Beef Rice Bowl
Gyudon, is the romanisation of 牛丼 – two Japanese kanji which come from 牛肉 – “gyuniku” (gyu for cow/beef, niku for meat) and 丼 – “don” – bowl (or rice bowl). Together 牛丼 “gyudon” meaning Beef Rice Bowl.
The “Fast-Food” of Japan
The words “fast-food” usually conjure up images of greasy often fried, chain restaurant junk food such as burgers, french fries and fried chicken.
Yes, these typical fast foods can be found throughout Japan, and are very popular, but they are not the only option.
Gyudon is arguably Japan’s native fast food. Furthermore, quicker than any typical chain fast food place.
The Experience
Often you will find in Japan, smaller restaurants operating on a ticket system. You can walk in, place your order using a self service machine, selecting the items you want, making your payment, and then receiving a numbered ticket.
Place your order, take a seat and wait for your number to be called.
The first time I experienced this in a gyudon place, I had barely taken my jacket off before my number was called. So fast!
Handing in my ticket at the window, I received a tray with a hot miso soup and delicious steaming bowl of thinly cut beef and onions over a generous portion of white rice. Green tea and water also supplied, often with free refills.
The Taste
The beef had been simmered in a mildly sweet sauce made from dashi (fish and seaweed stock), soy sauce and mirin (sweet cooking rice wine). With a slightly sweet and savoury flavour, it’s a tasty, comforting and filling meal. While you can get many additional toppings, a popular choice being poached egg, I decided to start with the standard, basic bowl.
To call it basic however might be an injustice. Granted, it’s not the most complicated or extravagant dish, yet it was absolutely delicious.
If burgers and chips is what you are craving, then maybe the lack of grease and tomato ketchup might leave you wanting. But if a delicious, filling and somewhat healthier meal ticks your box, then I highly recommend gyudon.
Personally, given the options of a typical western style fast-food, or gyudon… My choice now, would almost always be the latter, gyudon.
If you ever have the chance to try this amazing dish, do it!.. You will not regret it!
