Guide to Singapore Don Don Don Ki

If you’ve ever walked past a Don Don Donki in Singapore and didn’t hear its jingle looping endlessly, were you even there?

This Japanese discount chain has taken Singapore by storm, stuffing its stores with everything from groceries to premium strawberries to bizarre beauty gadgets you never knew you needed. Since opening its first store here in 2017, Don Don Donki has expanded aggressively, because apparently, we can’t get enough of Japanese snacks and household randomness. With locations scattered across the island (yes, even in heartland malls now), it’s almost too easy to fall into the trap of “just browsing” and leaving with a bag full of Hokkaido milk and mochi. And let’s not forget the iconic theme song—composed to burrow into your brain forever—because nothing says “welcome to our store” like a never-ending loop of “Don Don Don, Donki~.”. One of my favourite grocery chains!

What is Don don don ki (DDDK)?

Don Don Donki, also known as Donki, Don Donki, Don Ki Don Ki, Don Don Ki, or DDDK, is a Japanese discount store chain that sells a dizzying variety of products, from fresh produce to quirky household items. Originally called Don Quijote in Japan, the brand is famous for its tightly packed aisles, bright neon signs, and an inescapable jingle that somehow makes shopping feel like an adventure. Unlike your typical supermarket, Don Don Donki specializes in Japanese goods, making it the go-to spot for fans. Whether you’re after premium Japanese ingredients or just need a last-minute souvenir that screams kawaii, Don Don Donki probably has it—somewhere in the maze of its shelves. Just be prepared to leave with more than you planned, because resisting a good Japanese snack haul is nearly impossible.

History of DDDK in Singapore

• Origins in Japan: Don Don Donki, originally known as Don Quijote, was founded in 1980 in Japan as a discount store selling a mix of household goods, groceries, and quirky items.
• Expansion Across Japan: The brand rapidly grew into a nationwide chain, known for its chaotic layout, late-night hours, and endless variety of products.
• International Expansion: Don Quijote rebranded its overseas stores as Don Don Donki to differentiate them from its Japanese outlets and started expanding into Asia.
• Entry into Singapore (2017): The first Don Don Donki Singapore store opened in Orchard Central in December 2017, instantly drawing crowds eager for authentic Japanese products.
• Rapid Growth: Due to its massive popularity, Don Don Donki quickly expanded across Singapore, with multiple locations opening in malls, heartland areas, and even 24-hour outlets to satisfy Singaporeans’ love for all things Japanese.

List of DDDK Singapore locations

• Orchard Central – 181 Orchard Road, #B1/B2, Singapore 238896
• City Square Mall – 180 Kitchener Road, #B2-05/18, Singapore 208539
• Square 2 (Novena) – 10 Sinaran Drive, #B1-01 to 85, Singapore 307506
• Clarke Quay Central – 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #B1-11 to 28/44-51, Singapore 059817
• E!hub Downtown East – 1 Pasir Ris Close, E!Avenue #01-339, Singapore 519399
• HarbourFront Centre – 1 Maritime Square, #03-23/38, Singapore 099253
• Jem (Jurong East) – 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #02-24/26 & #03-27/29, Singapore 608549
• Jewel Changi Airport – 78 Airport Boulevard, #B1-224, Singapore 819666
• Jurong Point – 1 Jurong West Central 2, #B1-09, Singapore 648886
• Tiong Bahru Plaza – 302 Tiong Bahru Road, #02-118, Singapore 168732

And more!

Who composed the DDDK song and why is it so catchy?

• Composer: The Don Don Donki theme song (also known as the “Miracle Shopping” song) was composed by Takahiro Yamato, a Japanese musician and producer.
• Original Purpose: The song was originally created for Don Quijote Japan in 1999 as a fun, energetic jingle to enhance the shopping experience.

Catchiness Factor:

• Repetitive lyrics – The words “Don Don Don, Donki~” are impossible to forget after hearing them a few times.
• Upbeat melody – The song’s high-energy, fast-paced rhythm keeps customers engaged.
• Psychological influence – The tune is designed to create a sense of excitement and urgency, encouraging shoppers to stay longer and buy more.
• Singapore’s Love for It: Just like bubble tea, the song is annoyingly addictive, and most Singaporeans probably hum it in their heads even when they don’t want to.

What type of products does DDDK sell?

• Snacks & Confectionery
• Fresh Produce (Fruits & Vegetables)
• Meat & Seafood
• Dairy & Beverages
• Pantry Staples (Sauces, Seasonings, Rice, Noodles)
• Beauty & Personal Care
• Household & Lifestyle Products
• Alcohol & Sake
• Ready-to-Eat & Hot Food

Why do Singaporeans love DDDK?

• Japanese Everything – Singaporeans have an obsession with Japan, from sushi to anime, so a store filled with authentic Japanese products is an instant win.
• Affordable “Imported” Goods – Unlike other specialty Japanese stores, Don Don Donki makes Japanese snacks, beauty products, and groceries accessible without outrageous markups.
• Quality Goods – From premium Japanese strawberries to freshly imported Wagyu, the store offers high-quality products that justify their price tags.
• Chaotic but Fun Shopping Experience – The maze-like layout and bright, flashy displays turn a simple grocery run into an adventure (or a test of patience, depending on the crowd).
• Discounted Hot Food After 8:30 PM – Savvy shoppers know that bentos, sushi, and other ready-to-eat meals get marked down in the evening, making it the perfect time to score a deal.
• That Catchy Song – Love it or hate it, the “Don Don Don, Donki~” jingle plays on repeat, embedding itself into Singaporeans’ brains like a permanent earworm.

What products can you buy in DDDK?

My go-tos

• Niigata Rice – Premium, aromatic rice from Japan’s Niigata prefecture, known for its soft texture and superior taste.
• Pork Jowl – Tender, flavorful cuts of pork with a good balance of meat and fat, perfect for grilling or hotpot.
• Beef Shabu Frozen – Thinly sliced beef ideal for shabu-shabu, a Japanese hotpot dish, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Unsweetened Soy Milk – A creamy, plant-based milk option with no added sugars, great for cooking or drinking.
• Sanuki Udon – Thick, chewy Japanese noodles from the Kagawa region, perfect for a comforting bowl of udon soup.
• Spring Onion – Fresh and vibrant, these add a burst of flavor and crunch to any dish, especially in stir-fries or soups. Tastes different from the spring onion coming from Malaysia
• Mizkan Nabe Soup Base – A ready-to-use broth base for hotpot, delivering authentic Japanese flavors with ease.
• Frozen Meatballs – Convenient and versatile, these frozen meatballs are perfect for quick meals like soups or skewers.

Alternatively, I mostly get my meats from Hubers butchery or Foodies Market Place.

What ready to eat foods to buy in DDDK?

My go-tos

• Negitoro Bowl – A delicious bowl of finely minced tuna and spring onions, perfect for a fresh, savory meal.
• Chirashi Bowl – A colorful and satisfying bowl of sushi rice topped with a variety of fresh sashimi and garnishes.
• Cream Croquette – Crispy on the outside, creamy and rich on the inside, this is a comforting and indulgent snack.
• Millefeuille – A delicate layered pastry, filled with rich cream, offering a sweet and light treat.
• Katsudon – A hearty bowl of rice topped with a crispy pork cutlet, egg, and savory sauce, ideal for a filling meal.
• Yakisoba – Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, sauce, and your choice of meat or seafood, offering a tasty, savory dish.
• Takoyaki – Soft, doughy balls filled with octopus and topped with takoyaki sauce and bonito flakes, making for a flavorful snack.

Avoid:

• Fried Foods – Like fried chicken or tempura (unless you’re in the mood for extra grease).
• Yakitori Skewers – Because sometimes skewered meat just isn’t the right choice for a fulfilling meal.
• Pizza – Even if it’s ‘Japanese-style’, it’s still pizza…

Does Don Don Don Ki deliver?

Don Don Donki offers delivery services through various platforms in Singapore, such as Deliveroo, GrabFood, and foodpanda. You can order a variety of their products, from snacks to ready-to-eat meals, and have them delivered right to your doorstep. However, the selection of items available for delivery may vary depending on the platform and location, so it’s worth checking ahead.

What details do I get from the DDDK app?

The Don Don Donki (DDDK) app in Singapore offers a variety of features that enhance your shopping experience, including a loyalty program to reward frequent shoppers. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect from the app and the loyalty program:

App Features:

• Store Locator – Find the nearest Don Don Donki locations and check their operating hours.
• Special Offers & Promotions – Access the latest discounts, promotions, and limited-time offers.
• Exclusive Discounts – Receive exclusive discounts or deals for app users.
• Product Catalog – Browse through DDDK’s vast selection of products, including snacks, fresh produce, beauty items, and more.
• Online Ordering – Make purchases and get delivery directly through the app via partner delivery platforms like Deliveroo or foodpanda.

Loyalty Program

The DDDK Loyalty Program rewards you with points and benefits for shopping at Don Don Donki stores.

Program Tiers:

• Bronze Member Sign-Up: When you first sign up for the app or loyalty program. Benefits: Earn points with each purchase. Access to basic promotions and offers.

• Silver Member Qualification: Accumulate a set number of points or meet certain spending thresholds. Benefits:Higher point accumulation rate per purchase. Access to exclusive Silver member discounts and deals. Priority access to certain promotions.

• Gold Member Qualification: Reach a higher spending or points threshold compared to Silver members. Benefits: Even faster point accumulation, typically with a higher multiplier. Access to special Gold-tier exclusive offers. Invitations to VIP events or product launches. Additional perks, such as free gifts or personalized deals based on preferences.

How to Earn Points:

• Points are earned through purchases made at Don Don Donki stores or via the app.
• Points can be redeemed for discounts or rewards at participating locations.

Redeeming Points:

• Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
• Certain rewards may include gift cards or exclusive merchandise.

The program offers multiple ways to earn and redeem points, rewarding customers as they climb the tiers, with the ultimate goal of maximizing savings and offering a more personalized shopping experience.

Who doesn’t like DDDK? Happy shopping!