Kobe Bistro By Chef David Thai — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

I’ve been to Kobe Bistro by David Thai a half-dozen times (on several occasions) so I believe I can now make a qualified assessment as to the (five-star) quality of this restaurant.

The restaurant sits at the base of the Kobe Teppanyaki restaurant in District 1 and although it’s a tiny 20 something seater restaurant, it feels quite spacious and comfortable.

Not once did anyone bump into me while seated, whether it be the staff or a customer passing through.

Chef David Thai is an extremely energetic and talented chef who has worked all over the world in renown high quality fine dining and five star hotels.

At Kobe Bistro, Chef Thai brings time-tested French (sometimes fusion) recipes and technical complexity together with unpretentious presentation to deliver absolutely “knock it out of the park” deliciousness and flawless execution.

On a recent trip, I enjoyed free flow canapés and wine for 499k. On other trips, gastronomic journeys, including abalone, oysters, caviar, gold flakes, Wagyu, beef, and more.

This is the type of place you can go to every day, and if I lived in Ho Chi Minh City, you would probably catch me here at least a couple of times a week.

The only thing I have not deeply inspected is the default accompanying wine, and this is some thing that I will need to observe more thoroughly (and report on) next time I’m on the premises.

Finally, Chef David Thai and his partners have committed to the principals of and have been accepted into the membership of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, meaning that their ethics and intentions line up with those of our venerable and ancient Royal Guild. (A rarity in Vietnam).

Top marks. 5/5.

Would I come back? Absolutely. Good price point, excellent value, good execution, great ingredients. I cannot replicate the food here at home and every visit is a pleasure.

In French we can say the staff represent, « l’amour du métier, »

I will...

Had a lovely dinner at Kobe Bistro, a delightful little Michelin Guide restaurant helmed by David Thai. From the moment we stepped it, we were made to feel at home…. From the casual vibes from the decor, to the cheery service from the friendly staff who were most obliging despite a nearly full house. The food was amazing as well, living up to our expectations. Beautifully plated, a with well executed flavors. We opted for a meat heavy dinner, and was not disappointed. From the A5 Wagyu beef tartare, beef carpaccio with burrata, to the mains to the beef steak and beef liver mains - each dish was lovingly presented, and did their jobs of tantalizing the tastebuds. The steak was beautifully charred Avon the outside, and delectably juicy on the inside. The meat lovers consisted also of lovingly braised beef - the melt in the mouth type - offering a wonderful play of texture. The sauce.. was so good that we mopped up the jus with bread. I was greedy, so I added another main course of seafood bouillabaisse. I was not disappointed. The seafood was treated with a lot of respect - cooked just nice (not undercooked nor overcooked) and this is not easy to achieve considering the different types (scallops, squid, fish). For dessert, I opted their cheesecake. I was pleasantly surprised by the texture of cheesecake, which was surprisingly light and fluffy, and not sweet. This paired extremely well with the icy chocolate mochi which was served by the side. It was a lovely meal to end our vacation with. Kudos also to David Thai who took the time to change into his chef outfit to meet with us even though he was on his break. It just made our evening extra special as we got to meet the man himself, and to feel his passion for servicing terrific food. Well done David! Such a pleasure to meet you and your team. Keep up the great work!! I definitely recommend...

Kobe Bistro offers an artistic and flavorful dining experience that truly delights the senses. From the presentation to the details in plating, each dish feels like a masterpiece. Here’s what stood out:

Starters & Appetizers

The starters are presented beautifully in small, intricate portions. The attention to detail—like the delicate garnishes and vibrant colors—shows the chef’s craftsmanship. The first dish looks like a fusion of East and West, with a mix of freshness from herbs and bold flavors. Each bite seems thoughtfully curated, balancing textures and flavors.

The Main Dishes

The second plate is a visual feast. The use of earthy tones and edible flowers complements the vibrant vegetables and other components. There’s a playful mix of roasted elements and sauces, which likely offer deep, layered flavors. The focus on freshness and premium ingredients like mini corn and root vegetables elevates the dish.

For the meat lovers, the third photo showcases a perfectly cooked piece of meat paired with well-prepared sides like charred vegetables. The caramelized glaze on the meat hints at a savory, umami-packed flavor, making it the centerpiece of the meal. It’s elegant yet comforting.

Desserts

The dessert plate is a triumph for those with a sweet tooth. A mix of textures and flavors—crispy tart, pandan creme brulee, and a delicate macaron—makes for an indulgent ending to the meal. The incorporation of bright colors and edible flowers keeps the visual appeal strong. The pandan crème brûlée is a unique twist, adding an element of surprise.

Ambiance & Overall Experience

Kobe Bistro appears to prioritize a high-end, thoughtful dining experience. The presentation speaks of fine dining standards, and the use of premium ingredients suggests that the restaurant emphasizes quality over quantity.

PS. Our servers were professional and...