The concept of hamburger steaks has been popularized in Japan since before WWII times. Today, Bikkuri Donkey is keeping the tradition alive!
Due to a shortage of meat in Japan prior to the Second World War, hamburger steaks which originated in Germany became a nationwide delicacy due to its economical production.
Made using a combination of ground beef and other ingredients such as bread crumbs and egg, hamburger steaks did not require as much beef as a regular steak, allowing the Japanese to make the most use of their limited livestock.
While Japan no longer suffers from a shortage of meat as it did in the early 20th Century, restaurants like Bikkuri Donkey (literally meaning “surprised donkey”) have kept this iconic dish alive by making it the specialty of their business.
Iconic Marketing
With a cartoonish logo using bright yellow and dark green colors, Bikkuri Donkey is easily one of the most iconic restaurants in Japan in terms of aesthetics.
While not a 24-hour establishment, they typically stay open quite late, sometimes even past midnight and up to 4 a.m. depending on the branch.
I’ve visited branches in Osaka, Kitakyushu, and even Sapporo, and can attest to the quality and convenience across all branches.
The one difference between the branches, however, is that some have a touchscreen ordering system while others use the traditional waiter to take your order.
Incredible Hamburger Steak Options
As expected, the menu at Bikkuri Donkey is dominated by delicious hamburger steak varieties.
Some come with hot melted cheese drizzled all over while others feature fried egg and kimchi toppings.
You can also choose to have your hamburger steak with the standard side of rice and salad or you can opt for roast vegetables among other sides.
There are also options for hamburger steak size, typically between 180-300 gram choices that range between 1000–2000 yen (6-14 USD).
Expansive Side Menu
If hamburger steaks aren’t really your thing, there is a whole category on the menu for other foods that range from entrées to main courses.
Whether you’re craving pizza, pasta, or salad, Bikkuri Donkey offers amazing variety that appeals to adults and children alike (kid’s meals are available).
One of the most standout categories at Bikkuri Donkey is actually their dessert menu which includes intricate parfait options and intriguing milky beverages and juices.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!