YUMI, Taj Samudra Colombo’s Japanese resto-bar will be hosting a month-long donburi promotion this August!

A quintessential part of Japanese cuisine, donburi is hearty and delicious. A classic comfort food that is deeply satisfying, donburi is a rice bowl dish with a variety of ingredients served on a bed of rice with unique sauces and garnishings. As with all things Japanese, this beloved rice bowl is conceptually simple but wows in the flavour department.

Introducing the menu to us, YUMI Chef Sudesh Wijesinghe, who counts over 20 years of experience in the industry, shared that 9 donburi varieties were conceptualised specifically for this promotion. He added that the sashimi donburi, which features salmon, tuna and moda is one of the offerings he was most excited about. They also have a tempura donburi that’s likely to be a crowd favourite and included vegetarian donburi and udon noodles to add variety to their offerings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

At YUMI, every dish is a testament to the art of ingredient curation. The combination of importing high-quality ingredients and using traditional Japanese methods to prepare food inevitably results in food that is exquisite in taste and presentation. Unsurprisingly, YUMI has firmly cemented itself as the go-to spot for top-tier Japanese food in the country. I tried three varieties of donburi and here’s what I thought.

Ebi Katsudon (prawn)

Featuring crispy crumbed prawn and velvety egg, resting atop a bed of steamed rice, the Ebi Katsudon was delightful. The prawn was perfectly fried with a satisfying crunch that contrasted beautifully with the creamy egg, while the savoury and sweet dashi broth infused every bite with an irresistible umami depth. 

Kaisendon (mixed sashimi)

Comprising thinly sliced premium quality salmon, tuna and moda with soya sauce and olive oil marinated, on a bed of sushi rice, the Kaisedon is likely to be a favourite among sashimi lovers. Light, yet nutritious and incredibly flavourful, the Kaseidon is another donburi that packs a punch in terms of flavour even though it is relatively simple in its execution. Another firm favourite.

Tendon (mixed tempura)

Batter fried prawns and vegetables on a bed of rice with slightly sweet soy sauce. Likely to transcend across demographics in its attraction, each prawn and vegetable was transformed into a delectable delight, maintaining its crunch while revealing a tender interior. The batter was also perfect and light. 

The three donburi varieties I tried all managed to shine and hold their own, so much so I was unable to pick a favourite. Delicious and hearty, the donburi at YUMI are a must-have! 

The ongoing lunchtime promotion features 11 dishes to choose from and includes a complimentary draught beer, wine, or mocktail. YUMI’s regular a la carte menu will also be available during this time. The donburi is priced from Rs. 3,100 to Rs. 4,950 plus taxes. 

PHOTOS Pradeep Dilrukshana