Donki Chili Oil Review: Tried It with Sinigang and Pancit Canton – Surprisingly Good!

What Is “Taberu Rayu”? – Japan’s Umami-Packed Take on Chili Oil

If you’ve tried Chinese chili oil before, Japan’s version adds a unique twist.

Taberu rayu literally means “edible chili oil.”

Instead of being just a liquid seasoning, it’s made to eat as a topping—chunky, aromatic, and full of umami.

Typical ingredients include crispy garlic, onion, sesame seeds, sometimes nuts or miso.

The heat is usually mild, but the aroma and savoriness are big—perfect when you want flavor without overwhelming spice.

While shopping at Don Quijote (Don Don Donki) in Guam, I found their original Japanese-style taberu rayu.

As a local food blogger, I wanted to see if it works beyond Japanese dishes—so I tested it with Filipino comfort food.

This is my short Donki chili oil review with real home-style pairings.

It works. Think of it as a Japanese–Chinese aroma layer added to Filipino home cooking—bold, cozy, and very repeatable.

Donki’s Original Chili Oil (食べるラー油): Quick Review & Price

A versatile, budget-friendly chili oil with moderate heat and a crunchy garlic profile.

I paid $3.99 for a 250g jar in the Japanese section at Don Don Donki Guam (June 2025).

The balance leans aromatic rather than fiery, so it boosts flavor without masking the dish.

That makes it family-friendly and pantry-worthy.

On Japanese social media, fans love the crispy garlic and how it instantly levels up simple meals—especially rice, tofu, dumplings, and noodles.

“Donki’s chili oil with crunchy garlic is dangerous—you’ll eat too much rice. Big jar, low price. Must-try.”

“Garlic is super crispy—next-level chili oil!”

Outside Japan it’s still under-the-radar, but reviews are strong on select online shops as well.

Flavor Snapshot

Flavor Aspect	Rating (★/5)	Notes
Spiciness	★★☆☆☆	Mild and approachable; adds warmth rather than heat.
Crunch	★★☆☆☆	Crispy garlic bits add texture and a savory bite.
Overall Flavor	★★★☆☆	Garlic-forward, fragrant oil; easy to pair with many dishes.

• Subtle, versatile flavor—enhances without overpowering.
• Pairs with Filipino dishes (sinigang, pancit), Chinese dumplings/shumai, or even pasta like aglio e olio.
• Great pantry staple when you want quick umami and aroma.

1. Stir well before use—the garlic sinks to the bottom.
2. Expect aroma first, heat second. Layer it in gradually.
3. Tastes amazing on hot rice, tofu, noodles, or dumplings.
4. Refrigerate after opening. It won’t solidify, so it’s ready to use straight from the fridge.

Why Donki’s Chili Oil Works with Filipino Dishes

Filipino food is bold—sour, savory, sometimes sweet.

Donki’s taberu rayu brings aroma + texture more than pure heat, so it enhances sinigang and pancit canton instead of competing with them.

What is sanratan (Japanese hot-and-sour style)?

In Japan, sanratan refers to a hot-and-sour soup inspired by Chinese “hot and sour soup.” It balances vinegar tang and peppery warmth with tofu, mushrooms, and egg ribbons. Adding chili oil to sinigang gave me a similar aromatic warmth without losing the tamarind character. Source: Wikipedia

I Tried It: Sinigang & Pancit Canton with Donki Chili Oil

Sinigang na Baboy: A Cozy, Aromatic Lift

Taste

Flavor Ratings (Out of 5)

Category	Rating
Spiciness	★★☆☆☆
Richness	★★☆☆☆
Flavor	★★★★☆

Pancit Canton: Street-Style Vibes with a JP Kick

I mixed about 1 tsp into instant pancit canton.

The garlic-rich oil added a light toastiness and gentle bitterness—like street-style stir-fried noodles I had in Taiwan—while boosting overall umami.

Flavor Ratings (Out of 5)

Category	Rating
Spiciness	★★☆☆☆
Richness	★★★★☆
Flavor	★★★★☆

5 Filipino Dishes That Pair Amazingly with Donki’s Chili Oil

When I first tried Donki’s chili oil with sinigang and pancit canton, I was impressed.

Then my Filipina wife chimed in with her own list of dishes—and honestly, her picks make a lot of sense.

1. Sisig – Adds Heat to the Sizzle

The crispy, sizzling nature of sisig matches the garlic-forward crunch of Donki’s chili oil.

Gentle heat adds depth without masking the flavors, while the aromatic garlic boosts that irresistible pulutan vibe.

2. Adobo – Deepens the Umami Layers

Adobo already has deep, rich flavors from soy, vinegar, and slow simmering.

A spoon of garlic-rich chili oil adds a spicy, aromatic top note that layers beautifully with the mellow, cooked-garlic base.

3. Tokwa’t Baboy – A Bold Upgrade for the Dip

The classic sweet–sour dip is great on its own, but chili oil adds complexity—a touch of bitterness, lots of garlic, and a gentle chili kick that makes each bite pop.

4. Lumpia – A Crispy Match for the Chili Crunch

Fried lumpia brings the crunch; chili oil brings aroma and umami.

Mix it into vinegar—or even banana ketchup—for an instant flavor upgrade.

5. BBQ Pork – Smoky and Spicy in Every Bite

Garlic–vinegar dips are standard for BBQ pork; swapping or mixing in chili oil adds roasted garlic richness and a warm, smoky-spicy lift.

Where to Get Donki’s Original Chili Oil in Guam

Known in Japan as taberu rāyu (食べるラー油), Donki’s Original Chili Oil is an affordable, versatile pantry staple—great on adobo, pancit canton, or even plain rice.

You can find it at Don Don Donki (Tamuning).

Head to the Japanese seasonings shelf—it’s right beside the Filipino condiments.

It’s tucked among miso, soy sauce, and dashi products.

• Price: $3.99 (June 2025)
• Size: ~250g (generous for the price)
• Brand: Donki in-house
• In-store spot: Japanese seasonings shelf, beside Filipino condiments
• Storage: Refrigerate after opening; it doesn’t solidify

Whether you like mild heat or just want extra garlic crunch and aroma, this chili oil blends beautifully with island favorites.

Perfect for cross-cultural home cooking in Guam.

Give it a try on your next Donki run!

or

It’s usually placed in the Japanese seasoning section, right beside the Filipino condiments aisle at Don Don Donki Tamuning.

Final Thoughts: A Small Change That Brings Big Flavor

If you enjoy easy kitchen upgrades, Donki’s Original Chili Oil is a must-try.

A spoonful adds a surprising balance of spice, aroma, and umami to classics like sinigang, adobo, and pancit canton.

Even my Filipina wife—who grew up with these flavors—was pleasantly surprised

For local cooks in Guam, it’s an effortless way to explore cross-cultural fusion at home, without buying a dozen new ingredients.

One jar can turn regular meals into something memorable.

Next time you’re at Donki, grab a jar—it might become your new secret weapon.

FAQ – Donki Chili Oil in Guam