Came to Don Don Express again, but this time for takeout! I already knew I wanted the Chicken Katsu again after a really great experience last time. I also checked out the appetizer menu and decided to try the curry pancake. The boxed Chicken Katsu came out piping hot. It was still a generous portion of chicken layered over rice. When I saw the side compartment, I paused for a second and thought, is that soup? Then I realized it was actually the onion, egg, and soy mixture that goes with donburi. I did not know it would be packed separately, so I was not especially careful with the container and a little of it spilled into the bag. That said, I really applaud this place for separating it. It kept the chicken katsu crispy and the rice dry and fluffy until I was ready to eat. The curry pancake was different from what I expected, but in a pleasant way. It was not filled with curry or mixed into the dough. Instead, it was a hot, crispy, flaky Asian-style pancake with a texture similar to a scallion pancake, served with a curry dipping sauce. The curry had a bold and flavorful profile. It was not thick but nor sweet as the usual Japanese curry block sauces, as I was expeecting since it is a japnese themeed place. Te curry to me tatded more indian curry stlye, a bit spicy and a strong but it had a strong savory depth. Because of the texure closer to a desn flavor croth it did not cling to the pancake as much, not like how naan would scoopt up the curry, but it still paired very well, and works nice with the katsu, too! Very happy with this meal and definitely excited to return again. read more

I was really looking forward to trying Don Don, but unfortunately our order was a disappointment. We got two beef teriyaki bento boxes. The California roll was good, and honestly the best part of the meal was the miso soup. The beef, though, was tough, dry, and completely lacking in flavor--neither of us could eat it. Such a bummer. read more

Don Don Express - Beef Teriyaki Bento - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love Don Don express. It is the only place that does everything well. Normally I am really basic with the general Tso and orange chicken. But this place gets me to try other things, the ramen and the beef. Service is great, its a small little place, so its not overly crowded and its very quiet. My family usually gets the ramen and the chicken katsu and I get the beef with egg. Delicious, I try to go when ever I am in town. read more

Food- amazing Service- amazing Quality- amazing Presentation- goes crazyy 10/10 overall read more

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Still love this place. The menu isn't huge but everyone can find something they like. I tried the shrimp soba (noodles) today and like everything else, it was delicious. The shrimp was fresh, as were the onions and peppers. It's fast, reasonably priced, and the owner/server is so kind. I am always proud to bring my friends. I know they will be well cared for and leave satisfied. read more

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The rice inside the omurice was perfectly seasoned and delicious! it wasn't exactly the omurice i envisioned but it certainly was yummy. read more

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We have wanted to try this place for awhile, and we finally decided to order some takeout. We ordered the crab puffs the spring rolls the teriyaki chicken and the chicken and beef hibachi with egg drop soup. Everything was really good. The service was great and they were very nice. It's a small restaurant but very clean and nice inside. read more

My picky teenager found Don Don and is now a regular there, bringing friends and family to try it. I was invited to pay for his lunch here yesterday and now I know why it's his favorite. The dining area is cozy, the staff is friendly, and the food is hot and delicious! I had the vegetable yakisoba and enjoyed every bite of it. It was loaded with vegetables. Portions are generous too. I guess I'm a regular now! read more

Amazing food, best Chinese food I've eaten here in Austin! Excellent customer service!

The restaurant has consistent service and quality of food. I wish there was a greater selection of Japanese food, but it is slightly Americanized. It is listed as Japanese, but there's a mix of different east asian cuisine. Overall a good place to chow down. read more

The best tofu ever. It was so well done. Very flavorful and made to order. We ordered the sesame sweet and sour tofu bowl. We will be coming here again. The fried rice was so good as well. We were so excited to eat we forgot to take pictures. read more

This is my family's favorite spot to eat the food is delicious we crave eating here!! The mom that runs the front of house is so warm and welcoming plus really pretty! We absolutely love the family owned vibe. I definitely recommend the spicy beef don! read more

Top notch chicken teriyaki bento! My chicken was grilled perfect and the teriyaki sauce is super good. My rice was nice and warm and the sushi pieces were made well. I'm coming back to try more items. read more

Don Don Express - Chicken teriyaki bento - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

Our first time here and will define back! Service and food were phenomenal. The atmosphere was very peaceful and intimate, not to mention our server was very sweet and attentive. The pricing of the food was great for the quality and serving size. Highly recommend the Papa's fried rice is a must try and the bento box was the perfect size portion. read more

My favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant!! We go here to sit down quite often, the family who works here are the sweetest people in the world. It is relaxing and the food comes quick. Best spicy edamame and bento boxes ever!! read more

my fave restaurant EVER--i've been going here at least 2 times a week for the last 3 years; everyone who works here is always welcoming and kind, and the food is SO good!!! i always recommend don don to all of my friends! read more

Christmas Day traditions call for Chinese food! We couldn't find many places open but this hidden gem right down the street from us was not only open but gave us some tasty food and hot green tea! We enjoyed curry pancakes, soba noodle stir fry, and ramen! All were so good! read more

Exceptional food with great service. The quality and quantity of food was great value. Family owned and operated with care and integrity. Quiet atmosphere and very clean read more

Just got takeout here and they are small but mighty! The prices are great for the portion size and the quality. We had the teriyaki chicken bento, sesame chicken don, and the inferno ramen. The bento was terrific - the miso soup warm and not too salty, and the chicken teriyaki was juicy and paired great with the rice. I especially liked their salad dressing. From what my family tells me, the other items were also great. The inferno ramen is listed as spicy however it is a relatively mild level. Will definitely return! read more

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Great local place that is easy to overlook. Definitely recommend giving it a try especially if you like fast Asian comfort food. read more

Don Don Express - Combination Yaki Soba, Gyu Don and 4 Pieces Crab Puff - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

My family and I gave been eating at Don Don Express since they opened. They serve some of the best Ramen in the Austin area. We were happy to see they have dine-in service. The also seem to do an amazing amount of takeout. We decided to try something new this time. We started with the Golden Fried Tofu and the Curry Pancakes. The tofu had the perfect crunchy outside texture and the inside was soft and smooth. NOT rubbery like many place serve. It had the right amount of saltiness. We thought it is better than their calamari (our usual appetizer). The pancakes had a nice crisp exterior and fluffy center. They came with a fancy curry dipped sauce. I did order my usual Curry Ramen with comes with shrimp. The broth was appropriately hot (unlike the lukewarm served at other establishments). The flavors were great. Totally satisfying meal. Don Don will remain on 'My Keepers List'. read more

Don Don Express - Curry Ramen with Shrimp - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

i love this place so much, i accidentally discovered it during covid and have been a regular ever since. The family that owns this restaurant is always so sweet and informative they all seem like such kind people. the crab Rangoons here are the BEST i've ever had by far!! the food here is excellent especially considering the asian food near by it is top tier! i really like the interior of this restaurant aswell its nice and cozy, even tho its smaller it's very private and just super cute! read more

I really enjoyed the spicy edamame, sweet potato tempura, and spicy chicken don. I did not love the tonkatsu ramen, but the staff is amazing and the restaurant is very clean. I would come again and try something else. read more

Don Don Express - Tonkotsu Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Nice and authentic. The strawberry chicken is unique. Love the stewed pork too. Roasted duck is good too.

We've only gotten take out here but the food from this little unassuming place in a strip center is very tasty!

We'll just cut to the chase: 1. Will the food here change your life? No. 2. Will you get annoyed at the Anglo table next to you blathering endlessly about dashi & panko? Yes. 3. Is it easier to get your Japanese fix here than to make it yourself? Oh hell yes. Don Don is not a dedicated sushi place, but they're solid with the other usual suspects. I enjoyed the omurice, but if ramen is your only jam, you might consider one or two other places. We'll return here for the katsus & yakisobas. Everything on the menu appears to average around $10, and at lunch you'll save a dollar and be gifted with soup. Other thoughts: I think the toughest gig in show business has to be a couple running a restaurant or food truck together; that's got to require an insane amount of patience & dedication. I actually don't know, but a bonus star anyway. And it's real easy to drive right past Don Don Express on 620, so look out for it. And I've lived in student housing that had more square footage. If this place was even close to my hood, I'd be a regular. And bring my own chopsticks. read more

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Blink and you'll miss Don Don Express. It's in a little strip mall on the corner of N FM620 and El Salido. Use the Chevron gas station on the corner as your landmark. Food: Katsudon - theirs is chicken, not pork, so bear that in mind. Batter is light yet super crunchy, and just enough to coat the chicken without overtaking the meat. Served over rice with egg and cooked Spanish onion. If I had to nit, the rice was a bit too wet with the light sauce from the egg and onion. The rice didn't have enough time to soak it all up before it was served. But the flavor was spot on. Service: This is a little family run spot where the husband cooks and the wife is your server. They have three kids (I know because I stopped in at 12:30pm on a Saturday and interrupted their family lunch time.) To their credit, the parents hopped into action as their kids finished their meals. Food was cooked to order and brought out in good time. Overall: Give it a go, and support a local business. Food was fresh, delicious, and the place is unpretentious, and clean. Parking spots outside, and they take cards. read more

Don Don Express - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is a family favorite. Their katsu don and fried rice are wonderful. The bento box is a great deal for delicious food. I would like to see better egg rolls and a bit more affordable appetizers, but overall the food is always delicious, and the family owners are sweet and wonderful people. read more

Ughhh- I was craving it so bad I forgot to take a pic. Amazing 10/10 will order Tonkotsu Ramen again!!!!! Felt likestaying in and order from the nearest place which is Don Dons and I'm a fannnn!!!!! read more

Cute family-run restaurant! Seems like they do a lot of delivery and takeout. It was empty when we went on a Thursday night around 6:15. There are about 8 to 10 tables seating between two to four people each, so not a place for a large crowd. I got the chicken katsu don and really enjoyed it! The chicken was fried well and the sauce for the rice was curiously sweet. Portion size was perfect. My friends got the omurice, and that looked very good too. They said the salad and dressing tasted especially good. Will definitely come again! read more

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Oh my gosh. The lobster dumplings are 10/10. They have the right kick without the jalapeño and with it, it's some good heat!!!!!!! I totally recommend them. The curry ramen is 7/10. I've never had something like this before. I think it just lacks a little flavor. It is good to try if you haven't had curry ramen before. It might be because I order it to go so once the pandemic ends I'll come and try it again. read more

Don Don Express - Curry Ramen - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I very seldom write reviews. HOWEVER, the SERVICE was 10/10 - not only were they quick but very kind and attentive. Ramen was delicious! Hidden gem for sure. I'll be back!!! read more

A gem in a unexpected location! Nestled in a small strip mall in a quaint space (small probably because they do mostly delivery and takeout) this is an incredible find. Everything on the menu is delicious and reasonably priced. We ordered the chicken don and beef don. Both were delicious, came in huge portions (enough to share) with plenty of well seasoned rice, vegetables, and the meat cooked to perfection. If you can pick just one, I would recommend the beef, but both were satisfying! We also ordered the avocado bomb to start. This is half of a baked avocado stuffed with crabmeat and topped with bread crumbs. This was absolutely delicious, the only thing I would change is maybe less breadcrumbs. So glad we stumbled on this place, will definitely be back!! read more

Don Don Express - Spicy Chicken Don - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I have always been a big huge fan of eating Japanese Don, but I haven't been able to locate a good solid traditional Japanese restaurant who can satisfy my craving. Today while I was reading the Community Impact, I saw this news of Don Don Express had been opened since beginning of 2018, because we don't live on this side of town, we were not able to find out the existing of this restaurant. Tonight my friend and I ordered the following two dishes: Oyako Don Fish Katsu Don Hands down to the Chef/Owner Jerry, he just made my day and years of searching for good quality Japanese Don. They use the traditional Japanese rice, on my Oyako Don (Chicken with Egg and Onions) the Egg and Onions over the rice was perfectly sweetened, the Chicken was also very well cooked. On my friend's Fish Katsu Don, the deep fried fish was perfectly fried in light golden color, the fish was thick and still bit juicy!! My friend and I both are really picky on food, and we both dropped our jars when we were enjoying our food. I definitely will be back, and will also spread out the words to the surrounding to bring bigger awareness. read more

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Cheap and good. What more do you want for a quick noodle joint? The ramen is great and the chicken yaki soba always delivers. It's a small family-run spot where they move quick and the food doesn't disappoint. read more

This place has great food. The prices are outstanding compared to similar restaurants in the area. The staff is friendly enough to make sure your order is correct. The food does not take long to prepare. The store is small but worth it. read more

My husband and I were very hungry, and we were in the mood for some Asian Cuisine. After a couple of searches we found this place. While it was empty (we came in at 1:30PM on a Friday), we were quickly seated and given menus. We ordered Chicken Omurice and Fish Katsu Don (Both on lunch special, so it came with soup, we picked Egg Drop). Both were DELICIOUS. The chicken was juicy, it had Rice that was just bursting with flavor and was a great dish. The Katsu was also very impressive. The battered fish was not dry at all, crispy and the rice, onion, egg and sauce had something about it that made me go back for more! We will definitely be coming back...maybe we will try the ramen! read more

Don Don Express - Half eaten Chicken Omurice Lunch Special and Fish Katsu Don Lunch Special. Completely recommend! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

Wow. This is a hidden gem. If you passed by you could miss it. It's tucked away on 620/El Salido in a small shopping center. The service was great and the food was phenomenal. All the food was freshly made and both dishes came out hot and tasty. I will definitely be coming back here. Thank you Don Don. read more

Loved this place! Great customer service & delicious food! They don't have a ramen with chicken in it only pork. I asked if they could do chicken and he accommodated me! read more

Don Don Express - Asian Fusion Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place is a hidden gem! It's a family operated restaurant, and everyone is really friendly. They remember us when we come back and even know our order now. The teriyaki is s amazing. The rice is perfect. The sushi is fresh. They cook your food when you order, so it doesn't sit around. They are reasonably priced for when you get. Give this place a try, you will not be disappointed! read more