Tomodachi Sushi - Japanese restaurant in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City

Tomodachi Sushi occupies a compact shophouse on Điện Biên Phủ, and that small footprint is central to its appeal. The kitchen's focus is narrow enough that the raw fish consistently stands out — reviewers return month after month specifically for the salmon sashimi, describing it as fatty and visibly fresh. The mentaiko shrimp has built its own following, enough that at least one regular makes the drive in from District 9 on repeat. A full spread — four sashimi portions, a couple of potato salads, tempura, sushi rolls, and two drinks — lands around 880,000₫, placing it squarely in mid-range territory for Japanese food in the city.

Prices have risen 30–50% from earlier levels, a shift some long-term guests noticed, though the consensus is that the original pricing undersold what was on the plate. The alcohol menu carries more depth than the room size suggests, with selections that go well beyond the usual beer-and-sake offering at comparable spots.

The split-hour schedule — 10AM to 2PM and 5PM to 10PM daily — means it handles both lunch and dinner without the all-day fatigue common at smaller restaurants. Service is brisk and knowledgeable when fully staffed, though at least one account flagged significant wait times during a visit when a single person was managing both the floor and the sashimi bar. For small parties willing to time their visit, the interior feels cozy rather than cramped, and the pace stays comfortable. With nearly 300 reviews averaging 4.9, Tomodachi Sushi holds a consistent position among the more reliably praised Japanese options in Thao Dien — drawing both expat regulars and locals who rank freshness above all else.