Exploring the History and Roots of Donburi: Key Points for Choosing the Best

February 28, 2025

(Updated on: March 26, 2025 )

Shipping Staff Uchino (Housewife/Mother)

Hello. This is UTSUWABI Editorial Department staff.
This time, we will explain in detail everything you may not know about, from the origins of donburi to how to choose one.

Donburi is a tableware that can be used for various menus.
It would be convenient to have one, but there are so many types that I don't know which one is best.

If that's the case, please refer to this article and find a bowl that suits you.
Also, knowing the history and roots of utensils will make choosing utensils and mealtime more enjoyable.

I want to see what products are available first! If so, please take a look here.

Donburi list page

Introduction What is a donburi?

Before explaining the history of donburi, what is donburi?

Donburi is a word that describes food other than utensils, as shown below.

1． Abbreviation for "Donburibachi"
Mainly refers to a thick, deep ceramic bowl that is larger than a teacup.

2． A dish in which rice is placed in a "donburibachi" and topped with toppings
Examples include eel bowl and oyakodon.

Roots of Donburi

There are various theories about the origins of donburi, but the following two are often said.
It's fun to know as trivia!

Theory 1: Utsuwa from the Edo period restaurant "Kendon-ya"
"Donburi" began to be used as tableware around the Kanbun era (1661-1673) in the early Edo period.

At that time, there were cheap one-meal restaurants called "Kendon-ya" that served rice topped with noodles and other dishes. It's like a modern-day fast food restaurant.

The "kendonburi-bachi" used there is said to be the origin of the donburi-bachi.

By the way, "Ken" means "to be generous," and "don" means "to devour." In other words, Kendon is a word that means "inconsiderate, generous, and greedy."

At Kendon-ya, if you had a full bowl, you weren't allowed to refill it unless you paid extra.
In contrast to restaurants where you could eat as many bowls of rice as you wanted, restaurants that served only one bowl of rice may have earned them the nickname "Kendon-ya."

By the way, the word "Tsukkendon" is said to be derived from "Kendon".

Theory 2. Large storage compartment attached to the apron

Another theory is that it originated from the large storage compartments (pockets) attached to aprons used by craftsmen.

There is a term called "Donburi Account", which comes from the fact that people in the old days would casually put money into a "rice bowl" in their pockets.

For this reason, it is said that the name "don" came to be derived from the way various toppings were added to the rice, like throwing money into a bowl in one's pocket.

Also, there is a theory that the reason why the kanji "don" is used is that the sound "dobong" when throwing something into a well is similar to the sound when you casually put something into a container.

History of Donburi

Donburi bowls became commonly used in the late Edo period at the beginning of the 19th century.
At first, it was a tableware for serving side dishes and sweets, but it is said that it became popular after soba restaurants used it as a bowl for noodles.

Later, the eel restaurant used it as a tableware for eel bowls and rice dishes.
It also began to be used in other dishes such as tempura bowl.

Also, as the times change, the bowl menu also changes.
Oyakodon was eaten in the early Meiji period, and with the Westernization of food, gyudon(beef on the rice) began to be eaten in the Taisho period, and katsudon began to be eaten around 1930.

Since there are many types of dishes on the menu, it's no surprise that there are many variations of utsuwa.

How to choose a bowl

Choose the size and shape that matches your menu

There is also a way to choose what kind of meal you want to use it for, depending on the menu you often eat.

Easy to use is one with a diameter of about 15 cm and a depth of about 8 to 10 cm.
It's convenient to have one as it can be used not only for rice, but also for soups such as udon and soba.

When using for eel bowls, seafood bowls, etc., choose one with a wide mouth.
The wide mouth makes it easy to eat rice with ingredients.

Also, since ramen usually has soup, it would be best to use a bowl with a wider diameter than the rice bowl.
However, since you will be lifting it, choose one that is not too heavy.

Select by material

・Pottery

Since the material is earth, it has a warm texture that is attractive.
It has heat retention properties and low thermal conductivity, so it's nice to be able to easily lift food while keeping it warm.
It's a little heavy because it's thick, but it's durable and has a nice texture.

・Porcelain

It is thin, lightweight, and has a transparent texture.
The appeal of white porcelain is that the painting stands out and you can enjoy the beautiful patterns.
Arita ware pottery with Old Imari-style patterns can also be used for entertaining.

Also, it has high thermal conductivity, so it is suitable for people who don't like hot food.

・Wooden

It is lightweight, durable, and has high heat retention properties.
The first point is the wood grain pattern, which is unique.
Just using a pottery with a natural texture will make you feel warm.
Since it is hard to break, it is also suitable for children's containers.

・Lacquerware

It is characterized by its glossy and elegant appearance.
The one with a lid and gold color on the surface is perfect for special occasions and entertaining!

Nowadays, there are many products that can be used in the microwave and are easy to clean.
Lacquerware has the impression that it is difficult to use, but it is lightweight, retains heat, and is very practical.

・Resin
The key point of resins such as ABS resin, melamine resin, and PET resin is that they are light and hard to break.
For this reason, it is often used in facilities such as school cafeterias, company cafeterias, and hospitals.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of items that have a luxurious appearance like ceramics, and items that are microwave and dishwasher safe. It is also recommended for children and the elderly.

Select by functionality

Donburi can also be used as a bowl or large bowl.
Therefore, if you are going to use it every day, it is important to focus on functionality.

Before purchasing, check to see if it has features that will help you save time on household chores, such as items that are microwave and dishwasher safe, and items that are easy to stack.

Also, if it comes with a lid, you won't need plastic wrap when heating it in the microwave, so choose one that suits your lifestyle.

Select by color/design

Functionality and ease of use are important, but appearance is also important!
Using pottery with your favorite design and color will lift your mood and create a different atmosphere at the dining table.

If you want something modern, go for something chic and black.

If you want to use it for Western food, it may be best to choose something that you like, such as one with a Scandinavian-style flower design.

Also, if you often entertain people, choose one with a lid,
If you like ramen, you can easily put astragalus on the rim, etc.
If you choose one with a design that suits your lifestyle and eating habits, you will be able to use it for a long time.

5 recommended bowls

Donburi that can be used for both rice and noodles

Spica Suirin Noodle Bowl | Mino Ware

A simple bowl with a rough texture.
The black utensils make any food look high-quality, making everyday meals like oyakodon and udon noodles just like at a restaurant!

A very stylish design with uneven glaze and concentric reliefs.
The ochazuke at the end looks luxurious, so it's great for entertaining.

Deep Bowl Blue Arabesque Large | Ramen Bowl Mino ware

A striking bowl with an eye-catching arabesque pattern.
With a pattern on the inside, the bowl and noodle ingredients stand out and look delicious.

The relief on the outside fits comfortably in your hand and is easy to pick up.
There are also products with different patterns, so it would be nice to have them in pairs.

Recommended for ramen and large bowls

Noodle Bowl Phoenix | Ramen Bowl Hasami Ware

The gorgeously painted noodle bowls will make you feel like you are eating at a Chinese restaurant.
The arabesque pattern on the inside makes the ramen ingredients stand out.

You can also serve large portioned dishes such as stews and salads.
When entertaining, simply place it in the center of the table to brighten up the dining table.

Noodle Bowl Tobikanna | Ramen Bowl Shigaraki Ware

A large, impactful bowl with fine lines on the orange.
Since the ramen looks stylish, I think I'll be making it more often.

The mouth is wide, so you can see at a glance what ingredients are inside!
Tanmen with lots of ingredients also looks delicious.

Although it may seem difficult to use, orange is actually a color that goes well with any food.
It would also be great to serve with stews, stir-fried vegetables, etc.

A versatile player who can also play bowls and large bowls

Banreki Hand-painted Vermilion 18cm/7.1in | Multi-use Bowl Hasami Ware

Users with a wide mouth and a sturdy base are convenient because they can be used as bowls or bowls.

The side dishes and rice ingredients on the plate are framed by red flower patterns, making them look even more delicious.

Light and small, perfect for women's hands.
It can also be used when you want to eat a little rice or noodles, or as a side dish.

Donburi is a useful container that can be used in various ways

Because the bowl is deep, it can be used not only for rice but also for a wide variety of dishes, including soupy noodles.

Therefore, depending on the size, it is a very convenient item that can be used for multiple purposes, such as small bowls, bowls, and large bowls for serving a large number of people.

Please find the best bowl that suits your eating habits and lifestyle.

You can view the rice bowls introduced this time from this page.