Looking for a lunch idea in the Eastern Hokkaido? Donburi (rice bowl) is a smart choice especially when you are on a tight schedule or on a burget, as it can be a quick and inexpensive meal. Here are three rice bowls with local twists you should try!
Butadon (Pork rice bowl)
Obihiro city is famous for a rice bowl topped with charcoal grilled pork, called Butadon. Among many restaurants, Butadon Pancho has been the most popular one.
The Butadon here is absolutely delicious - their special sweet soy sauce flavors the tender meat and rice underneath so good that you can easily finish this huge bowl. You might need to line up for a while, but I guarantee it is worth the wait!
Butaron Pancho in Obihiro
Price: 900 yen to 1,300 yen depending on the size
Hours: 11am - 7pm
Access: 7 min walk from Obihiro Station
2. Tendon (Tempura rice bowl)
If you pass by Rubeshibe town, make sure to make stop at Kaneshime, a small restaurant run by an elderly couple. Their signature is this huge Tendon with various kinds of tempura piled up on rice! The restaurant is always full with local customers who love the crunchy tempura here.
Kaneshime in Rubeshibe
Price: 1,300 yen
Hours: 11 am - 7.30 pm
Access: 2 min walk from Rubeshibe Station, 30 min drive from Kitami.
3. Wakasagi Don (Smelt rice bowl)
Nabekyu in Akan town serves a delicious tempura bowl using fresh smelts caught in Lake Akan just next to the restaurant. The tempura is light and crispy! They have rice bowls with other kinds of fishes and soba noodle as well.
Nabekyu in Akan
Price: 800 yen (Wakasagi Don)
Hours: 11 am - 3 pm, 6 pm - 8 pm.
Access: Located in Central Akan, 1 hour drive from Kitami and Kushiro
