Listen to vintage music, on a vintage sound system, in a comfortable chair, in pleasant surroundings, with delicious food and drinks.
Japanese restaurant
Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl - Japanese restaurant in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
+14
The Story
About This Place
Kanpai occupies a small, unhurried space on Ngô Quang Huy where the evening begins with a record dropping onto the turntable — oldies played on vintage equipment that sets the room's temperature before any food arrives. The omakase format is deliberately restrained: a take course built around exceptionally fresh seafood, distinctive seasonings, and dishes that guests consistently describe as unlike anything they've encountered before. Chef Tham, notably young for the precision she applies, prepares her own pickled ginger and narrates each plate with an intentionality that makes the flavors read as entirely Japanese rather than fusion-adjacent. The rice — slightly sweet, never dry — draws particular attention from diners who know what they're looking for.
The bar program holds its own alongside the food, with drinks described as carefully made rather than an afterthought. Service is attentive without being overbearing; the kitchen accommodates specific allergies with evident care, and the owner's recommendations carry genuine weight. At a price point reviewers consistently call a steal for the quality of seafood involved, Kanpai fills a specific gap in Thao Dien's dining landscape: it is neither the noisy izakaya nor the stiff counter that demands reverent silence. Conversation flows easily beneath the music, and parties of two or four tend to stay longer than planned.
The hours — evenings only, Tuesday through Sunday, running to 1 AM on weekends — position it squarely as a destination for unhurried nights rather than quick meals. Among the district's concentration of Japanese restaurants, the vinyl collection and the chef's personal cooking philosophy are the differentiators that keep surfacing in word-of-mouth recommendations.
omakase take coursevinyl turntable musichouse-made pickled gingerfresh seafood sushicocktails
intimatecozyunhurriedvintagelow-key
Menu Highlights
What to order at Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl
Bluefin Tuna sushi set
890k VND
8pcs
Premium sushi set with miso soup (Set sushi cao cấp với súp miso)
790k VND
9pcs
5 kinds sashimi (5 loại sashimi)
760k VND
Bluefin Tuna, Salmon, Scallop, etc - 3pc each total 15pc (Japanese tuna, salmon, scallop, 2 types of fish changed daily,
4 kinds sashimi (4 loại sashimi)
680k VND
Bluefin Tuna, Salmon, etc - 3 pieces each, total 12 pieces (Japanese bluefin tuna, salmon, 2 types of fish changed daily
Bluefin Super Fatty Tuna Sashimi (Japanese Tuna Belly Sashimi)
560k VND
3pcs (3 pieces)
Full menu below · prices in VND.
Reviews
4.6(124)
Amazing omakase experience for a special occasion! We booked the take course, and every bite of seafood was super fresh. There were some unique seasonings and flavor combinations that definitely surprised us. Chef also took particular care of our specific fruit allergies. You can taste the thought and love the chef put into the menu, and the team was incredibly warm! Super chill environment, great music but still soft enough to be able to chat with your friends. Absolutely recommend the omakase if you’re treating someone to a special meal. We are definitely coming back for happy hour!
The omakase experience was simple, short, direct and just enough food for the night. Not too heavy, not a lot of heavy flavours. Particularly the rice, well made, tasted great, slightly sweet, not dry at all. Had interesting dishes I have never had before and they were good for the price point. The drinks were also deliciously made. Had a nice conversation with the owner and he is a chill gentleman with great taste in music. Definitely recommends this spot for a nice and relaxing evening. A good way to calm down your day after a busy day in Saigon.
Love this small cozy bar with vinyl music playing in the background and omakase food that is fresh and such a steal. Food is fantastic. The chef prepares her own ginger and explains the food and its intentionality very well. The flavors came across as very Japanese. I love her style. I would only say to make the rice a bit more firm. I am a bit of an introvert and not used to being fawned over with service but I had a really wonderful time and I enjoyed my food.
Honestly you can not miss out on this resto. The owner and his staff are highly trained in food and drinks. + playing vinyls for music just fantastic
Visit Tips
Visiting Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl
- ✓
Open late: Doors stay open past 5 AM on at least one day — handy for after-work dinners.
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Breakfast available: Opens by 5 AM — a viable breakfast stop in Thao Dien.
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Menu starts from: 15k VND, based on 57 priced items on the public menu.
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Reservations: Call +84 903 959 159 to book — recommended for weekend dining.
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Best for: date night, special occasions, small group dinner, couples.
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Delivery: Listed on GrabFood.
gallery
21Photos
Food
Sushi Rolls
Vibe
The image shows an interior view of a modern bar or restaurant at night time. The establishment has wooden slatted walls and ceiling, with green neon
Other
A person in a chef's uniform is using a blowtorch on food items placed on wooden trays at what appears to be an indoor kitchen or cooking station.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
- Is Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl good for a date night?
- Reviewers describe it as 'a place for good friends and couple to hang out' — small, cozy, not too crowded, with parties of two or four tending to stay longer than planned.
- Is Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl open late?
- Open evenings only, Tuesday through Sunday, with hours running to 1 AM on weekends — positioned as a destination for unhurried nights rather than quick meals.
- What's the best dish at Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl?
- The omakase sushi earns the most praise — described as 'super fresh' and compared to 'the best sushi in Japan.' The rice specifically draws attention: 'slightly sweet, not dry at all.'
- Does Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl accommodate dietary restrictions?
- At least one reviewer noted the kitchen 'took particular care' of specific fruit allergies during the take course, suggesting the team handles allergy requests attentively.
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