Kasen Omakase — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

A Culinary Journey at Kasen: A Life-Changing Omakase Experience in Saigon

Nestled discreetly in the heart of Saigon, Kasen promises a culinary odyssey unlike any other. As a connoisseur of fine dining, I ventured into Kasen with high expectations, only to have them surpassed beyond measure. This review encapsulates the unforgettable journey I embarked upon at this illustrious omakase sushi restaurant.

Upon entering Kasen, I was greeted by an ambiance that exuded elegance and tranquility. The minimalist decor and traditional Japanese aesthetics set the stage for what was to be an extraordinary gastronomic affair. The intimate seating arrangement, coupled with the attentive service of the staff, instantly made me feel welcomed and at ease.

The centerpiece of my dining experience was the omakase menu, a chef's selection of the freshest and most exquisite ingredients meticulously crafted into a succession of culinary masterpieces. Each course was a symphony of flavors, textures, and artistry, meticulously curated to tantalize the senses and elevate the palate.

From the moment the first dish arrived, I knew I was in for something special. The sashimi, delicately sliced and adorned with edible flowers, melted in my mouth, leaving behind a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The nigiri sushi, each piece a testament to the skill and precision of the sushi chefs, showcased the finest cuts of fish, expertly seasoned rice, and subtle accents that elevated the experience to new heights.

One standout dish was the uni, sourced from the pristine waters of Hokkaido, its creamy texture and briny sweetness were unlike any I had tasted before. Another highlight was the toro, the fatty tuna belly, so buttery and rich, it practically dissolved upon contact with my tongue, leaving me craving for more.

As the meal progressed, each dish surpassed the last, culminating in a crescendo of culinary perfection. The presentation was as impeccable as the flavors, with each plate resembling a work of art, worthy of admiration before indulgence.

Beyond the exquisite cuisine, what truly set Kasen apart was the passion and dedication of the chefs. Their meticulous attention to detail, reverence for tradition, and innovative techniques elevated the dining experience to an art form. Their knowledge and expertise were evident in every dish, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, my experience at Kasen was nothing short of life-changing. It transcended the realms of mere dining and ventured into the realm of culinary enlightenment. For anyone seeking an unforgettable gastronomic journey in Saigon, Kasen is undoubtedly the pinnacle of perfection, a sanctuary where food becomes an experience, and every bite...

I usually don’t write reviews, but this was such an odd experience I thought I’d share.

I came to Kasen since it was one of the sushi places closest to my hotel. I wanted to try the Omakase experience since I’d never had before. I’m a traveller from Canada and have eaten at high end sushi restaurants in Montreal and Toronto, so I had high expectations for the price I was going to pay at Kasen and was quite disappointed.

When I walked in, it was just me with 5 other staff members. The chef who started serving me said that he had only been a sushi chef for 2 years and started because they needed workers… already off to a bad start. The fish wasn’t the best quality, the rice was too warm and soft. I got served small tacos at one point??? The experience was not at all worth the price. In Montreal, I would have found similar quality of sushis for two-thirds of the price.

It was quite awkward eating all alone, feeling like I was being watched by the outnumbered staff. At the end of my experience, a Japanese or Korean man walked into the restaurant wanting to try the Omasake as well, but after observing the menu after 5 minutes, he left. He openly complained about the quality of the Omasake by just reading the menu and seeing what kind of fish they served. I wish he had come in sooner so I could follow suit…

After he left, ants started crawling onto my table. It just felt like one unfortunate thing was happening right after the other…

There’s nothing particularly “wrong” with the restaurant. My advice to Kasen would just be to simply lower their price range so that customers can lower their expectations and understand the quality of sushi and experience they will receive.

If you want a true Omakase experience, I hear there are other restaurants in HCMC that...

Well… I don’t even know where to begin. I paid 3.5 million VND for an omakase experience and expected something at least close to that price point.

First of all, the rice was overcooked and kept warm in a rice cooker. When I asked the owner why, he proudly said it was his “special style.” That’s a bold statement, considering the rice is the foundation of nigiri – and here, it failed completely.

Then came the seafood. At this price, I expected top-tier quality, but it felt more like Hokkaido Sushi – except ten times more expensive. The uni and caviar were laughably basic, as the photo clearly shows.

And here’s the cherry on top: the chef first used a metal knife to scoop the caviar, then handed us a mother-of-pearl spoon to serve ourselves – as if that somehow fixed it. Anyone who actually cares about caviar knows that metal alters its flavor. It’s like polishing a cheap stone and calling it a diamond.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get more underwhelming, the dessert arrived – a so-called matcha mochi that tasted like something from a budget supermarket freezer. It didn’t just lack real matcha flavor – it hadn’t even been in the same room as actual matcha.

Overall, this wasn’t an omakase experience – it was basic fish on mushy rice, topped with culinary shortcuts and finished off with a fake-green dessert, all wrapped in a fine-dining price tag. I’ve had omakase from Tokyo to Michelin-starred restaurants in NYC, and this one wouldn’t even pass as mid-range. Disappointing is an...