Westies once had to lug themselves across the island for late-night Japanese grocery runs and their fill of quirky snacks. But that’s no longer the case – Don Don Donki’s newest store now stands proudly in JCube, right next to Jurong East MRT station.
As usual, this Don Don Donki comes fully stocked with piping hot ready-to-eat food and fresh sashimi cuts we could only once find in Japan. But what stands out is their first-ever sushi counter in Singapore, freshly-made okonomiyaki, and food court doling out the likes of unagi dons and hearty ramen bowls.
Here’s why Don Don Donki at JCube could very well be the West’s newest dining destination:
Most grocery shoppers gravitate towards the seafood deli for popular cuts like salmon belly and rare sashimi like hamachi (Japanese amberjack), but it’s the sushi bar that’ll be your next favourite lunch spot.
They even have Sushi Burgers that start from $5.
As Don Don Donki’s first-ever sushi bar, the fish is fresh and flown in straight from Japan. All sushi served here are made-to-order. Unlike typical kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi, there’s a Japanese chef deftly rolling maki and using the traditional flip method to make nigiri sushi.
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-2PM, 5PM-10PM
Those looking for hot food will delight in the teppanyaki counter, where chefs will be frying up a storm. You won’t miss it – there’s a wafting aroma of yakisoba and okonomiyaki.
You can choose dishes like Seafood Yakisoba ($10.90) and Beef Okonomiyaki ($9.90) – we’re also eyeing their Oyster Okonomiyaki ($12.90) for a luxurious twist on the classic okonomiyaki.
Add on $2 for miso soup and rice, otherwise you can also add on extras like a Fried Egg ($1), Cheese ($2), or Kimchi ($2).
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-10PM
The Delica section is one of our favourites of all Don Don Donki stores, and this one doesn’t disappoint with its new fried snacks selection. Choose from bites like Fried Ebikatsu, Beef Hamburg Cutlet, Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, and Crispy Chicken Sticks – add on a side of fries for $1.
All are priced at $3.90 each but for an opening special, you can pick these up for just $2.90.
There are 8 F&B stalls in total and we’re familiar with half of them, with the likes of Tonkotsu King Keisuke, Pepper Lunch Express, SABAR, and Marutama Ramen. But there’ll also be new never-seen-before stalls offering up new dishes for us to try.
From now to 8th December 2019, some of these stalls even have opening specials so you can score free gyoza, free ramen toppings, and 25% off unagi bowls!
HottoMotto almost seems like a quintessential Japanese diner with a menu featuring rice bowls and curries. They serve up bowls of Teriyaki Chicken (from $6.90), Chicken Nanban (from $9.90), and Karaage Curry (from $8.90). It’s simple fare but satisfyingly tasty – hearty food fit for any salaryman.
Their Saba Chazuke (from $8.90) is a healthier option with chunks of grilled mackerel and a savoury fish broth.
Opening special: Get free deep-fried gyoza (2 pieces) when you order their Shogayaki, Saba Zhazuke, Chicken Namban, Teriyaki Chicken, Karaage Curry, or Japanese BBQ Beef.
Japanese hotpots aren’t anything like the hotpots we’re used to: instead, at Arizuki Express, these are more subtle in flavour with a broth that’s made from a secret recipe. Try their Shiro Motsu Nabe ($19) – like most traditional motsu nabe hot pots, it’s filled with chunks of beef innards, tofu, and cabbage. It comes served with a salt garlic dipping sauce.
Opening special: Get 1 free topping when you order their Ramen, Hot Pot Set, Teppan Set, or Rice Ball Set.
Our dream unagi don comes with a massive slab of unagi, glistening with sweet soy sauce. And that’s exactly what Tsukiji Unagi Daioh dishes out with their Unagi Tsukiji Mega ($53.20). The price tag might be steep but the generous serving size makes up for it.
Those with smaller appetites can opt for the Tsukiji Don ($13.90) or Tsukiji Unagimeshi ($16.90) to get their fill of freshwater eel. This stall also grills seafood skewers, with Unagi ($5.80) along with Hotate, Ika, Saba, and Ebi – all for $3.80 per skewer.
Opening special: Get 25% off the Unagi Tsukiji Mega Set ($39.90, U.P. $53.20).
Don Don Donki’s Sweet Potato Factory
From late-night Japanese grocery shopping to new F&B stalls, all Westies now have everything at their doorstep with the new Don Don Donki in Jurong East. Head down for opening promos on fresh Japanese strawberries ($12.80/pack) and salmon nigiri sushi ($6.80/8 pieces).
Download the new Donki app (iOS | Android) for a chance at the claw machine at Level 1 of JCube on 29th November 2019 – you can score Don Don Donki’s own plushies (Donpen or Donko), health and beauty products, along with a selection Japanese snacks.
On 29th November 2019, DBS/POSB Cardmembers can also get an extra chance at the claw machine when they spend with DBS/POSB cards,no minimum spend needed. Using your DBS/POSB card can also get you a free Don Don Donki tote bag, with a minimum spend of $50 – only while stocks last, so hurry down!
From now to 31st January 2020, you can also get sure-win gifts with DBS Spend & Win – rewards like Singapore Airlines Business Class tickets, Apple products, as well as shopping and dining vouchers. Simply download the DBS Lifestyle app and use your DBS/POSB Cards to meet your monthly spend goal.
Image credit: DBS
Don Don Donki JCube
Address: 2 Jurong East Central 1, #B1-12/18/19 JCube, Singapore 609731
Opening hours: 8AM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 6694 1811
This post was brought to you by DBS.
Photography by Pepita Wauran.
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