Dondon Donkatsu
돈돈돈까스
About
Long-running Japanese-style tonkatsu restaurant near Dongguk University, operating since 1996 and known for classic cutlets and melted-cheese cordon bleu.
Tucked just off Dongguk University Station in Jangchung-dong, Don Don Tonkatsu has been frying traditional Japanese-style cutlets since 1996. The unpretentious, two-story shop is a neighborhood staple, drawing steady waves of university students, nearby office workers, and strollers descending from Namsan Tower. The vibe is straightforward and welcoming, accommodating both bustling group lunches and quiet solo diners facing the counter walls. The kitchen moves quickly, sending out golden, generously portioned cutlets flanked by heaping mounds of shredded cabbage, steaming bowls of rice, and miso soup. Diners can mix and match via set menus, pairing tender tenderloin (*anshim*) with crisp white fish cutlets (*saengseon-katsu*) served alongside a rich tartar sauce. The pork loin (*deungshim*) delivers a satisfying, clean chew sealed inside a light, crunchy breading that stays crisp without feeling greasy. Squeeze-bottle sauces and hot mustard rest on each table, allowing you to dress your plate as generously as you like. For regulars, the real prize is the *cordon bleu* (often listed as *kodonburu*). Rather than a standard cheese cutlet, this vintage specialty packs pork with melted cheese and diced peppers, creating a savory, molten filling that oozes out the moment it is sliced. Because it is prepared in limited quantities, it frequently sells out by the afternoon. Whether you score the cheese-and-chili cutlet early in the day or stick to the classic loin, Don Don Tonkatsu delivers unhurried comfort backed by nearly three decades of frying experience.
Menu
- Pork Tenderloin Cutlet
- Cordon Bleu Cutlet
- Pork Loin Cutlet
- Fish Cutlet₩14,500
- Pork Tenderloin Cutlet₩14,000
- 고돈부루₩16,000
- Pork Loin Cutlet₩13,500
- 정식안심생선₩14,000
- 고로케정식₩15,000
- Hamburg Steak Cutlet₩14,000
Local tips
- The signature Cordon Bleu (코돈부르) is limited in quantity and often sells out by lunch.
- Solo diners can comfortably eat on the first floor facing the wall counters.
- Order the combo set (정식) to try both tenderloin (안심) and fish cutlet (생선까스).
Details
- Dongguk University Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 11:00–21:00
- Monday
- 11:00–21:00
- Tuesday
- 11:00–21:00
- Wednesday
- 11:00–21:00
- Thursday
- 11:00–21:00
- Friday
- 11:00–21:00
- Saturday
- 11:00–21:00