Food & Receipts

A Taste of Japan on Le Thanh Ton Street

Step into the quaint alleyway nestled between Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung Streets in District 1, and you'll discover a hidden gem - a vibrant Japanese-themed enclave offering a unique dining experience. Known as "Ghé phố Nhật", this intimate enclave is a haven for foodies seeking an authentic taste of Japan. Whether you're looking for a casual weekend hangout with friends or a unique dining adventure, Ghé phố Nhật is a must-visit destination, boasting a delightful array of five delectable restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Izakaya, derived from the words “iru” (to stay) and “zakaya” (sake shop), is a unique Japanese-style pub. It’s not just a place to drink but also a space to relax, socialize, and indulge in delicious food.

Izakaya pubs typically feature a cozy and intimate ambiance, offering a wide range of dishes, from light snacks like grilled skewers, karaage (fried chicken), and sashimi to heartier options such as ramen, onigiri rice balls, and hot pot. They also serve a variety of alcoholic drinks, including beer, sake, and shochu.

In Vietnam, izakaya pubs are gaining popularity, especially among those fascinated by Japanese culture. These pubs offer a holistic Japanese culinary experience. Whether you’re looking to unwind after work or hang out with friends, izakaya is the perfect spot.

1 Izakaya Ten

Izakaya Ten, a popular izakaya pub in Ho Chi Minh City

Restaurant Quality: 4.4/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 17/4 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM (Sunday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM) (Usually crowded at 8:00 PM)
Price Range: 10,000 – 480,000 VND
Phone Number: N/A
Facebook: Izakaya Ten
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Sashimi, mashed potato salad, eel rice, mentaiko rolled eggs, spicy steamed clams, etc.
Signature Dish: Sashimi and mashed potato salad
Pros: Delicious food, authentic Japanese ambiance, excellent sake, enthusiastic staff, reasonable prices
Cons: Can get noisy during peak hours, slow service at times

Izakaya Ten offers a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist

Izakaya Ten, a well-known veteran in the vibrant Japanese street of Le Thanh Ton, is our first stop on this culinary journey. This bustling pub promises an authentic Japanese izakaya experience.

The first thing that catches your eye is the large signboard with “Izakaya Ten” in bold black letters on a white background, accompanied by a festive display of red lanterns. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a cozy and lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to the quiet street outside. The buzz of conversations, laughter, and the sizzle of the grill create a delightful culinary symphony.

Izakaya Ten’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. The extensive menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, from light starters like mashed potato salad and fresh sashimi to heartier options such as rich omurice and spicy hot pot.

Cap off your meal with their signature homemade plum wine, which perfectly balances sweetness and fragrance. The lingering taste of this wine will forever remind you of the exceptional dining experience at Izakaya Ten.

2 Izakaya MATSUKI

Izakaya MATSUKI, a tranquil and elegant izakaya pub

Restaurant Quality: 4.6/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 8A/A20 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Usually crowded at 9:00 PM)
Price Range: 18,000 – 300,000 VND
Phone Number: 0703838955
Facebook: Izakaya MATSUKI-Japanese Drinking Style
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Spaghetti with cod roe sauce, kushimori grilled skewers set, grilled crab with cheese, Yaki Gyoza pan-fried dumplings, 5 kinds of sashimi, etc.
Signature Dish: Kushimori grilled skewers set
Pros: Reasonable prices, quiet and cozy ambiance
Cons: Slightly hard-to-find location, small space

MATSUKI’s signature dish – the 7-variety grilled skewer set (kushimori)

If you seek a tranquil sanctuary amidst the bustling city of Saigon, MATSUKI is your ideal destination. Unlike the typically boisterous izakaya pubs, MATSUKI offers a cozy and elegant space for those seeking a quiet dining experience. Despite its sophisticated ambiance, MATSUKI boasts surprisingly affordable prices, with some dishes even lower priced than other izakaya pubs in the area.

Their signature 7-variety grilled skewer set (kushimori) is a must-try. Each skewer is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients marinated to perfection, delivering an irresistible flavor. Sashimi lovers will be delighted by the set of 5 fresh sashimi varieties, stimulating all your senses. For those with a penchant for creamy richness, the grilled crab with cheese will captivate your taste buds with its indulgent flavors.

Complete your meal with their rich and creamy pudding, leaving you with a sweet and lingering aftertaste.

3 Kawabi Izakaya

Kawabi Izakaya, a hidden gem offering a unique Japanese dining experience

Restaurant Quality: 4.5/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 8A/3B1 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 4:00 AM (Usually crowded at 10:00 PM)
Price Range: 15,000 – 400,000 VND
Phone Number: 0917810506
Facebook: Kawabi Izakaya
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Tuna rolls with seaweed, eel rolled eggs, omusoba noodles, curry udon, soda cream, etc.
Signature Dish: Eel rolled eggs
Pros: Delicious food, beautiful presentation, cozy and friendly ambiance, attentive staff, diverse menu
Cons: Slow service during peak hours due to high demand

Kawabi Izakaya stands out for its creative culinary preparations and presentations

Tucked away in a corner that’s easy to miss, Kawabi Izakaya offers a unique Japanese dining experience in the heart of the city. Step inside, and you’ll feel transported to the land of cherry blossoms with its cozy ambiance, adorned with lanterns, Japanese-inscribed cloth, and impressive samurai and geisha paintings.

Kawabi Izakaya’s signature lies in its creative culinary preparations and presentations. The menu showcases a harmonious blend of Japanese and American flavors, offering diners a novel and distinctive taste experience. Additionally, they boast an extensive drink menu, featuring premium sake varieties and their signature eye-catching green soda cream.

4 Izakaya MIE

Izakaya MIE, a hidden sanctuary offering authentic Japanese cuisine and a relaxing ambiance

Restaurant Quality: 4.9/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 8A/8D2 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Price Range: 16,000 – 450,000 VND
Phone Number: 0906910633
Facebook: Izakaya MIE 海瑛
Delivery: Yes (via Shopee Food)
Menu Highlights: Miso soup, udon noodles, soba noodles, wasabi octopus, natto tuna, steamed eggs, scallops with asparagus, sashimi, meat skewers, nigiri, etc.
Signature Dishes: Tacos, cheese-baked crab, cheese-baked hamburger, steak
Pros: Delicious food, beautiful presentation, cozy and friendly ambiance, attentive staff, diverse menu
Cons: Slow service during peak hours due to high demand

Izakaya MIE, a hidden gem offering authentic Japanese cuisine and a relaxing ambiance

Seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city of Saigon? Discover Izakaya MIE, tucked away in a basement, resembling a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Step inside, and you’ll be enveloped in a cozy ambiance reminiscent of traditional Japanese izakaya pubs.

A unique feature of Izakaya MIE is its open kitchen adjacent to the seating area, allowing diners to witness the talented chefs preparing their meals, sparking curiosity and stimulating the senses.

Izakaya MIE is not just a place to savor authentic Japanese cuisine but also an ideal spot to unwind after a long day or gather with friends on the weekend.

5 Izakaya Me-Tetsu

Me-Tetsu IZAKAYA, a cozy Japanese restaurant in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Restaurant Quality: 4.7/5 (Google Rating)
Address: 17/25 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Sunday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM) (Usually crowded at 9:00 PM)
Price Range: 50,000 – 250,000 VND
Phone Number: 02838221458
Facebook: 名鉄 : Me-Tetsu Izakaya
Delivery: No
Menu Highlights: Japanese-style curry rice, Takoyaki, Kimchi chicken hot pot, sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, etc.
Signature Dish: Japanese-style curry rice
Pros: Centrally located in the Japanese street, diverse menu with authentic Japanese dishes
Cons: Small space, challenging to find parking

Frequently asked questions

The restaurant’s name is ‘A Taste of Japan’.

This restaurant stands out for its authentic Japanese dishes and its traditional Japanese-style dining experience. The menu offers a wide range of options, including fresh sushi, grilled dishes, and hot pots. The interior decor transports diners to Japan with its traditional furnishings and subtle lighting.

The restaurant’s specialties include the ‘Sushi Boat’, which is an assortment of fresh sushi and sashimi, and the ‘Gyu-Kaku’ beef hot pot. The ‘Teppanyaki’ dishes are also a popular choice, allowing diners to watch their food being cooked on an iron griddle in front of them. For those who enjoy grilled foods, the ‘Yakitori’ (grilled chicken skewers) and ‘Robatayaki’ (charcoal-grilled vegetables and seafood) are excellent options.

The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with prices to match. Dishes range from VND 200,000 to VND 500,000, with the average bill for two people falling between VND 800,000 and VND 1,000,000.

The restaurant is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Yes, both delivery and take-out services are available. You can place orders through their website or via food delivery applications.