Donburi (丈) — often shortened to “don” — are Japanese rice bowls topped with meat, seafood or egg over steamed rice. The most popular types include gyudon (beef), katsudon (pork cutlet and egg), oyakodon (chicken and egg) and tuna zuke don (marinated tuna). At Ichibantei in NYC’s East Village, we serve a full range of donburi from $20–$25, each with rice and miso soup.
What is donburi?
“Donburi” refers both to the deep bowl and to the dish served in it: a generous topping spooned over hot rice so every bite picks up the sauce. It is everyday Japanese food — fast, filling and endlessly varied. Below are the rice bowls you’ll find on our menu.
Types of donburi at Ichibantei
- Oyako Don ($22) – chicken, onion and egg in dashi. Read our deep dive on oyakodon.
- Gyu Don ($24) – Angus ribeye with a soy-blend sauce and wasabi
- Katsu Don ($24) – Kurobuta pork cutlet and egg over rice
- Chicken Katsu Don ($24) – crispy chicken cutlet and egg. See our katsu guide.
- Sauce Katsu Don ($24) – Kurobuta pork katsu with cabbage and katsu sauce
- Tuna Zuke Don ($25) – marinated tuna, ontama egg, nori and wasabi
- Tamago Don ($20) – tofu, onion and egg in dashi (a lighter choice)
Donburi on the $15 lunch menu
On weekdays (11:00 am–3:30 pm) several rice bowls appear on our lunch menu at $15, including Oyako Don, Gyu Don, Karaage Don, Nanban Don and Tuna Zuke Don. Add an ontama egg for +$3. It’s an easy, affordable way to try authentic donburi near Union Square.
Where to eat it in NYC (East Village)
You can find these dishes at Ichibantei, an authentic Japanese comfort-food restaurant and izakaya at 100 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003, in the East Village — a short walk from Union Square. Lunch is served daily from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm. See the full Ichibantei menu, or call 917-965-2327 to ask about a table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between donburi and a regular rice bowl?
Donburi specifically means a Japanese rice bowl with a cooked topping (such as beef, pork cutlet, chicken and egg, or marinated fish) served over rice, usually with a savory-sweet sauce. The word also refers to the deep bowl it is served in.
What is the most popular donburi?
Gyudon (beef bowl), katsudon (pork cutlet and egg) and oyakodon (chicken and egg) are among the most popular. At Ichibantei all three are on the menu, each served with rice and miso soup.
Do you serve donburi for lunch in the East Village?
Yes. Several donburi are on our weekday lunch menu for $15 (11:00 am to 3:30 pm) at 100 3rd Ave, a short walk from Union Square.
Ready to dig into a Japanese rice bowl? Browse the complete menu, or follow us on Instagram for daily specials.
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