6 Japanese Restaurants in Saigon for Ramen and Sushi

“Saigon’s culinary landscape is a living mosaic where global flavors move to the city’s vibrant rhythm. At its heart lies Japanese cuisine, guided by a philosophy that treats cooking as an act of quiet respect. From intimate Omakase counters where each slice of sashimi is a studied gesture, to bowls of ramen that warm both body and spirit, every dish reflects Japanese precision and grace.

Here’re 6 restaurants in Saigon where dining becomes an artful and deliberate encounter with the essence of Japan.

Sushi Rei

– Address: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
– Opening hours: 17:30–22:00
– Price range: $122 to $200 per person
– Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VHvueBns9xdCc5oq6

Sushi Rei is an intimate retreat devoted to Edo-mae Omakase, a practice where chef and guest exchange meaning through each course. The kitchen honors freshness and the refined craft of aging, curing, and slicing fish with quiet discipline and care.

Ingredients arrive directly from Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo, and the pared back counter setting lets the Itamae’s deliberate movements and the soft light take center stage. The result is a calm, focused experience that invites attention and reverence.

Must-try dishes:

– Uni Hokkaido: A tasting of three Hokkaido sea urchins that reveals subtle shifts in sweetness and texture.
– Tuna Dog: A signature creation available exclusively in the Umi set, showcasing the chef’s playful creativity.
– Seasonal Sashimi Selection: An exquisite presentation of imported delicacies such as puffer fish, abalone, or seasonal catches from Japan’s coastal waters.

Maguro Studio

– Address: 19 Dong Du, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
– Opening hours: 11:00–14:00 and 18:00–22:00
– Price range: Above $50 per person
– Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jXx8AuFgugfT7Dsq8

While Sushi Rei captures classical refinement, Maguro Studio expresses the bold, contemporary side of Japanese culinary art. Its atmosphere is vibrant and expressive, with creative lighting, striking displays of yellowfin tuna, and a lively rhythm that mirrors youthful energy. This modern space reimagines traditional sushi culture with a distinctive, artistic edge.

As its name suggests, Maguro Studio is devoted to the mastery of tuna. Guests can witness the skill of Japanese chefs through the restaurant’s signature tuna-cutting performances, a captivating display that combines precision and passion. It is a favorite destination for adventurous diners, young professionals, and sushi lovers seeking an experience that is both refined and full of life.

Must-try dishes:

–  Maguro Sashimi: Experience the luscious flavor of fatty tuna belly, beautifully marbled and delicately sliced.
–  Tuna Tartare: A vibrant combination of fresh tuna, quail egg, and wasabi, offering a perfect harmony of texture and taste.
–  Signature Roll: A creative sushi roll featuring premium tuna and the restaurant’s signature sauce, balancing innovation with authenticity.

Shin-Kon

–  Address: 15 Nguyen Thiep, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
–  Opening hours: 18:00–22:00
–  Price range: $66 to $348
–  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BB2NTgQouUnjeEq66

Shin-Kon offers an Omakase experience where cuisine becomes a dialogue between art and the soul. The name itself means “heart and spirit,” and that sentiment is reflected in every element of the restaurant. The intimate space, adorned with cranes gliding across a golden mural, evokes serenity and refined Asian elegance.

Under the vision of Chef Linh, the Omakase menu blends classical Japanese discipline with a modern creative touch. Each dish is prepared as a quiet expression of respect and emotion, an homage to both nature and craftsmanship. The experience is elevated by a curated selection of sake, Japanese whisky, and Chateau Mercian Koshu wine, each chosen to enhance the umami depth of the sushi.

Must-try dishes:

–  Seasonal Omakase Set: A menu that changes weekly, guided by the freshest imported ingredients of the season.
–  Sea Bream Sashimi: A symbol of purity and balance, representing the ideal harmony of freshness and texture.
–  Dassai Sake Pairing: A refined sake pairing that deepens the flavor journey, balancing delicate sweetness and saltiness.

Ippudo (Saigon)

–  Address: 47 Ton That Thiep Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
–  Opening hours: 11:00–22:00
–  Price range: $20 to $29
–  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3wsyWxmp96Pz9UoE7

As one of the most celebrated ramen houses in the world, Ippudo brings the authentic flavors of Japanese Tonkotsu ramen to the heart of Saigon. The restaurant exudes warmth and comfort, its traditional setting reflecting Japan’s timeless appreciation for craft and simplicity.

Each bowl is meticulously prepared, beginning with a slow-simmered pork bone broth that develops deep, creamy richness. The signature thin noodles and tender chashu pork complete a dish that feels both familiar and deeply satisfying. With its consistency across the globe, Ippudo remains a favorite among diners seeking genuine ramen made with heart and precision.

Must-try dishes:

–  Shiromaru Classic Ramen: The quintessential Tonkotsu broth served with soft, fragrant chashu pork.
–  Karaka Ramen: A vibrant, spicy interpretation made with miso minced meat and roasted cashews for a rich, layered flavor.
–  Steamed Salmon Roll: A comforting side dish featuring tender salmon wrapped and lightly seared to perfection.

Danbo Ramen

–  Address: 8A/7B1 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
–  Opening hours: 11:00–15:00 and 17:00–00:30
–  Price range: $15 to $17
–  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JcT8ECWPxbg36woF9

Danbo Ramen is beloved for tailoring each bowl to the guest’s personal taste. From the texture of the noodles to the richness of the broth and the level of spice, each element can be customized, creating a dining experience that feels personal and satisfying.

Originating from Fukuoka, Danbo captures the essence of authentic Japanese ramen while maintaining a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. With its affordable prices and extended hours until midnight, it is a favorite destination for those seeking a comforting late-night meal in the heart of Saigon.

Must-try dishes:

–  Classic Tonkotsu Ramen: A traditional Fukuoka-style pork bone broth that is rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful.
–  Spicy Level Three Ramen: A beautifully balanced bowl where spice and richness come together in harmony.
–  Harigane Noodles with Toppings: Chewy, thin noodles prepared in the authentic Japanese style, perfect for true ramen enthusiasts.

Tori Soba Mutahiro

–  Address: 8A/G7 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
–  Opening Hours: 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–2:00
–  Price: 140,000–180,000 VND
–  Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EupYZfbXmmiaYwq6

Among Saigon’s ramen houses, Tori Soba Mutahiro stands apart with its signature chicken-based broth, Tori Soba. Light yet rich in collagen, it offers nourishment and a delicate aroma that lingers with warmth.

The restaurant uses the sous vide technique to prepare its chicken chashu, ensuring every slice remains tender and full of flavor. With its cozy atmosphere and opening hours that extend until the early morning, Tori Soba Mutahiro has become a cherished spot for both locals and Japanese residents looking for a comforting late-night bowl of ramen.

Must-try dishes:

–  Soy Sauce Seasoned Egg Chicken Ramen: A bowl of shoyu chicken broth served with sous vide chicken chashu and a soft-boiled egg, offering harmony and depth in every sip.
–  Tori Paitan Ramen: A creamy, gently flavored chicken broth that soothes the senses, perfect for late evenings.
–  Japanese Draft Beer Combo: A simple pleasure that pairs perfectly with ramen, combining rich flavor with crisp refreshment.

Final Thoughts

Japanese cuisine in Saigon is a gentle harmony between heritage and innovation. From the serene precision of Omakase encounters to the comforting warmth of ramen, each experience tells a quiet story of balance, craftsmanship, and devotion. In every bowl and every bite, there is a reflection of Japan’s artistry, reimagined through the vibrant rhythm of Saigon.

After an evening of culinary discovery, Hôtel des Arts Saigon awaits as a haven of calm and beauty. The hotel’s elegant charm and artful spirit mirror the same philosophy found in Japanese dining, where every detail is guided by grace, emotion, and intention.

Whether it is the delicate simplicity of sashimi or the soulful depth of ramen that lingers in memory, Saigon offers countless ways to experience the poetry of Japan, written softly through its flavors and moments.”