Funghi
Donko
S tier
Donko are thick-capped, partially opened premium shiitake—dense flesh, intense flavour, often dried as top grade in Japanese markets. The cap is plump rather than fully flat. Chefs prize them for texture. Reserve for featured mushroom dishes and superior dashi-adjacent broths. Expensive dried donko repay careful soaking. Slice thick to show meatiness.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
BrothFeature SautéPremium Dry
Traits
DenseIntenseMeatyPremiumThick Cap
History
JP
Japanese graders distinguished thick donko shiitake as premium.
JP
Dried donko became a gift and gourmet standard.
International chefs sought donko-grade dried shiitake.