Ordered hotpot , very normal Taste and less veggi and noodles. High cost. Also aluminium pot which is very harmful for health. Should be avoided
Japanese restaurant
Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian - Japanese restaurant in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
+23
The Story
About This Place
Bongensai Vegetarian occupies a distinctive position in Thao Dien's dining landscape as one of the neighborhood's rare full-format Japanese vegetarian restaurants, drawing Buddhist practitioners, health-conscious expats, and curious travelers in roughly equal measure. Guests sit cross-legged at low lacquered tables in a space anchored by Buddha statues, soft ambient lighting, and minimalist décor that leans into a temple aesthetic without feeling theatrical.
The primary draw for most visitors is the 350,000 VND all-you-can-order buffet, which lets diners work through an extensive menu methodically — regulars suggest requesting smaller portions across multiple dishes rather than full servings to cover more ground. The kitchen spans a broad range of plant-based Japanese cooking, from vegan sushi rolls to hotpot, with presentation careful enough to match the serene surroundings. On evenings, live traditional music adds a layer that separates dinner here from a routine meal out, and reservations are advisable once the room fills.
Beyond the restaurant itself, the property includes a small shop stocked with Buddhist supplies and traditional textiles — an unusual addition that signals roots in the local Buddhist community rather than the expat dining circuit. Staff speak solid English and maintain an attentive, measured manner that fits the setting.
At 350K per head for the buffet, pricing sits above most local Vietnamese options but below comparable concept restaurants aimed squarely at tourists. A 4.8 rating across 622 reviews reflects a consistent experience, though a handful of critics note the hotpot as a weaker point and recommend arriving early to avoid ingredient shortages.
vegan sushi and plant-based japanese dishes350k per-person all-you-can-order buffetlive traditional music on weekend eveningsfloor seating at low lacquered tableson-site buddhist supplies and textile shop
zenserenemeditativetranquiltraditional
Reviews
4.8(684)
Went on vacation here in Vietnam and so pretty here. Food is good. Highly recommend
Beautiful Restaurant with attentive and polite staff. You sit on the floor at low tables. If you get the buffet option (350k/pp) you can order freely from the menu and get everything that sounds good. Just ask for smaller portions of everything so you can try more things. The food is delishious and beautifully presented. Seems very popular so if you want to eat during dinner time it would be wise to get an reservation. Also got some live traditional music om the evening. I wholeheartedly recommend this vegetarian place.
When we got over the initial confusion regarding how the buffe worked we had a truly wonderful meal. The staff was friendly and spoke good english, the food was superb and the dining area is very beautiful. It is a bit pricey by vietnamese standards but well worth it.
Great food, would recommend to go with buffet option. English speaking staff, extremely polite. We went for dinner and they had arranged for live music which made the overall experience exceptionally great
gallery
30Photos
Food
Okonomiyaki
Sushi Rolls
Kimchi Jjigae
Japanese Sashimi Platter
Vibe
The image depicts an interior dining scene in a restaurant, likely in Thao Dien, Saigon. A large stainless steel pot sits on a gas stove, suggesting a
The image depicts an interior space that appears to be a restaurant or cafe in Thao Dien, Saigon. The decor is rich with cultural elements such as red
The image depicts an exterior view of a traditional Asian restaurant named 'Thao Dien', which features red lanterns and festive decorations, including
The image depicts the interior of a venue in Thao Dien, Saigon, featuring traditional Vietnamese decor. Elements include red lanterns hanging from a w
The image shows an outdoor area of a traditional Vietnamese establishment featuring red lanterns and incense smoke rising from the table, indicating i
Other
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
- Where is Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian located in Thao Dien?
- Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian is located at 49 Nguyễn Đăng Giai, An Khánh, Hồ Chí Minh 71107, Vietnam. It is situated in the Thao Dien neighborhood of District 2 (Thu Duc City), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- What is Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian known for?
- Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian is a japanese restaurant in Thao Dien known for vegan sushi and plant-based japanese dishes, 350k per-person all-you-can-order buffet, live traditional music on weekend evenings, floor seating at low lacquered tables, on-site buddhist supplies and textile shop. It has a 4.8 rating based on 684 reviews.
- What are the opening hours of Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian?
- Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian is typically open 9 AM–10 PM (Monday). Hours may vary by day, so checking the latest hours before visiting is recommended.
- Does Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian accept reservations?
- Yes, you can contact Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian to make a reservation by calling +84 787 688 582. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for weekend dining.
- How expensive is Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian?
- Nhà hàng chay Phạm Nghiêm Trai - Bongensai Vegetarian is considered moderately priced for the Thao Dien area. It is a popular japanese restaurant suitable for vegetarian and vegan dining, group dinner, date night.
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