This amazing little place used to be hidden well amongst high-rise apartments and public car parks, yet an explosion of interest in this place began a couple of years ago when word got around about not only the menu but also the amazing prices.
This place oozes uniqueness at the same time it is simple, fast and consistent. The meals produced are just simply awesome. Even if you don't typically enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine there is something for you with salmon, beef, chicken and noodle dishes available. This is a place of character with rickety, weak legged tall stools that is a great distraction while you wait 15 seconds for your meal to be available.
I always get here just before 12 noon to avoid the rush. Even though peak hour has a queue out the door, it is never really a long wait. I am always more concerned about getting a seat on the hardwood common table that can seat up to 12 people; eating at this table with strangers reminds me of those ramen shops I see in Japanese cartoons, a feeling a homeliness and authenticity.
After waiting my 15 seconds, I pick up my staple order of a Chicken Curry Don ($6.70).
Chicken Curry Don
The aroma of the curry is so distinct and would even make a full man hungry again. The freshly barbecued meat sits on a bed of rice with a side of veges. The curry sauce is separated, leaving the job of regulating the curry intake to yourself. I usually finish everything on the plate!
My other favourite is the most popular dish, the Don Don Box ($8.40).
Don Don Box
Sectioned portioned BBQ chicken pieces and thin beef strips make this a very hearty meal for the price. It is well balanced with a salad and fruits as a mini dessert. There are order variations also available, I like to order a chicken-chicken Don Don box which replaces the beef with more chicken.. I love the chicken pieces with the strong BBQ flavour and a hint of saltiness from the seaweed.
The salads and fruit provided usually change with what is in season and is fresh most of the time depending on market availability. Most treat it as garnish, but I think it offsets the saltiness of the seaweed and sauces in the meats.
After a gym workout I usually like my hit of protein. I find my fair share in the Sashi Don.
Sashi Don
The salmon is always fresh and is accompanied by ginger and various in-season veges. In my opinion, this dish presents the most value as I'm aways comparing to the price of salmon in the supermarket. The portion of fish is large and very filling, most likely the reason why there is only a small amount of rice given.
Lime "green" Drink
Don't forget to also order a lime drink to wash the palate with a refreshing fruity tang. It is either the lime drink or coke available. I always order it as the "green drink"... they know what I'm talking about.
Don Don Take Away (or "DonDon's") is not just purely take away and gives off a sense of a art deco apartment mixed with Japanese flavours and sometimes complimented with reggae/funk music to get you into a relaxed eating mode. It can be chaotic for about 20 minutess a day during peak lunch times on work days but other times are very cruisy and relaxed.
A tiny gripe is that the recent small price rises now makes my order of food and drink to be $10.10 or $10.30. Argh the small change factor! A small thing but having the confidence that I could order anything with a drink for under a tenner was definitely a plus.
Still, this is the best value and fastest service in the outer Southbank area. Remember to get in early for a seat on the common table so you can rock to and fro on the rocking stools to the beat of funky music.
Don Don
5 Bank Street, Southbank
03 9696 6682
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