Brown Donkatsu & Ramen — Restaurant in Markham

This spot, once the bustling Sonoya Ramen, has transitioned seamlessly into a haven for donkatsu enthusiasts, bringing with it a vibrant charm that keeps the regulars, including myself, coming back. Although the frequency of my visits has waned post-pandemic, my appreciation for their solid budget-friendly options has not.

The portions here are nothing short of generous, a rarity that commands acknowledgment. It's like receiving a comforting hug in the form of food, ensuring you leave with a happily full stomach. This generosity extends to their pricing too, particularly notable with the Brown Donkatsu and Everything Set, both of which offer substantial value for your wallet. However, it's the Cheese Stick Combo where the value equation seems a tad skewed, lacking the same appeal as its counterparts. A little tweaking here could make a huge difference.

Admittedly, the culinary journey at Brown Donkatsu has seen its share of ups and downs. The sauces, once a riot of flavor, now whisper rather than shout, their blandness a shadow of their former glory. It's a small grievance but one that’s palpable for those of us who’ve savored the better days. On the flip side, the fried batter, while criticized by some for its thickness, I view as a testament to their commitment to hearty portions. It’s a minor critique in the grand scheme, especially when weighed against the generosity on the plate.

One aspect that could enhance the dining experience is the sauce availability. While additional sauce can be requested, making this option more known could smooth over some of the bumps, adding back a splash of the vibrancy in taste that seems to have dimmed.

Service-wise, Brown Donkatsu remains efficient and friendly, further cementing its place as a go-to spot for those seeking a budget-friendly feast. It’s this combination of hearty portions, approachable prices (with a few exceptions), and welcoming service that keeps Brown Donkatsu in the hearts of...

I recently enjoyed a visit to Brown Donkatsu and Ramen with my friends, drawn in by the allure of Korean-style tonkatsu. We were delighted to discover tasty meals that offered great value. Upon our arrival, we faced a minor inconvenience with seating. After waiting for 15 minutes, we were initially offered a 6-seater table, with the possibility of having to share it later due to the restaurant being full. This setup wasn't ideal for us. Thankfully, a 4-seater table became available, and we could relocate to this table, thanks to the communicative and helpful servers. Here's what I ordered: Original Brown Katsu: This dish featured two large, deep-fried pork loins that perfectly balanced crunchiness with a satisfying fill. The savoury sauce, poured over half of the cutlet, allowed for both sauced and crunchy bites. I did not like the excessive use of panko crumbs, which made the dish a bit too rich for my taste. Kimchi or pickled radish could have balanced this richness. Also, although the menu stated that more sauce would be extra, our server kindly offered more sauce without any added cost, a gesture that we appreciated. The ambiance of the restaurant warm and inviting, giving enough space for diners, and everything looked neat and clean. The men’s room was overall clean, but only one person could use it at a time. Overall, the menu left us satisfied and convinced of the excellent value for the price. I would not mind coming back to try some of their...

I visited with friends for a great lunch. The restaurant is easy to spot with clear white signage, and it shares the space with Sonoya, a Japanese ramen brand, allowing you to order ramen alongside tonkatsu. Inside, it was a bit crowded but clean. The walls displayed large images of each menu item, which wasn’t the most attractive, but it made choosing dishes easy. Here’s what I tried: Chulpan Cheese Tonkatsu: A showstopper! A freshly fried pork cutlet topped with melting mozzarella cheese, served on a sizzling iron plate. The presentation was impressive, and a side of brown katsu sauce added extra flavour. Veggies under the cutlet kept it from burning on the plate. Carbonara Katsu: Two large cutlets paired with a creamy and savoury carbonara sauce. It was rich and satisfying. Curry Tonkatsu: A Korean-style curry variation of the tonkatsu, offering a flavourful twist on the classic dish. The service was attentive, with regular check-ins and pickled radish to balance the greasiness of the fried items. There was only one washroom, which was acceptably clean. For value, the Chulpan Cheese Tonkatsu stood out for its presentation, but it came with only one cutlet, unlike other options that offered two. For the best value, go for the regular plate options. Overall, it was a worthwhile visit, and I’d recommend it to anyone craving deep-fried pork cutlet. I’ll be back to try the...