Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Don Bao: Japanese Bowls + Buns

My new favorite at Brixton, Kapitolyo!



After our trip to Siam Thai, we walked over to a nearby restaurant to try out their famous baos. 
Don Bao
Don Bao opened its doors over a year ago - in fact, they just celebrated their first anniversary last November 29 and have already announced that they will be opening a second branch in Makati this 2018. All seems to be doing well for Don Bao, and for good reason. The food here is nothing short of amazing. I kid you not. If you saw the feast we had at Siam Thai, you will know that we were crazy full when we left that establishment. We walked five minutes (maybe even less) to get to Don Bao and would you believe, we were still able to finish everything we ordered?? Masarap kasi talaga.
Don BaoDon Bao
Don Bao highlights dons (rice bowls) and baos (buns) on their menu, but they are not limited to just that. Their menu showcases a number of Japanese appetizers as well as ramen dishes that you will surely love.
Don Bao
For starters, we ordered the Gyoza (P130). My friends already know how much I love gyoza, so whenever it's on the menu, we have to order it. Luff you, guys. ♥
Don Bao
Kani Nachos (P180)
Don Bao
The moment they placed it on our table, I KNEW I was going to love it. The Kani Nachos is a hefty plate of house-made potato chips oozing with cheese, kani, and shredded nori. The servings are crazy GENEROUS. If I were eating this alone, I swear, I would've scraped this clean. There's not much left to say, except that I loved every single thing about this dish.

I am aware that I have said the word "love" three times so far. So yeah, we're definitely off to a good start, Don Bao. Now, onto the Dons!

Katsu Curry Don (P270)
Don Bao
This reminds me a lot of my staple order at Yabu. The Katsu Curry has a light kick to it, but you could order a spicier version if you wish. Not all places can create that perfect curry mix, but Don Bao did, and I'm glad to have found a cheaper alternative to my Yabu favorite here.

Special Tendon (P290)
Don Bao
Who would've thought breaded kani and shrimp would go so well with rice? To tell you the truth, I'm not a huge fan of tempura, so this was definitely a pleasant surprise. I think it's their special tendon sauce that did the trick for me. I'd totally order this again. The saucier, the better!

Crispy Chicken Don (P230)
Don Bao
A classic Japanese dish featuring chicken, Japanese mayo, roasted sesame, and shredded cabbage.

Buta Sisig Don (P260)
Don Bao
I know it's not the most appetizing dish to look at; I had my doubts, too, at first. But upon tasting this, I immediately fell in love. Sisig is not something you expect to find at a Japanese restaurant, but the team at Don Bao were able to combine the two cultures and flavors successfully and seamlessly, and for that, I salute you guys.

And for the highlight - the Baos!
Don Bao
Good Morning, Bao!
gyuniku, scrambled egg, garlic mayonnaise, cornflakes, and tobiko
Don Bao
Cheesy Bao 
gyuniku, cheese, onion rings, and spring onions
Don Bao
  Crazy Bao
kani in eel sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, tempura flakes, tobiko, and spring onions
Piggy Bao Ride
pork katsu, teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, cabbage, nori
Don Bao
Once you get to try the dishes at Don Bao, you'll realize that they spent a lot of time conceptualizing, experimenting, and tasting each one. I love how they have so many types of baos and dons, yet each is unique and stands out in its own way. I mean, they could've used the same sauce in every single one, but they didn't. Even though it could've worked. Even though we would've liked them all the same. Parang ganun. You're definitely one of a kind, Don Bao. I have nothing but good things to say about you.... Even your desserts are on point!

Fried Bao with Ice Cream and Salted Caramel (Php 95)
Don Bao
Fried Bao with Milo and Condensed Milk (Php 95)
Don Bao
Fried Bao with Nutella S'mores (Php 95)
Don Bao
Don Bao is located at Victoria Plaza,1 Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
-
For more food adventures, like and follow Life in Technicolor on Facebook and Instagram!

Don Bao Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato