Review: Don Don

In Japan, there are small eateries like Don Don, known as “Shokudo”. Takeaway, with no more than 5 stools on the side, for those who want to get in and get out quickly. It’s no surprise that a Shokudo has sprung up in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the CBD.

After missing last week’s meal, I was glad to be back into our weekly routine and having lunch with dad again. Today we were both under slight time constraints so we decided to visit the famous Don Don. (Funny enough, we actually ended up staying there longer than we normally do – we got lucky, at 2:30 there wasn’t as mad of a rush of eaters. I’d suggest that, if you go at lunch hour, out of respect for the way this place operates, you vacate the table for the next people who want to eat).

My meal: Tofu Curry Don (at only 5.90$ being a vegetarian is good for my wallet if anything). This was delicious, spicy and full of flavour, and the cucumber was a refreshing break from the heat. I couldn't finish all the rice!

This is fast food. Fast. I can’t emphasise “fast” enough. Dad and I had ordered, and before he could even put his change back into his wallet, our meals were thrust at us and we joined the diners who have embraced this CBD eatery.

The food is pretty simple, whilst still retaining its classic Japanese flavours. The menu has eleven options, six of them being variations of Don, (AKA Donburi) a Japanese rice bowl dish. The servings are generous, perfect for how hungry both dad and I were. The final thing Don Don nails is the fact that the meals are cheap. The most expensive item on the menu is $9, so if you can get some coins together you can get a pretty satisfying feed here.

Dad's meal: Niku Udon - he also couldn't get over how generous the servings were for the price. Hopefully I've found somewhere that will become a new favourite for him (usually he's the one picking the places). 

The décor of the place is basically non-existent. It’s designed like a big cafeteria, embracing the fast food joint atmosphere. Similarly, the place runs on self-service. You order at the counter, grab a napkin and cutlery (both chopsticks and forks and spoons are available for experts and novices alike) and take your food to the table. If there aren’t any tables (which, if you’re not willing to squeeze, may be the case) you can grab a take-away box, go across the street and enjoy your lunch in front of the State Library.

Overall, Don Don is the perfect place for money-poor but hungry people, who want to enjoy the fast food lifestyle without feeling guilty about it.

Don Don
198 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
9670 7113

Hours:
Mon - Sun: 11am to 9pm