Unassuming Outside, A Whole Vibe Inside
Blink, and I walked right past it. This Japanese steakhouse in Ho Chi Minh City kept it really low-key on the outside, no flashy signs, no over-the-top décor, just a very minimal dimly lit entrance. But once I stepped inside, it was a whole different world. Sleek concrete walls, warm wooden accents, and those little Japanese touches like bamboo details and soft lighting that added just the right amount of zen. The mix of textures balanced out the space, softening the heaviness of concrete. Everything came together to set the mood: calm, refined yet effortlessly inviting.
As a frivolous person who eats with her eyes first, I couldn’t help but admire the thoughtful design - the layout, the choice of materials, the lighting, and even the little details like bowls, chopsticks, and spoons :) The vibe leaned cozy but on the darker side - perfect for a date night or an important business dinner, but maybe not the best spot for a lively family gathering.
A5 Wagyu at Yazawa Saigon: sooo good, it might ruin you
Let’s “talk beef”. Not just any beef - it is A5 Wagyu, the crème de la crème, flown in fresh from Japan daily. It melted the second it touched my tongue, feeling like I barely needed a chew. Lightly seared, rich, buttery, and just the right amount of smokiness - it was next level.
Yazawa Restaurant
Then came the premium steak cut, which felt like dinner and a show. The chef sliced the Wagyu straight from a beautifully marbled block right in front of us, and we just sat there, mesmerized. The texture? Insanely tender. Juicy. And almost unreal.
The Omakase Experience
I went all in with the premium omakase set, and it was worth every bite. The meal started with a refreshing special salad with two small slices of seared beef, though I felt the vegetables quality could have been a bit more premium - it seemed a bit low quality to me compared to the rest of the meal.
Then came the buttery Wagyu Toro Sushi and delicate sashimi that practically melted away. The beef tongue was a surprise hit - chewy yet tender, bursting with umami. Next, the Yazawa Yaki (roast beef), dipped in egg yolk, was smoky, juicy and packed with flavour.
Yazawa Restaurant
Just when I thought I had reached peak indulgence, the premium steak cut made its grand entrance. And then, the chef surprised us with a special dish - steamed fish with an incredibly flavorful sauce underneath, a much-needed balance to all the rich beef flavours. After that, two more variations of Yazawa beef, and finally, we wrapped up with a bowl of cold soba.
And because I had zero self-control, I also ordered an extra Garlic Japanese Wagyu Rice bowl. If you are a fan of something garlic, plus the Wagyu and sushi rice, I swear this combo will ruin you (in the best way possible).
To be honest, the premium set was a bit too much fatty Wagyu for me. It was still amazing, but at some point, I found myself craving a bit more variety. Also, the portions were not particularly large, for me it was more than enough but if you have a big appetite, you might want to order a few extras.
Sake, Wine, and the Art of Pairing
Good Wagyu deserves good drinks, and Yazawa really knew how to deliver. Their wines and sakes selection were on point. I went for a glass of Dassai Junmai Daiginjo 50, a crisp, dry sake that cut through the richness of the beef, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It was clean, smooth, and just the right contrast to all that buttery goodness.
But on the flip side, I found that the portion sizes of non-alcoholic drinks didn’t quite feel worth the price. If you are not drinking alcohol, and planning to just stick to soft drinks or juices, just keep that in mind.
Final thoughts: A Wagyu Experience Worth Trying
Yazawa Saigon was truly an experience for me. The food was top-tier, the service was warm and attentive, and the staff there was friendly and helpful. They made sure I got the best out of the meal. And yes, the price was on the higher side, but for top-quality A5 Wagyu, and it absolutely delivered.
Whether you’re celebrating, impressing someone, or just treating yourself, this place is really worth a try. Sure, it’s a splurge, and we even joked before heading in that we might need to eat more instant ramen at home afterward because, you know, fine dining is sometimes not too generous on portions, and it’s expensive, so we can’t order a lot. But guess what? We walked out full, happy, and ramen-free. Now that’s a flex.
Address: 219, Điện Biên Phủ, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
Opening Hours: 5PM - 11:30PM
Website: https://yazawameat.vn/menu_category/yakiniku-bbq/omakase/
Price per person: đ2,000,000+
