For my first dinner in HCMC, I was pleasantly surprised by the exquisite taste and creativity behind Chef Shozo’s masterpieces. The ambience of the resaturant is great with amazing staff who know how to impress with attention to detail. Especially flicking through tabs to show the different fish on my sushi, stories of sake breweries and Chef’s mastermind behind his menus. We were so happy we came again the next day for Fume’s special 5th anniversary ramen Saturday lunch! Cannot wait to be back again! Thank you for a delightful experience.
Overview
Fume | Japanese Modern Cuisine stands out in the bustling district of Bến Nghé in Quận 1, offering a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist. Located at 74/7 Hai Bà Trưng, this trendy restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese cuisine or someone looking for something fresh and innovative, Fume promises an unforgettable dining experience.
Upon entering the restaurant, you're immediately struck by the sleek and minimalist design. The modern interior, with its clean lines and neutral tones, perfectly complements the cutting-edge menu, which merges the rich culinary heritage of Japan with contemporary influences. Fume's approach to food isn't just about serving meals; it's about creating an experience where each dish is an artwork, thoughtfully prepared and meticulously plated.
Fume offers a menu that caters to a variety of tastes, but the emphasis is undoubtedly on fresh ingredients, seasonal flavors, and delicate balance. The sushi here is exceptional, with expertly crafted rolls that feature the finest cuts of fish, including fresh tuna, salmon, and the occasional seasonal delicacies that make each visit feel unique. The Fume | Japanese Modern Cuisine experience truly shines through dishes like their signature "Black Cod Miso" - a melt-in-your-mouth piece of fish marinated to perfection and grilled to give it a slightly charred, yet soft and tender finish.
For those who enjoy a more interactive dining experience, the robata grill section offers a perfect opportunity to try skewered meats and vegetables, grilled right in front of you. The combination of aromas from the grill and the sizzling sounds make it an exciting addition to the evening, turning dinner into an engaging event. One of the crowd favorites is the grilled wagyu beef, which is cooked to just the right temperature, making it incredibly juicy and tender.
Fume doesn’t just cater to meat lovers; their vegetarian offerings are equally impressive. The "Vegetable Tempura" is light and crispy, with seasonal vegetables that retain their natural flavors while being enhanced by the light batter. Another standout is the "Japanese Mushroom Risotto," which brings together the earthy richness of mushrooms and the creamy texture of risotto, making it a comfort dish with an elegant twist.
As much as the food at Fume is a reason to return, the drink menu also stands out. They offer a variety of sake options, expertly paired with the dishes to enhance the flavors. The sommelier at Fume is knowledgeable and will gladly recommend the best sake to accompany your meal, ensuring that your dining experience is well-rounded and complete. Additionally, the cocktail menu features several refreshing drinks that are perfect for those looking for a modern take on traditional beverages.
The staff at Fume | Japanese Modern Cuisine provide top-notch service, with attentive and friendly servers who are more than happy to explain the dishes and share their expertise. Their professionalism adds to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant, making you feel right at home. The service is never rushed, and the team takes the time to ensure that each guest has an enjoyable experience.
The ambiance at Fume is perfect for any occasion, whether you're having a casual dinner with friends or celebrating a special event. The combination of a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, exceptional food, and impeccable service makes it an ideal choice for both locals and visitors alike. If you're in the area and craving something unique, Fume is undoubtedly a place worth checking out.
For those interested in visiting, Fume’s location in Quận 1 is easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the vibrant city. Reviews from both locals and tourists alike often praise the consistency of the food quality and the refined yet approachable atmosphere. It’s no surprise that Fume has quickly become a favorite spot for anyone seeking an elevated take on Japanese dining in Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you're a sushi connoisseur or simply in the mood for something new, Fume offers an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great dessertPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Hits and Misses… We had the autumn omakase with sake pairings and additional seafood delicacies. What we like - seasonal live crabs and oysters - selection of uni, ingredients and sake from various parts of Japan - bayberry sorbet palette cleanser was inspiring - professional preparation and explanation - cooking techniques with finesse - flow of the omakase was smooth Our thoughts of certain dishes - sushi rice using 7 kinds of rice vinegar plus a european balsamic vinegar masks the delicate flavors of seasonal seafood - little lack of fresh sashimi although aged sashimi were still delicious after careful aging - Wagyu was a little tough and stringy - rice pudding seems to overpower the miso ice cream - sake pairing towards the end could be stronger. Overall experience is a positive one although we expect even higher quality for the price tag
Took my wife here for a surprise birthday dinner. Hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. The staff are amazing and very knowledgeable. We ordered omakase set, and extra sushi. Best birthday. Highly reccomend. But expect to pay a lot. But totally worth it. They went above and beyond and printed a custom menu for us. Thanks again to Duc / Dustin!!!
One word: WOW! We had an amazing time at FUME, the whole experience exceeded all of our expectations. The food at FUME is partly traditional, but mostly modern and creative. The quality of the used products is top notch. All courses are beautifully plated and everything tastes as good as it looks. The pictures speak for themselves. The team at FUME is absolutely great. They made our evening extremely special. It felt like meeting our best friends. Everyone was cheerful, friendly and professional. The attention to detail is next level. FUME is definitely in our top 3 experiences of all time, including michelin starred restaurants. If we could eat here every week, we would.
I stumbled upon this place by chance, and it turned out to be an unexpectedly fantastic experience. The incredible omakase menu, paired with wine and sake, gave my partner and me the best dinner. Especially, the staff member named Dustin who served us was outstanding. The restaurant’s boss should never let him go. A dining experience is not just about filling the stomach; sometimes, it can offer something more, as it did here. I will definitely visit again the next time I come to Ho Chi Minh City. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who warmly welcomed us.
**Review for Fume Restaurant - A Delightful Dining Experience!** Fume is where dining turns into delight! The staff were like culinary guides, making the omakase menu an adventure with their engaging explanations. The sake pairings were spot-on, acting as the perfect companions to each dish. And the food? It was seriously good - each bite was a burst of flavor that kept us talking long after the meal. I'm already planning my return; this place is a must for anyone who appreciates good food with a side of fun. Just don't forget to wear your comfy pants - this omakase menu is a feast!
A friend knew about this place through social media. Prior to going, I didn’t know what to expect and it was truly amazing, special and memorable experience. The chefs are passionate and have put lots of thought, intention and care into designing the menu and help us understand more about Japanese cuisine. The waitstaff are also exceptional and delivered amazing service. My friend and I all hope to return in near future. Thank you, Fume and the team
One of the best omakase bars I have ever experienced. Chef is very sociable and friendly. If you are good at English, you will have an extremely interesting meal with stories shared by the Chef. The restaurant has a very professional male waiter who explains details and stories as well as how to make a dish. The dishes are made from very fresh ingredients, both traditional and fusion, a very worthwhile experience
From the moment we sat down at FUME | Japanese Modern Cuisine, we were welcomed with a beautifully handwritten card featuring our names—a personal and heartwarming touch that set the tone for a thoughtful, refined dining experience. The Early Spring Omakase was a true journey of seasonal harmony, where Japanese technique met European flavor in elegant balance. We ordered an extra oyster, and it was outstanding—so fresh and clean, leaving a lasting impression. The meal opened with a delicate Sushi Fumé, where hay-smoked horse mackerel was elevated with light herbal notes. Zensai introduced a colorful array of appetizers, showcasing “shun”—true seasonality. The Sashimi selection was pristine, each cut pure and flavorful. Chawanmushi with cutlass fish and caviar was smooth and luxurious. The Donburi featuring spring cherry salmon and aosa nori risotto carried deep umami. Personally, I found the risotto a touch dry and a bit heavy for a mid-course, but it didn’t overshadow the harmony of the menu. The Tai Shirako Tempura delivered a lovely textural contrast—creamy roe in a crisp shell. The A5 Kuroge Wagyu Ichibo, grilled over binchotan, was richly tender and paired beautifully with celeriac korokke. Desserts were light yet satisfying: the Fuji Melon with black sesame and sakura granita was refreshing, followed by a smooth Sôcôla with matcha ice cream and crêpe noisette that closed the meal gracefully. What truly made the night unforgettable was the interaction with the chef, who shared stories of his culinary journey and photos of the ingredients we were enjoying. Sitting at the counter brought us into the heart of the kitchen. The presenter spoke excellent English and explained each dish with passion, having worked closely with the chef in developing the menu. The service was polished, warm, and genuinely engaging. By the end of the meal, we felt fully satisfied—perfectly full, not overwhelmed. Every detail was thoughtfully executed. This was more than a dinner; it was a deeply personal and flavorful experience. Worth every VND.
Incredible experience. Honoured to be served by DUSTIN, he is extremely knowledgeable, kind and played a very important role for our dinner. Food was elegant and delicious. Head chef/owner was very friendly to help us serve additional truffle and caviar (with additional charge) for recommended dishes. Highly recommend this Omakase. Thank you Fume for the lovely dinner.
FUME is a great place for a fine dining experience, but I’d suggest carefully considering the beverage pairing. I give it 4 stars for food due to the slight mismatch with the sake but would definitely return for the quality service and ambiance. Service was outstanding—attentive, professional, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. Last but not least, the atmosphere felt quite dark, which is not ideal for everyone. Would return with a different drink choice
During my recent visit to a Japanese restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, I had the pleasure of experiencing their omakase course, and it was truly an unforgettable culinary journey. The moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The omakase course was a beautifully curated selection of dishes that showcased the chef's creativity and skill. Each plate was not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. One of the standout dishes was a melt-in-your-mouth A5 kuroge wagyu beef. Also one of the highlights of the experience was the staff's impeccable service. The service provided by Dustin, who made the evening even more special. His knowledge of the menu and genuine passion for Japanese cuisine added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. The recommendations for how to enjoy each dish were spot-on, and the explanations of the ingredients and preparation methods were thorough and engaging. If you're looking for a top-notch dining experience, this is definitely the place to be! I look forward to coming back soon.
We had the Omakase on January 1st 2025 and it was such a great dinner. We also did the sake pairing. Between those two things, we spent 3 hours at the restaurant but it only felt like 90 mins had passed. The kitchen was great with accommodating our dietary needs of no pork and no shellfish. The sommelier provided such great insight with each glass of wine. The price is a little high for Vietnam eating but that Omakase would easily be 50% more expensive in the US.
Dustin our host was very knowledgeable and informative. He carefully explained each dish and its origin. That really elevated the whole dining experience. It was our first time having omakase and definitey no regrets coming here!
Stellar omakase experience at Fume! Our Vietnamese friend recommended the palce and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Fine dining at its finest! Quality ingredients fresh from Japan and it shows from the food. Special shoutout to our host Dustin who explained each dish and sake pairing well and it added to our enjoyment of the whole experience. <3
Omakase experience was incredible! Special thanks to our chef Thanh, our waiter Duc and one Japanese chef was friendly and made us feel very welcomed. Food was prepared with meticulous detail and food was very delicious!!!!! *chef kiss*