DONKAI: Halal-certified Angus & A5 Wagyu Hamburg on sizzling hot plates — overrated hype or splurge-worthy?

This place had been sitting on my must-try list for quite some time, though I never quite managed to drop by due to the long queues. The crowd hasn’t let up even after months of buzz, and for good reason, it seems.

So, after hearing fellow foodies sing its praises for nearly a year, I decided to start my morning a little earlier than usual to finally experience what makes DONKAI such a darling among Malaysians.

Those expecting a calm, candlelit setting may want to look elsewhere. DONKAI’s charm lies in its casual, energetic atmosphere. Think narrow stools lined up along an open kitchen, much like the snug izakayas peppered throughout Tokyo’s backstreets.

From your seat, you can watch the chefs prepare the hamburg patties, which are served sizzling on individual hot plates at 50% or 70% doneness — left to you to finish cooking to your liking.

The menu is expectedly limited. You’ll choose between an Angus beef or A5 Wagyu beef hamburg rice bowl, both served with a pasteurised egg yolk, unlimited refills of vegetables, and a comforting bowl of miso soup steeped with mushrooms and konbu. There are a few side offerings too like chicken karaage and ebi tempura.

What I tried at DONKAI

Truthfully, walking into DONKAI for the first time was a little disorienting. There’s no clear guide on how to order or what to expect except for a single deliberate sheet, and the stuffy and loud atmosphere doesn’t exactly lend itself to asking too many questions. It’s the kind of place where you learn by watching. A glance around at how seasoned diners navigate their trays and hot plates can be more helpful than anything you’ll hear.

For my order, I went with what seemed like the safest bet, or perhaps the most budget-friendly: the Angus Beef Hamburg (RM33), paired with a side of Truffle Sauce (RM5). Once it landed on my personal hot plate, the server politely asked if I wanted the patty sliced up. I said yes, and from there, the rest was a hands-on affair.

I gave the beef a bit more time to sizzle alongside the broccoli and carrots, then transferred everything into the bowl of short-grain rice. On the side, a condiment tray featuring an eclectic mix of chilli sauce, a Thousand Island-esque mayo, soy sauce, black pepper, red chilli flakes, and kimchi awaited. I also couldn’t resist adding a stick of A5 Wagyu Skewer (RM22), just to see what the fuss was about.

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The Angus beef on its own was well-seasoned, but once dipped into that truffle sauce, it became something else entirely. The sauce had the creamy tang of a bold tartar, laced with the punch of black pepper and earthy mushroom.

The rice, once mixed with the molten egg yolk and a generous spoonful of truffle sauce, was rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Surprisingly, the kimchi was above average, giving a clean, well-balanced bite that cut beautifully through the richness of the dish without overpowering it.

As for the wagyu skewer, it was pleasant, but not especially memorable. It melted away so quickly on the tongue that it barely registered — a wisp of umami before disappearing altogether. A luxurious bite, perhaps, but one that left me wanting something a little more tangible.

If you’re planning a visit to DONKAI, let me gently nudge you toward the Japanese Wagyu Beef Hamburg (RM43) — an upgrade well worth the few extra ringgit. Compared to the Angus patty I had earlier, the difference was night and day. If I may create a metaphor: it felt like comparing my best scribbles to Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Even though my dining partner accidentally left it on the hot plate a little too long which resulted in some crispy edges, the patty still managed to taste heavenly. It melted effortlessly on the tongue, each bite rich with umami and luxurious fattiness. Remarkably, it didn’t need any condiment to make it better. 

Final thoughts

Given that my main meal was the Angus Beef Hamburg rather than the Japanese Wagyu, I can see why some diners might find DONKAI a little underwhelming. The Angus option, while decent, may feel a tad mediocre to those expecting something more life-changing, especially considering the portion-to-price ratio. 

That said, the wagyu is where DONKAI truly shines. If you’re not an ardent beef lover, this spot may not be for you. But if you are, and you’re willing to splurge a little, go for the wagyu. That’s where the magic happens. You can thank me later.

Expected damage: RM38 – RM50 per pax

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