Onidon, a new restaurant concept from the Royal Holdings group, is set to revolutionize the fast-food scene in Tokyo with its unique take on onigiri rice balls. This innovative spin-off from the popular Tenya chain offers a fusion of tempura and rice, creating a dish that is both familiar and surprisingly different. The concept was born from a simple staff meal, where Tenya employees transformed a tempura rice bowl into an onigiri, and Royal Holdings saw the potential for a new type of fast food. The result is Onidon, a restaurant that serves up a unique twist on onigiri rice balls, with a focus on showcasing the tempura component proudly on top of the rice. This approach sets it apart from traditional tenmusu, where the tempura is usually hidden beneath the rice. The menu features 10 different onigiri varieties, including deluxe versions, with prices starting from 310 yen (US$2.10). One of the most eye-popping offerings is the Onidon Special, which comes with a variety of tempura on top of the rice ball, and is priced at 560 yen. The shrimp variety, in particular, was described as 'moreishly delicious' by our local reporter P.K. Sanjun, who attended the preview tasting. The restaurant is currently located in the Ecute building at Ochanomizu Station, and is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (last orders 9:30 p.m.) and weekends & public holidays from 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (last orders 8:30 p.m.). Onidon has the potential to become a hit with the public, and with its unique menu and delicious offerings, it is sure to become a popular destination for foodies in Tokyo. The restaurant's focus on showcasing the tempura component proudly on top of the rice is a refreshing change from traditional tenmusu, and the combination of the fried ingredients with the rice and seaweed creates a unique and satisfying experience. The fact that the onigiri is made to order adds to the appeal, making it a truly special and memorable dining experience. In my opinion, Onidon is a brilliant example of how staff at these chains can create innovative and delicious 'makanai' meals. It's a concept that could easily be expanded into other locations, such as shopping centres, airports, and highway service areas, and with its unique menu and delicious offerings, it is sure to become a well-known and widespread fast-food chain. The fact that the restaurant is currently only available in one location makes it a must-visit for those in Tokyo, and I highly recommend trying the Onidon Special to experience the full potential of this innovative dish.
