What is on the Don Japanese Kitchen menu? The Don Japanese Kitchen menu offers a wide variety of classic and modern Japanese dishes, focusing heavily on satisfying bowls, fresh Sushi and sashimi offerings, and beloved staples like Teriyaki chicken options and crispy Tempura selection.
Welcome to a deep dive into the delicious world of Don Japanese Kitchen! If you are searching for a truly satisfying Japanese meal, you have come to the right place. This spot is known for serving up fresh ingredients and classic tastes. Whether you are planning a quick lunch or a relaxing evening meal, knowing the full menu helps you choose the best items. This guide breaks down every part of the Japanese restaurant menu so you can order with confidence.
Deciphering the Core Offerings: Donburi Specials
The heart of Don Japanese Kitchen lies in its namesake: Donburi. Donburi simply means “bowl” in Japanese. These meals are hearty, filling, and perfectly balanced. They feature savory toppings served over warm, steamed rice.
The All-Star Donburi Selections
The Donburi specials section is where the kitchen truly shines. Each bowl is crafted with care to bring out deep, comforting flavors.
| Donburi Name | Main Topping | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oyakodon | Chicken and Egg | Mild, savory, slightly sweet | Comfort food lovers |
| Katsudon | Panko-Fried Pork Cutlet | Rich, onion-infused sauce | Fans of fried items |
| Gyudon | Thinly Sliced Beef | Sweet soy reduction | Quick, classic lunch |
| Unadon | Grilled Eel (Unagi) | Sweet and smoky glaze | Seafood enthusiasts |
| Tendon | Mixed Tempura | Light, savory dipping sauce | Those who love crispy bites |
These bowls are not just food; they are an experience. The rice soaks up all the delicious juices from the toppings. It makes for a complete and satisfying meal in one bowl.
Customizing Your Donburi Experience
Don Japanese Kitchen often lets you personalize your bowl. You can usually choose your rice type. Do you prefer white rice or brown rice? Perhaps you want extra sauce. Asking about these simple options can greatly improve your meal. For example, adding extra crisp onions on top of your Gyudon can add a nice crunch.
Freshness First: Sushi and Sashimi Offerings
No true Japanese restaurant menu is complete without excellent raw fish preparations. Don Japanese Kitchen prides itself on the quality of its seafood. The Sushi and sashimi offerings showcase the chef’s skill and commitment to freshness.
Nigiri and Sashimi Plates
Sashimi means thinly sliced raw fish served on its own. Nigiri features a slice of fish draped over a small bed of seasoned sushi rice.
- Tuna (Maguro): Lean and flavorful. A staple for any sushi lover.
- Salmon (Sake): Rich in oils, smooth texture. Very popular choice.
- Yellowtail (Hamachi): Buttery taste with a slight firm bite.
- Eel (Unagi/Anago): Always served cooked, usually glazed with sweet sauce.
For those who are new to sushi, ordering a chef’s choice platter is a great starting point. It lets the kitchen guide you through their best daily selections.
Maki Rolls: Creativity in Every Bite
Maki rolls are seaweed-wrapped rice rolls filled with various ingredients. Don Japanese Kitchen offers both traditional and specialty rolls.
Traditional Rolls (Hosomaki and Futomaki)
These rolls use simple, classic fillings. Think cucumber (Kappa Maki) or pickled radish (Oshinko Maki). They are perfect for a lighter bite.
Signature Specialty Rolls
Look out for the inventive specialty rolls! These often combine cooked and raw elements. Some popular combinations might include:
- Spicy Tuna topped with crunchy tempura flakes.
- Shrimp tempura inside, draped with avocado outside.
- Rolls featuring unique sauces or fresh fruit accents.
Always check the menu for seasonal specials. The best sushi chefs often feature fish that is only in season for a short time.
Hot Favorites: Teriyaki, Tempura, and Katsu
Beyond the bowls and raw fish, Don Japanese Kitchen serves up several other beloved hot dishes. These items highlight different cooking techniques central to Japanese cuisine.
Savory Teriyaki Chicken Options
Teriyaki chicken options are a worldwide favorite for good reason. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky.
At Don Kitchen, you can expect the chicken to be perfectly grilled or pan-seared. This ensures the meat stays juicy inside. The glaze should be thick enough to coat every piece without being too sticky.
- Classic Teriyaki Chicken: Served simply with steamed rice and perhaps a side of steamed vegetables.
- Teriyaki Chicken Bento: Often served as a complete box meal with a side salad, dumplings, and rice.
If you prefer beef, ask if they offer Beef Teriyaki as well. It follows the same delicious preparation method.
Crispy Delights: The Tempura Selection
The Tempura selection tests the skill of the kitchen staff. Great tempura is light, airy, and very crisp. It should never feel heavy or greasy.
The batter is key. It’s usually made with cold water, flour, and sometimes egg, mixed just enough to keep it light.
Common items in the tempura selection include:
- Shrimp (Ebi) Tempura: Large, succulent shrimp coated lightly.
- Vegetable Assortment: Sweet potato, pumpkin, lotus root, and often broccoli or green beans.
- Tendon Bowl: As mentioned, this combines a selection of tempura served over rice with a light sauce.
When eating tempura, use the provided dipping sauce (tentsuyu). It is light and seasoned perfectly to enhance, not overpower, the crisp texture.
Panko Power: Katsu Dishes
Katsu refers to deep-fried cutlets coated in fine panko breadcrumbs. Panko is known for creating an extra light and crunchy crust.
- Tonkatsu: Pork cutlet. This is a very popular main course.
- Chicken Katsu: Chicken breast pounded thin and fried golden brown.
Katsu is usually served sliced, making it easy to eat. It often comes with shredded cabbage salad and Tonkatsu sauce, which is thick and tangy.
Exploring the Depths: Japanese Noodle Dishes
For those seeking warmth and slurpable comfort, the Japanese noodle dishes section offers fantastic choices. These dishes vary widely in broth richness and noodle type.
Ramen: Broth Based Comfort
Ramen is arguably the most famous Japanese noodle dish globally. Don Japanese Kitchen might offer several styles depending on their specialization.
Types of Broth to Look For:
- Shoyu (Soy Sauce): Clear, light brown broth. A classic, savory taste.
- Miso: Rich, nutty broth made from fermented soybean paste. Often heartier.
- Tonkotsu (If offered): Very rich, creamy, and opaque broth made from boiling pork bones for many hours.
Toppings are just as important! Expect soft-boiled eggs (Ajitama), sliced pork belly (Chashu), nori (seaweed), and green onions.
Udon and Soba: Chewier Alternatives
If ramen seems too heavy, Udon and Soba noodles present lighter, yet equally satisfying, options.
- Udon: These are thick, chewy wheat flour noodles. They are often served in a lighter broth (Kakejiru) or sometimes cold with a dipping sauce.
- Soba: These are thin noodles made from buckwheat. They offer a slightly earthier flavor. They are excellent served chilled (Zaru Soba) in summer.
Pro Tip: When ordering hot noodle dishes, sip the broth first. This lets you enjoy the full depth of the slow-cooked liquid before mixing everything together.
Midday Delights: Lunch Specials Japanese Selections
If you are visiting during the day, checking out the Lunch specials Japanese section is a must. Restaurants often provide great value during these hours.
The Bento Box Advantage
The lunch bento box is the ultimate sampler meal. It usually includes a main item, rice, miso soup, a small salad, and one or two side items (like gyoza or a small roll). This structure ensures you get a balanced meal quickly.
Typical lunch main choices might include:
- Salmon Teriyaki Lunch
- Shrimp Tempura Lunch Set
- Chicken Katsu Lunch
These specials are designed for speed and completeness, making them perfect for a professional lunch break.
Speedy Donburi Lunch Combos
Sometimes the Donburi specials are bundled into a lunch deal. This usually includes the bowl, miso soup, and perhaps a small pickle assortment (tsukemono) for a set price. This represents excellent value for a large, flavorful meal.
Evening Indulgence: The Dinner Menu Don Kitchen
The Dinner menu Don Kitchen usually expands upon the lunch offerings. Dinner often features more elaborate rolls, higher-grade cuts of fish, and special appetizers not available during the day.
Appetizers: Setting the Stage
A great Japanese meal starts with something light to wake up the palate.
| Appetizer | Description | Serving Style |
|---|---|---|
| Edamame | Steamed, lightly salted soybean pods. | Simple, healthy snack. |
| Gyoza | Pan-fried or steamed dumplings (pork or vegetable). | Crispy bottoms are best. |
| Agedashi Tofu | Lightly dusted tofu, fried until golden, served in savory broth. | Warm, delicate starter. |
| Takoyaki | Fried balls filled with octopus, topped with sauce and bonito flakes. | Street-food favorite. |
Specialty Dinner Entrees
Dinner service often introduces items that require more cooking time or premium ingredients. Look for items like:
- Saba Shioyaki: Salt-grilled mackerel. A traditional, flavorful fish dish.
- Sukiyaki or Shabu-Shabu: Hot pot experiences, sometimes available if the restaurant has the proper setup. These are highly interactive and great for groups.
- Deluxe Sushi Platters: Larger, more varied sashimi and specialty roll combinations designed for sharing.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian Japanese Options
Catering to different dietary needs is important, and Don Japanese Kitchen usually has several delicious Vegetarian Japanese options. While traditional Japanese food centers around fish and meat, many staples can be adapted or are naturally plant-based.
Naturally Vegetarian Choices
Many appetizers and sides fit perfectly into a vegetarian diet:
- Edamame: Simple, clean protein.
- Seaweed Salad (Wakame): Usually dressed in a light vinaigrette.
- Cucumber Rolls (Kappa Maki): Very basic and refreshing.
- Vegetable Tempura: Ensure the frying oil is not shared with meat or seafood if cross-contamination is a concern for you.
Hearty Vegetarian Main Courses
For a filling vegetarian meal, look here:
- Vegetable Tempura Donburi: A fulfilling bowl topped with crispy, non-meat tempura.
- Vegetable Yakisoba/Yakiudon: Stir-fried noodles loaded with seasonal veggies like carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms.
- Inari Sushi: Pockets of seasoned fried tofu stuffed with sushi rice. These are sweet and savory.
- Tofu Katsu: If they offer a plant-based protein swap, fried tofu in panko breading is a great substitute for pork or chicken katsu.
Always confirm with your server about the broth base in any noodle soup or the sauce used on grilled items, as fish stock (dashi) is often a key ingredient even in seemingly vegetable-based dishes.
The Final Touch: Sake and Drink Menu
A great meal deserves the right beverage pairing. The Sake and drink menu at Don Japanese Kitchen is designed to complement the diverse flavors on offer.
Exploring Sake Selections
Sake (Japanese rice wine) comes in many styles, ranging from dry and crisp to rich and fruity.
Key Sake Terms to Know:
- Junmai: Made only with rice, water, yeast, and koji mold. Often rice-forward flavor.
- Ginjo/Daiginjo: These terms refer to how much the rice grain is polished. Higher polishing (Daiginjo) results in lighter, more aromatic, and premium sake.
- Nigori: Cloudy, unfiltered sake. It tends to be sweeter and thicker.
If you are unfamiliar with sake, ask the server for a recommendation based on what you are eating. A lighter Ginjo pairs well with sushi, while a richer Junmai can stand up to richer dishes like Katsudon.
Other Beverage Pairings
Don’t forget the non-alcoholic options!
- Green Tea: Served hot or cold. It is traditionally palate-cleansing.
- Ramune: Japanese marble soda, fun and fizzy.
- Japanese Beers: Often featuring light lagers that pair excellently with fried foods like tempura and katsu.
Fathoming the Menu Structure: How to Read Your Options
To make your ordering process smooth, it helps to know how the Japanese restaurant menu is typically organized.
Section Flow
Most menus flow logically, guiding you from light to heavy:
- Appetizers/Starters
- Salads/Soups (Miso, Sunomono)
- Sushi/Sashimi (Raw items)
- Donburi Specials (Rice bowls)
- Noodle Dishes (Ramen, Udon)
- Entrees (Teriyaki, Katsu, Tempura)
- Sides/Desserts
Interpreting Menu Codes
Sometimes, you will see small letters next to dishes. These are crucial for dietary choices:
- (GF): Gluten-Free.
- (V): Vegetarian.
- (Spicy): Indicates heat level.
Always confirm these codes with staff if you have severe allergies or strict dietary requirements.
Ordering for the Family: Group Dining at Don Kitchen
When dining with a group, Don Japanese Kitchen offers great ways to sample many different items without committing to one large bowl.
Sharing Platters are Your Friend
Focus on ordering a mix of the specialties:
- Order one large Donburi specials item (like Oyakodon).
- Get a substantial platter of Sushi and sashimi offerings.
- Add a shared plate of Teriyaki chicken options or Tempura selection.
- Include a Japanese noodle dishes item for variety.
This approach ensures everyone gets to taste the best the kitchen offers.
Reflecting on Value: Lunch vs. Dinner Pricing
While the core recipes remain the same, the pricing structure clearly reflects when you dine.
The Lunch specials Japanese are almost always a better deal per item than ordering the same components à la carte during dinner. Dinner pricing reflects the extended service time and potentially the use of higher-grade seafood in specialty rolls.
If your goal is to try many different styles of food (like a Katsu, a Donburi, and a roll), focusing your visit around lunchtime maximizes your sampling opportunities for the best price. However, if you are craving premium sashimi or a complex hot pot, the Dinner menu Don Kitchen will have the fullest selection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Don Japanese Kitchen Menu
Q1: Does Don Japanese Kitchen offer gluten-free sushi rolls?
A1: Many sushi restaurants can make basic rolls gluten-free. You must avoid soy sauce (use Tamari instead) and ensure the rolls do not contain ingredients like tempura crunch or imitation crab (which often contains wheat starch). Always ask your server about specific Vegetarian Japanese options or GF items.
Q2: What is the spiciest item usually found on the menu?
A2: The spiciest items are usually found within the specialty maki rolls, often labeled “Spicy Tuna” or “Volcano Roll.” Sometimes, the Ramen broth might be offered in a spicy version, known as Tantanmen or Spicy Miso. Check the menu markings for chili symbols.
Q3: Can I order just plain rice if I am not having a Donburi?
A3: Yes. Plain steamed rice (gohan) is a staple. It is typically available as a side order to accompany your Sushi and sashimi offerings or any main entree.
Q4: Are the Teriyaki chicken options served over rice or noodles?
A4: Teriyaki chicken options are traditionally served over steamed white rice. However, you can usually ask for them to be served over noodles (like Udon) for an extra charge, or request them as part of a Bento Box meal.
Q5: What is the difference between Unadon and Tendon in the Donburi specials?
A5: Unadon features grilled eel (Unagi) glazed with sweet sauce over rice. Tendon features a mix of crispy shrimp and vegetable tempura served over rice, typically drizzled with a light, savory sauce. Both are excellent Donburi specials.