On my way to work, I suddenly noticed a poster for "Rare Roast Beef Bowl" at Origin Bento ("Origin"). I had just had the "Roast Beef B owl" at Lawson, but I was curious and bought it.

I was curious about the difference, so I went to Lawson and bought a roast beef donburi for the first time in a day to compare the two. The roast beef donburi showdown was about to begin!

The difference is in the volume!

First, let's compare the construction and basic specifications of each. The basic construction of both is a layer of rice topped with brown sauce, meat, and white sauce, and garnishes.


The Lawson "Roast Beef Donburi" (690 yen including tax) has two layers of rice and meat, with the rice heated in the microwave and the meat and yogurt flavored sauce on top. The weight of the meat was about 105g (3.7oz) and the rice (and onions) about 250g (8.82oz).


Origin's "Rare Roast Beef Bowl" (580 yen including tax) is already complete, with the meat and other ingredients already on top of the rice. Meat and rice are measured separately, with the meat weighing about 60g (2.12oz) and the rice (and onion) weighing about 265g (9.35oz).



Lawson's has about 45 grams more meat, although the price is 110 yen higher. There is also not that much difference in the amount of rice, so the overall weight is also greater at Lawson. For volume alone, Lawson is the only choice.


Meat is the difference

However, taste is also an important factor. First, we compared only roast beef.


Lawson's beef was reddish and meaty. It was firm and chewy, and the pepper was crispy. On the other hand, I was surprised by the softness and moistness of the Origin, which was slightly pinkish all over. If Lawson's flavor is strong and robust, then Origin's is gentle and delicate. The taste of the origin was different from the Lawson's.

Differences in overall taste

The sauces that determine the flavor are "barbecue sauce" and "yogurt-flavored sauce" for Lawson, and "roast beef sauce" and "yogurt-flavored mayo sauce" for Origin. Both seem to use similar products...?

Lawson's yogurt-flavored sauce has a strong, refreshing sour cream-like flavor, while the barbecue sauce is more mature. When eaten with meat and rice, it tasted like a snack with an edge, combined with the pepper flavor. I need a beer!


On the other hand, Origin's yogurt-like mayo sauce was mellow and not too sour, and went well with the rich roast beef sauce. It also enhances the flavor of the meat. Sometimes, a small piece of kaiware (seaweed) is added to give it a tangy kick. The balance between the amount of rice and meat was well balanced, and I felt that the dish was highly complete as a bowl of rice. It would be delicious with an onsen tamago (egg on hot spring).


One thing I noticed while making Lawson's rice bowl. It is quite difficult to arrange roast beef neatly. I can't say I'm too proud of the staff at Origin.

In the end, it's "to your liking.

To summarize the characteristics of each, I would say that Lawson's is "a very satisfying volume" and "the meat and sauce are well flavored," while Origin's is "the ingredients have a gentle taste" and "the rice bowl is highly complete. In particular, there is a big difference in the sourness of the sauce and the flavor of the meat. Even though they are from different businesses, there is quite a difference between them.

Origin also offers a "Meat W-sumari" (950 yen including tax), which contains twice the amount of meat and no change in the amount of rice. However, as far as we can tell from the menu, the rare roast beef bowl itself seems to be sold only in the Kanto area. Also, since it is a "rare" dish, there is a notice saying that it must be eaten within an hour, so be careful if you are thinking, "I want some! So, if you want to try it, be careful.