Authentically Japanese in Utrecht

Japan is so much more than sushi. Don Dining Kounosuke on the Westerkade in Utrecht proves it. Here, you eat traditional Japanese comfort food.

You may know it as a bowl, but in Japan it’s called a don: rice with a meat, fish or vegetarian topping. Halfway through, dashi is poured over it, so you finish with intense, warm umami flavours.

A Japanese journey through the menu

At Don Dining, they have elevated this to a true art form. You step into a clean interior where the hostess warmly welcomes you. Kanako moved from Japan to Utrecht with her husband a year ago. He works in the kitchen while she takes care of the guests.

To start, the menu features small dishes such as dumplings, chicken and octopus. Kanako patiently explains what everything is. Personally, I’m still dreaming about the dashimaki tamago, or omelette with dashi. After one bite, you won’t want anything other than these silky-soft pieces of omelette with a hint of sweetness and the umami flavour of the homemade dashi.

The don makes its entrance

Then it’s time for the don. Kanako brings out a huge wooden tray filled with small bowls containing toppings. From wasabi sauce to yuzu and two types of ginger. You choose three to go over the don later. Halfway through the meal, Kanako comes to pour the homemade dashi. Those final bites are truly a gift.

Finished eating? Not at all—there’s still home made matcha ice cream, Japanese biscuits and shiratama (sweet rice balls). Wash it all down with a good Japanese whisky or pure sake.

Don Dining Kounosuke
Westerkade 27
Utrecht

Open: Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.