Ho Chi Minh City 2026: Best Japanese Tonkatsu & Ramen
Craving authentic Japanese tonkatsu and ramen in Ho Chi Minh City? Discover our top picks for delicious, culturally adapted Japanese cuisine in District 1, perfect for your 2026 visit.
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Craving authentic Japanese tonkatsu and ramen in Ho Chi Minh City? Discover our top picks for delicious, culturally adapted Japanese cuisine in District 1, perfect for your 2026 visit.
Ho Chi Minh City's Japanese Food Scene
FUJIRO
Mi Danbo Ramen
Get ready, foodies, because we're diving into the final, and arguably most exciting, chapter of our Ho Chi Minh City culinary adventure: Japanese cuisine!
You might be surprised to learn just how vibrant and authentic the Japanese food scene is here, thanks to Japan's early influence in Vietnam.
So, let's go!
Authentic Japanese Set Meals
Our first stop on this Japanese food tour in Ho Chi Minh City is for some incredible tonkatsu!
These days, thick-cut tonkatsu is pretty common,
but back when FUJIRO first gained popularity,
a tonkatsu this thick was still a rare find, setting them apart from the crowd.
This is it – the star of the show.
Their signature, about 1-inch thick tonkatsu.
Oops! I should have snapped a photo with a ruler for proof.
Clearly, I still have a lot to learn on this blogging journey!
You'll find FUJIRO nestled in Le Thanh Ton, often dubbed 'Japan Town' due to its abundance of Japanese businesses and eateries.
You can check out the menu and prices even from outside.
Even for a slightly early lunch, the place was already bustling with customers.
I ordered the basic signature 1-inch thick tonkatsu and waited.
Just when you start wondering if it's ever coming out,
it arrives!
On my previous visit, they used traditional menus, but now it's all about QR code ordering – a modern touch!
And trust me, the menu is extensive, offering a fantastic array of choices.
📍 8A, 8B1 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
8A, 8B1 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
🕗 11:00 AM ~ 8:30 PM
(Break Time: 2:00 PM ~ 4:00 PM)
📞 +84 98 399 42 20
📍 8B1 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
A little insider tip for 2026: while FUJIRO remains a timeless classic,
the current buzz for tonkatsu is around Bom Tonkatsu in Thao Dien, District 2 – a rapidly developing hotspot.
Still, for a reliable, delicious meal in District 1, FUJIRO holds its own as a beloved staple.
Ramen
Next up on our Ho Chi Minh City Japanese food tour: Ramen!
Conveniently located on Le Thanh Ton, just like FUJIRO (in fact, it's right next door!).
Step inside, and you'll instantly feel transported to a traditional Japanese ramen shop.
Before you even order, you get to customize your bowl with several options.
You can choose your noodle firmness (think al dente to soft) and the strength of the broth flavor.
A friendly warning: if you go too strong on the flavor, the rich Japanese aroma might be a bit much for some!
I went with the classic Chashu Ramen – always a solid choice!
📍 8a, 7b1 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
8a, 7b1 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
🕗 11:00 AM ~ 12:30 AM (Break Time: 3:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM)
📞 +84 28 3827 7018
📍 7b1 Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
After pouring so much energy into our previous Ho Chi Minh City food guides, I admit, I'm feeling a little ramen-noodle-fatigued writing this final Japanese installment!
But seriously, Ho Chi Minh City's Japanese culinary scene is incredibly robust and authentic, largely due to Japan's historical presence.
Many restaurants here offer an experience almost identical to what you'd find in Japan, even down to the impeccable service.
We've highlighted a couple of standout spots for tonkatsu and ramen, but this city truly offers a treasure trove of Japanese flavors waiting to be explored!
FUJIRO's signature menu is its 2.5cm-thick tonkatsu. The restaurant operates from 11 AM to 8:30 PM, with a break time from 2 PM to 4 PM.
Mì Danbo Ramen is located right next to the FUJIRO tonkatsu restaurant. Before ordering ramen, you can choose various options such as noodle firmness and flavor intensity.
FUJIRO Tonkatsu has a break time from 2 PM to 4 PM. Mì Danbo Ramen has a break time from 3 PM to 5 PM.
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