Affordable Sushi & Other Japanese Fare

Raw-some deals from Saigon's Japanese scene

I guess the theme of the last couple weeks is “can I eat without going broke” and here’s part 2!

I am not a rich man, so when the craving for sushi hits me I need to find a spot that’s gonna scratch that itch without asking me to fork over an arm or a child (someone else’s, of course) as collateral. While these spots aren’t going to win the hearts of professional Japanese sushi masters, they’re good enough for me at a price that doesn’t make me want to cry. Important qualifications!

Everything is generally very fresh and the chefs are experienced (there are, weirdly, a huge amount of sushi chefs in HCMC). For those of us on a budget, these are fantastic options. What can often be a luxury dish is offered up with flair and quality to the rest of us plebeians, and I couldn’t be more pleased.

As is often the case on this blog, I’ve chosen three very different types of establishments - I hope at least one appeals to you. As for the ones you don’t like, let people enjoy things. :)

These are my favorite affordable sushi joints so far!

Sushi Nhí

Hours: 11am-10pm

Address: 21 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường 19, Bình Thạnh

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qBBMfMickkvo2peV6

This one is the most conventional of the three I’ve chosen to feature. It’s got a traditional inside dining room with AC, servers, nice chairs, and a huge menu. The quality is generally pretty high and the prices are very reasonable. I’ve never had a meal I didn’t enjoy, and it’s affordable enough where it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to visit.

The kitchen can get backed up during mealtimes, so be aware of that, but odds are they have not forgotten about you and they’re just ensuring quality remains high. You gotta pay for those low prices somehow, I guess. In this case, it might be with your time. Check with your server if you must, and perhaps get another chilled Sapporo.

Looks like they may have additional branches now? I’m not sure - this one has been my go-to for at least the last 7 years (chiefly because I love this neighborhood).

Sushi Những Người Bạn

Hours: Thurs/Fri/Sat, 9am-11:30pm; Sun, 9am-9pm; Mon/Tues, 9:30am-11pm; Wed, 9am-11pm

Address: 64 Vạn Kiếp, Phường 1, Bình Thạnh

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FxcCAVHa7SUU23DX7

Next up is a Very Precious Gift for university students in particular (which has the dubious distinction of having the most inconsistent opening hours I’ve ever encountered). Sushi is no less popular among those with the least amount of disposable cash! This might be the most affordable sushi in town, and although the tastes have been adjusted a bit to Vietnamese tastes, they remain quite good.

Located on one of HCMC’s best food streets, this dining area more closely resembles your tiny neighborhood soup stall rather than a normal Japanese dining joint, but hold off on the judgement. While this particular setup might strike some people as sketchy and suspect, I must beg to differ. I’ve been a handful of times and always see a very clean workspace and chefs in plastic gloves, and I’ve always been satisfied with the quality and freshness of the food.

While the servings are a little smaller than a typical restaurant (usually consisting of 4-5 pieces per roll for sushi instead of 6 or 8), the plus side is that it’s so cheap you can try the full range of sushi, maki, and nigiri available.

Plus they’re open SUPER LATE. Also don’t @ me about the processed cheese product in pic 1; it was fine.

Tùng Sushi

Hours: 4pm-11pm

Address: 686 Trường Sa, Phường 15, Phú Nhuận

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VZnXSGKjTPhk2Qok8

If you’re looking for a unique Japanese dining experience in HCMC, this is the spot for you. Located on one of Saigon’s best roads that follow the main canal through the heart of the city, this open air shop excels at a wide range of tasty Japanese food at prices on par with Sushi Nhi but in a very Vietnamese way - sidewalk style! Don’t worry, there are a few counter seats, but get out on the sidewalk in the evening and enjoy the tropical night breeze, as well as some of the best people-watching in town. A particularly SE Asian treat, to be sure.

We mostly went for eel, sushi rolls, and sashimi on our visits, and they all satisfied (the eel is particularly good, iykyk). The fish is good quality and the presentation is just as lovely as any high-falutin’ place you can think of.

Again, you might be waiting a bit here. Grab a beer and relax - it’s a small kitchen.

I admittedly do not go for sushi as much as I used to, just because I’ve been focusing my recent reviewing efforts on Vietnamese cuisine and District 4 in particular. I’m positive there are gaps in my knowledge - please fill me in with your favorites!

Happy rolls to you!

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