丼

bowl; topped rice bowl

Kanji 2083

Do you primarily associate “donburi” with food? This essay initially punctures that misconception, then plunges into the world of topped rice bowls. Find out what’s in a “viper” rice bowl, a “strangers” rice bowl, and a “civilization” rice bowl. Also see what a “mother-daughter” rice bowl represents. And learn what a “big serving of the head” means if you order a rice bowl.

Revision history:

Jan. 31, 2021:

pp. 1, 11, 12, 15, and 17: I had defined 牛丼 as "sliced beef and usually vegetables on rice." I changed that to reflect that the vegetable is typically onion.

p. 3: I had said that instant noodles (typically udon or soba) are sold in Styrofoam containers. Actually, ramen is sold that way most often. I rewrote the sentence, omitting any mention of udon and soba.

Jan. 15, 2021: Originally published.