japanese fast food, you will have likely seen Sukiya everywhere, even possibly abroad. Sukiya is best known for its reasonably-priced gyu-don (beef rice bowl), and there are six sizes, from tiny to mega, the latter of which you probably need to be a competitive eater to manage. If you want to mix things up, you can add other ingredients to your gyuudon, such as kimchi, cheese, or raw egg.

Where: All over Nagoya. See the website for your nearest.
Website: sukiya.jp

Tenya – Ten-Don

While ten-don doesn’t sound entirely inviting in English, it is a tempura rice bowl in Japanese. Tempura Tendon Tenya started in Asakusa, Tokyo, but the branch in Nagoya’s Tempaku Ward retains all the original quality. As well as all the classic tempura you would expect – prawns, fish, and vegetables – you can also sample seasonal specialties. At this time of year, try out the oyster, burdock, and pumpkin tendon.

Where: 1 Chome-312 Yakiyama, Tempaku Ward, Nagoya (map)
Website: tenya.co.jp

Torikai Souhonke – Oyako-Don

While the oyako-don’s name is something of an unsettling image (it essentially means parents and child rice bowl), this chicken and egg dish is a donburi classic. However, it is vastly improved here in Nagoya by including the local cochin chicken, which is fat, juicy, and exploding with flavor. Added to the sweet, piquant sauce, it makes Torikai Souhonke a winner.

Where: Nakamura Ward, Tsubakicho, 6−9 ESCA Underground Mall North Exit Floor (map)
Website: tori-kai.com

Yabaton – Katsu-Don

You can’t mention Nagoya cuisine without having a katsu-don. Of course, Nagoya is famous for its miso pork cutlet, but at Yabaton – another serious Nagoya institution – they do things differently. First, they place their succulent cutlet on a bed of fluffy white rice, and then comes the “Miso Dare,” their signature practice of dipping the cutlet in thin red miso sauce. Absolutely delicious.

Where: 3 Chome-6-13 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya (map)
Website: english.yabaton.com

Wasabi – Kaisen-Don

“But if this is a quintessentially Japanese dish, where is the seafood?” you cry. Well, the best has been saved for last. The kaizen-don (seafood rice bowl) is a firm national favorite, and in Nagoya, you can find it at Wasabi Seafood Rice-bowl Specialty Store. Though the store title may not be catchy, the catch of the day is phenomenal. Sourced directly from the Yanagibashi Fish Market, their lunchtime deals are great, whilst it is also perfect for a full evening course, complete with all-you-can-drink.

Where: 2 Chome-5-33 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya (map)
Website: tabelog.com

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Image by https://www.sukiya.jp/en/
Image by https://www.tenya.co.jp/menubook/limited/HTML5/pc.html#/page/1
Image by https://www.tori-kai.com/shop/esca.html
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Image by Tatsu Mor via flickr.com [CC PUBLIC DOMAIN]