MELBOURNE | Ta-ke Don opened late last year in the CBD, and has fast become a hit with local workers, and students at nearby RMIT, looking for a tasty, affordable lunch option. I made a visit the other day to grab some shots for What’s On Melbourne, and to find out more.
The space is small and bright, with a consistent orange and white colour palate. It’s focused on fast, take-away service, with orders and payment made either at the counter, or using the large touch screen in front of the entrance. There’s a constant line, but things move fast so you’re never waiting too long.
On the menu you’ll find an assorted selection of Japanese donburi (rice bowls with toppings). There’s traditional Japanese flavours, and Thai-inspired options. All dishes are halal.
First, choose your protein. There’s chicken katsu, karaage, Thai-style fried chicken, sliced beef, grilled chicken, tempura prawn, tempura soft shell crab, and crispy tofu. Next, choose your sauce. You can opt for Thai chilli and basil sauce, Japanese curry, green curry, teriyaki sauce, and a sweet vegan umami sauce.
Most bowls are priced at $10 for small and $15 for large. The seafood protein options can be had for an extra $2. The most popular options to-date are the Japanese curry and Thai chilli and basil sauce. It’s all tasty stuff, and a great option at this price point.
There’s a few snacks like crispy lotus root, potato chips, and takoyaki. You can also add on extra sauce, and things like an onsen egg and miso soup. Speaking to the owner, I learned that the plan is to introduce a few more sauce options in the coming months, inspired by other Asian cuisines, based on customer feedback.
To drink, there’s sodas, along with Thai milk tea, Thai milk tea slushie, and Thai pink milk.
Ta-ke Don
4/265 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: 0490 935 344
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 11:00am to 11:00pm