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    Don Express

    4.6 (102 reviews)
    ModerateRamen
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Order Don Express Takeout or Delivery

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    DON EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Don Express

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    Reviews With Photos

    Darryl G.

    We were in Winston Salem for 10 days. I was born there but now live in Hawaii for almost 20 years. We actually found this place by chance and caught them right before closing. They could have turned us away but they were very welcoming with some southern hospitality and Aloha Spirit. My wife who is also Japanese was able to strike up conversations with the owners wife and was extremely delighted to find some authentic Japanese cuisine. It was our last night before flying back home to the Island. So 10 plus stars from us and we will see you again. One Love and Aloha Dimple D and Miko

    Katsu Curry
    Caila L.

    Don Express is such a solid hole-in-the-wall find. I ordered the katsu curry and loved every bite... the seasoning was spot on and the curry gravy was warm and comforting. Portions were large enough to make great leftovers. It's a bit pricey, but the quality and amount of food make it worth it.

    Interior
    Sandy B.

    I loved the food. Yup it was pretty darn good, I can still imagine the taste. It was a heaping big bowl of chicken Yakitori. I mean BIG for 1 person by no means am I complaining! I shared some because no way I could eat it all. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is a small place in a little mall of about 6 stores and it is on the end siding on Knollwood Ave behind the old Arby's.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is small but they just added a patio area for all seasons as it has an enclosed area w heating and picnic type tables there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff is friendly and the server was very helpful in assisting us with what dishes might be the best of the best. He was right on, thanks Tim! We got there around 4pm which was perfect as we didn't have to wait. Im told it gets really busy later on. I totally recommend this casual restaurant w great food!

    Yakisoba & Karaage Don w/marinated egg
    M T.

    I've been here twice before for takeout. It was ok, but I always say that food tastes best eaten at the location & since expanding their restaurant, that's what I did. The dishes tasted as good as the presentation! Definitely a contender if you're looking for unique street cuisine. I must note that I'm not a big fan of self-ordering kiosks, especially when you're not as familiar w/the menu. It eliminates the human element, but if cost-savings are passed on to customers, then so be it.

    Vegetable Yakisoba
    Dhruv S.

    I got takeout from here, I got their veggie yakisoba, it was okay I did add some of their sauces to it to make it more savoury. My co workers got some food from there though and they had only amazing things to say about it! One of them got the tayoyaki Portions were good price was fair as welll'd give it another try but tell them to make it spicier!

    Entrance
    Joseph K.

    Once again this restaurant has blown me away. We stopped in for a late lunch after a few rounds at the bar and decided to order a few new things. Super quick service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Pretty quiet on a Sunday evening only 2-3 other parties there besides us.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Takoyaki was amazing, this was the first time I've tried this and it far exceeded my expectations. Crispy round shell with a doughy inside. The small chewy octopus pieces remind you it's there but doesn't over power the flavor at all. Loved these and will be a go to from now on The seaweed salad was super crisp and refreshing. I love the texture and slight crunch each bite gives you. I hate to say it but i liked the pork katsu curry way more than the chicken. The chicken is still excellent but i honestly thought the pork was much more flavorful

    Katsu Don
    Tessa O.

    Tried Don Express for the first time recently and I'll definitely be back! I had the katsu don which was pretty good. I loved the rice - it was fluffy and perfectly cooked. The chicken was crispy which was great. I do wish the chicken had more flavor but I've never had katsu Don before so not sure how it compares. The pork gyoza was delicious and I'd definitely get it again. You order at the counter and the food comes out pretty quickly but still tastes really fresh. They also have a nice, unique selection of drinks including Japanese alcoholic drinks. The service was really great - everyone was nice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have a covered porch area to sit which is nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Parking is also easy because there's a huge parking lot. I definitely want to come back to try the ramen!

    Ike N.

    I love how many options this place has! There were so many items on the menu and everything sounded so good. I ended up getting one of the pork rice bowls, gyoza, and a rice ball. The food came out pretty quickly for how much my group ordered. Everything I ate was so fully of flavor. I wish this location was closer to Greensboro. It's definitely one of my favorite Japanese street food restaurants that I've tried.

    Yakiniku Omusubi
    Jacqueline T.

    After hiking in the area with friends, we were looking for some lunch and stumbled upon this spot. My husband and I shared: - Yakiniku Omusubi - Yakisoba with pork - Katsu Curry Everything was fantastic. I think the Yakisoba was my favorite. I always love Katsu Curry though and theirs was no exception. Typically, Japanese food in the US is just ramen and sushi, so it's nice that they serve some other dishes too!

    Pork tonkotsu ramen
    Erik S.

    Don Express is the kind of place where it's probably a good thing that it's a solid half hour drive from my house, because if it weren't, it would be a problem for my money and waistline. This is exactly the kind of Japanese street food focused place that i wish were more prevalent in the Triad, but I am thankful it is becoming increasingly popular. They serve street favorites like ramen, takoyaki, donburri, katsu curries, dumplings, and on and on. I have had little tastes of many different things there, and particularly liked the chicken katsu curry, the tonkotsu ramen, and the onigiri rice balls. Speaking specifically about the curry, is it so creamy and flavorful, forming a perfect marriage with the crisp panko breading on the katsu chicken. Portions are large and loaded, as they should be, and I think match the price point pretty well. Everything is made to order, other than a few select items which are prepped for the day or week, but don't worry, those items are absolutely suited for that. You're sure to find something on this menu that brings a smile to your face and your belly, be sure to stop by Don Express!

    Mike O.

    So I was finally invited into the inner circle of my wife and son's experience of dining at Don Express. This was truly legit Japanese food that was served by friendly people and it is pretty obvious that it is family-owned. My wife and I shared a chicken Okonomiyaki and an order of shumai, and I'm glad we did because it was delicious, rich, and filling. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat in a newly added covered patio area, which provided plenty of space, and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I think Don Express will be my go-to place for Japanese food in the future, and I highly recommend it.

    Maggie K.

    A year after my first review, Don's has become one of my favorite spots in the Triad. I recommend it to everyone! [[HIGHLIGHT]]We recently went back after taking a break from dining out and were impressed with the updates. They've added more seating, a few games outside, and a cute ivy wall with their name.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They've also expanded the menu so much that it now stretches onto another wall, which is exciting because everything I've tried has been fantastic. This time, we had the katsu curry udon and a bento box that was packed to the brim. One of my favorite things about Don's is that I always leave with leftovers, so I get to enjoy my meal twice. I can't wait to go back and try even more of their new additions.

    Gyoza
    AJ C.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Quaint little family-owned restaurant that is pay-at-the-counter style![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the clear window glass that lets you watch them as they make all their food from scratch![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Yakisoba was so delicious and filling - nothing beats in-store made noodles like this! Portions were huge and well-worth the $$. Menu is a little hard to read since it's on the side of the restaurant where people are ordering so definitely check it out online before you come so you have an idea of what you want! If you're looking for a higher-end Asian food restaurant to fill your cravings, this should definitely be a place to check out!

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    Awesome place for really great Japanese food. Super fast service and [[HIGHLIGHT]]really great environment[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

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    Don Express Reviews in Other Languages

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    18 Malaysia

    18 Malaysia

    4.3
    (154 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    I went with cousin for lunch to try it out since never been there. We were there at 12:30 and were…read morethe only ones for lunch. Wait staff was great. Noticed restaurant got a 99 health rating. Congrats. Appetizer shared Malaysia Shrimp Summer Roll. It was very good where could have eaten another one! My lunch choice Salt & Pepper Calamari with steamed rice. It was good but not spicy. Cousin got a noodle soup which was huge. Service great and asked how long been there. Answer 9 years. It is super close to my mansion where will start doing take out. Closed Monday. Inside small bar area. Booth tables and more tables.

    Tucked behind Harper Hills Common business center close to Harris Teeter…read more The restaurant is decorated beautifully and it is very clean. They have Malaysian food and a specialty menu for khmer food. Khmer food is not knowned much in the east but its beginning to be more learned about and popular. There food is rich in flavor and there cuisine is mostly known for there use of fresh herbs, coconut milk and aromatic spice paste;known as kroeung(lemon grass paste). I decided to try some entrees from the Khmer menu. I tryed the Malaysian Roti appetizer with side curry. It is so so delicous. The curry is tasty too but a little too sweet for my taste. Main entrees I tryed was the chicken kroeung (sour lemongrass soup) and the braised pork meat on bone cooked in soy sauce( Malaysian style but Khmer people have a similar dish). The chicken kroeung is soup for the soul, filled with alot of green veggies and best eaten with white rice. The braised pork meat is great too. Cooked just right and seasoned good. Its not sweet or salty. Usually I would try braised meat in soy at other restaurants either it would be way too sweet or salty but they made theres just right. Now the Southeastern asian cooking is not for everybody or those who have only tried chinese or japanese food. If you'd like to try something different but oh sooo delicous,khmer cusine is for you!! The staff is very welcoming,friendly and informative. Food came out hot,quick and tasty(bursting of aromatic flavors). I met the owner too. He mentioned he also have a donut shop called Intown donuts and Boba tea..down the road on Jonestown Road. Will definitely dine here again and try there other menu items. Next time am going to try the donut shop before I come here since it closed earlier.

    Photos
    Looking toward bar area
    Looking toward bar area
    Sliced chicken with eggplant, and hot chili oil with sprinkled togarashi, and crispy chicken with rice.
    Sliced chicken with eggplant, and hot chili oil with sprinkled togarashi, and crispy chicken with rice.
    Decor

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    Decor
    Konnichiwa

    Konnichiwa

    4.3
    (102 reviews)
    7.3 mi

    Been looking for a good Japanese cuisine restaurant in the Winston-Salem area after moving back…read morefrom Hawaii and we found a great one. Located in the same shopping center as Walmart on E. Hanes Mill Rd, this gem is housed in the same spot where the Hwy 55 burger joint was (I sure miss them). Parking is shared with other area merchants, and since it's quite a distance from Walmart's entrance, finding a space is not a problem. The restaurant is well-lit, comfortable and clean. We were promptly greeted and shown to a table. The menu had a great selection of ramen, bento, and sushi. While I was leaning towards sushi, I opted for the chicken katsu bento. The food came out quickly and I was pleasantly surprised at the portion size. Definitely a good value in my opinion. The only disappointment was their take on fried rice, which seemed more like a dirty rice you would get at Popeye's. Honestly, I think white rice would have been a better pairing for this dish. Great service throughout our visit and we're keeping this one on the short list.

    My favorite sushi spot in all of WS! As someone who doesn't eat raw sushi I love the many menu…read moreoptions for cooked rolls, some even deep fried! My favorite is the highway 9 roll with the bulldog a close second. I also like to get the crab Rangoon appetizer or the crab salad. The crab salad is really unique and fresh tasting. Service is always quick even when they're busy. I love the addition of these fun new tree platters too!

    Photos
    Konnichiwa
    Poke bowl
    Poke bowl
    Spring rolls

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    Spring rolls
    Tampopo Ramen & Hibachi

    Tampopo Ramen & Hibachi

    4.3
    (328 reviews)
    23.0 mi
    $$

    01/04/26 Located in the same shopping center as Super G Mart, Tampopo gives hole in the wall mom &…read morepop vibes. Prices are on the higher side, but service was great and the food is good! Ramen was ok, the Japanese Beef Rice Bowl, Tampopo Sweet & Spice Chicken and (no pictured) Dango would be my recommendations! They also won us over with the surprise desserts at the end of our meal

    I arrived with a party of three at about 7:30 PM. We were immediately addressed in a harsh tone…read moreletting us know that they closed at "8:30 sharp" and if we were sure we wanted to eat in. I would've probably left but we were starved and didn't have the brainpower to really try and brainstorm anything else. And it's ramen-how long could it really take. The waitress was prompt-I was afraid I would feel rushed but she seemed to have a hurried nature and it didn't feel directly related to it being close to closing. I ordered my ramen with no egg and spicy and it came with no spice and an egg. Disappointing to say the least because I've heard great things and expected better since in the short period of time we were there, so many people came in to pickup takeout orders. There was 2 pieces of thinly sliced pork in my ramen and it was mostly mushrooms. The broth was super flavorful I just wish I had more spice. Based off my experience, I wouldn't be interested in returning on my own. I'd visit if a group of friends wanted to go or for takeout to give them another try.

    Photos
    Tampopo Ramen & Hibachi
    R5. Tampopo Spicy Miso Ramen w/ Fried Chicken
    R5. Tampopo Spicy Miso Ramen w/ Fried Chicken
    Chicken Yaki Udon

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    Chicken Yaki Udon
    Binki Cafe - Winston Salem

    Binki Cafe - Winston Salem

    3.6
    (67 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    I felt like Ramen so the search began. Our area really lacks a diversity of Asian cuisine, but…read morethere a few gems if you look hard enough. Binki Cate has the potential to be a landmark for Ramen but there some work to do. First, this location seems to be a great spot but there has been like 3-5 different restaurants in the building over the last 10 years. I hope Binki stays. Ok, so I wanted Ramen but I don't think this is their wheelhouse. I think the main focus are the drinks and treats. I got the Miso chicken Raman and it was good...not great. The presentation was kinda wonky with a plastic bowl with clear wrap on top like a school lunch meal...wait...was this frozen and they just heated it up?? Hmmm...anyway the service was...functional. No one acted like they really wanted to be there. I think this spot has a lot to offer, but as with everything the experience it important.

    I was in the mood for ice cream, and I remembered they have tasty ube soft serve. They had a few…read moreother ice cream options, but they do not have halo-halo at this time. The ube soft-serve was topped with mochi and coconut. I was happy to learn it was lactose-free. Ube has a mild vanilla flavor and is not as sweet as other soft serves I have had before. They have a banana dessert that sounds good and I would get it in the future.

    Photos
    Winston Salem branch opens April 1, 2022.
    Winston Salem branch opens April 1, 2022.
    Tonkotsu ramen with Hokkaido milk tea
    Tonkotsu ramen with Hokkaido milk tea
    Inside

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    Inside

    Don Express - ramen - Updated July 2026

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