Pre-review note: Please ignore the Seoul Food links on the pictures. I am currently moving all my reviews from my old blog to Seoul Eats and it simply takes too much time to reformat all the pictures. Okay! Donburi Time!

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 the gf 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. Mouths gaping, we momentarily held our heads over the steaming vegetables, pork, and rice – and then went to work. Apparently the customer favorites are the Katsudon (pork) and Unagidon (eel). As far as alcohol goes, pricey Japanese beer only, probably to keep the eaters rotating and the lingering drinkers out.

I ordered the Chicken Katsudon and the gf 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 (this restaurant) would fix my dissatisfaction with Donburi in Korea, but it didn’t. 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₩

Question: Okay dear readers. I’ve told you how I feel about donburi being too sweet. Actually, I find that Koreans put sugar in the oddest places like garlic bread, pizza, and burgers. Has anyone else experienced this? Or am I the only one? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.

The Rundown
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.
15,000₩ for 2.
11:30-14:30 & 15:30-22:00

More pictures can be found here.
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