Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl · 돈부리): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A bowl of hot rice topped with meat, egg, or seafood simmered in a sweet soy broth, a Japanese classic found in Seoul's Japanese-style eateries. It is filling, mild, and easy to love.
Say it to order
돈부리 주세요
Donburi juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Mix the toppings and egg into the rice with a spoon so the sweet sauce coats every grain, then eat it while hot.
Do
- Use a spoon for the rice, which is the usual way to eat donburi.
Don’t
- Don't leave the rice untouched while the toppings cool, since the dish is best served hot.
Local tips
- Look for gyudon or katsudon on the menu, the most common versions in Korea.
- Ask for a bit of shichimi pepper if you want some heat.
Goes with
- Pickled ginger
- Miso soup
- Green tea
- Cold barley tea
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl) in Korean?
- Say “돈부리 주세요” (Donburi juseyo).
- Is Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl) spicy?
- No. Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl) isn’t spicy.
- How much does Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl) cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩9,000–13,000.
- How do you eat Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl)?
- Mix the toppings and egg into the rice with a spoon so the sweet sauce coats every grain, then eat it while hot.
Find Donburi (Japanese Rice Bowl) near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.