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
Reviews
4.7(123)
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
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
- Where is Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl located in Thao Dien?
- Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl is located at 44 Ngô Quang Huy, An Khánh, Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam. It is situated in the Thao Dien neighborhood of District 2 (Thu Duc City), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- What is Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl known for?
- Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl is a japanese restaurant in Thao Dien known for omakase take course, vinyl turntable music, house-made pickled ginger, fresh seafood sushi, cocktails. It has a 4.7 rating based on 123 reviews.
- What are the opening hours of Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl?
- Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl is typically open Closed (Monday). Hours may vary by day, so checking the latest hours before visiting is recommended.
- Does Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl accept reservations?
- Yes, you can contact Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl to make a reservation by calling +84 903 959 159. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for weekend dining.
- How expensive is Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl?
- Kanpai Japanese Omakase - Sushi - Bar - Vinyl is considered moderately priced for the Thao Dien area. It is a popular japanese restaurant suitable for date night, special occasions, small group dinner.
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