Vietnamese Home Cooking in Kunitachi–Kunitachi Saigon Sakura
More than just pho and fresh spring rolls—experience the rich variety of regional Vietnamese home cuisine.
Run by a Vietnamese woman chef who has lived in Japan for 28 years, “Kunitachi Saigon Sakura” is a well-loved Vietnamese restaurant in Kunitachi City. Known among discerning food lovers—especially local cosmopolitan women —for its handmade “Vietnamese slow food,” the restaurant uses no additives, instead highlighting the natural flavors of carefully selected ingredients. Founded in 2012, the restaurant is celebrating its 13th anniversary in 2025. It is located about a 5-minute walk from JR Kunitachi Station, along the cherry tree-lined University Avenue. The cozy interior features a total of 10 seats: five wooden counter seats facing the open kitchen, and five seats by the window offering views of the scenic street.
The owner-chef, Dao, takes her name from the Vietnamese word for “cherry blossom”. Many customers affectionately call her “Sakura-san”. One of the most popular offerings is the “Sakura Petit Lunch Course”, priced at 1,800 yen (tax included). This set includes three small appetizers and a choice of one main dish. There are seven different main dishes, all representing well-known specialties from various regions of Vietnam. While each dish can be ordered a la carte for 1,200 yen (tax included), the lunch course with appetizers offers better value and is highly recommended.
The appetizer consists of a dish made without oil, featuring crushed peanuts, cabbage, carrots, and perilla leaves tossed in a sweet and sour fish sauce called “nuoc mam”. It also includes fresh spring rolls called “Goi Cuon,” known for their chewy texture and rolled to order, as well as crispy fried spring rolls called “Cha Gio,” which are filled with ingredients such as potatoes, dried shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, dried shiitake mushrooms, ground pork thigh, and fresh shrimp, all wrapped in sunny lettuce.
For the main dish, guests can choose from a variety of options such as “Pho Bo”—Vietnam’s most famous noodle dish made with beef and a savory broth; “Hu Tieu,” a noodle soup with vegetables, meat, and shrimp; “Banh Mi,” a sandwich made with a soft baguette filled with pâté, vegetables, and pickled daikon and carrots; or Vietnamese Curry, which is made with coconut milk and Vietnamese curry powder.
While Pho is widely enjoyed in northern Vietnam, in the southern region—where the chef is originally from—Hu Tieu is the more popular choice. This noodle soup features thin, flat rice noodles, topped with vegetables, meat, and shrimp, and served in a clear yet flavorful broth made by slow-simmering pork bones and other ingredients. Compared to pho, hu tieu has a richer umami depth, yet remains light and refreshing, making it a favorite comfort food in the south.
One of the charms of dining at Saigon Sakura is the opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese slow food made entirely without additives, highlighting the natural flavors of fresh ingredients—all while relaxing in a calm, unhurried atmosphere that reflects a slow-life philosophy. Lunch service does not accept reservations, but the restaurant tends to be less crowded later in the afternoon. On the first Sunday of each month, the restaurant opens for dinner from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering a reservation-only “Omakase Course” (chef’s choice set menu), providing a special evening dining experience.
* Prices are current as of May 2025 and are subject to change. Please confirm with the restaurant directly.
| Name | Kunitachi Saigon Sakura |
|---|---|
| Address | 2nd Floor, Popolo Shopping Center Kunitachi Building, 1-16-17 Higashi, Kunitachi-shi, Tokyo |
| Phone | 050-3573-5027 |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (No reservations accepted) |
| Closed | Wednesdays and Sundays |
| Dinner Service | Available only on the first Sunday of each month (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, reservation required) |
| Languages Supported | Japanese, English |
| Menu Languages | Japanese, English |
| Official Website |
