SPECIALTY
JAuthentic Japanese Fresh Eel Cuisine (Kanto & Kansai styles)
OPENING YEAR
February 2026
FOUNDERS
Unagi Vietnam
ADDRESS
6A Thai Van Lung, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
HOSHIZAKI WORKS
Kitchen design, Installation & After-sales
INTRODUCTION
The rapid evolution of Vietnam’s F&B sector has heightened consumer demand for culinary authenticity, yet scaling premium concepts remains a major operational challenge. Premium dining brands must navigate high consumer expectations while maintaining strict cost-efficiency and reliable backend infrastructure.
UNAGI Restaurant enters this competitive landscape as a prime case study of strategic market positioning and operational excellence. By fusing an innovative farm-to-table supply chain with world-class kitchen architecture, the brand sets a new benchmark for commercial viability and scalability in sustainable Japanese dining.
“IN A HIGH-PRESSURE KITCHEN, HAVING EQUIPMENT YOU CAN ABSOLUTELY TRUST IS ESSENTIAL. HOSHIZAKI GIVES US RELIABLE EQUIPMENT AND STRONG EFFICIENCY, SO WE CAN FOCUS ON THE DELICATE ART OF JAPANESE UNAGI.”
Founder of UNAGI Restaurant
UNAGI is redefining Saigon’s F&B market by replacing mass-produced frozen imports with authentic live Japanese eel. Founded by Mr. Lam after years of culinary training in Japan, the brand fills a gap in premium Japanese dining through a strategic farm-to-table supply chain and a specialized facility in Thai Nguyen.
The brand balances cultural authenticity with commercial efficiency by offering both Kanto- and Kansai-style eel at competitive prices. Mr. Lam also reduced non-essential capital expenditure, such as Japan’s traditional full-wall stainless steel cladding, to improve profitability without compromising core kitchen hygiene.
To maintain consistent temperature control, UNAGI uses Hoshizaki’s reliable cold-chain equipment to improve kitchen workflow. In addition to durable equipment and layout optimization by Hoshizaki’s design team, Hoshizaki Vietnam’s responsive after-sales service helps reduce operational downtime.
This successful first model creates a strong foundation for future expansion. With the proven reliability and ROI of Hoshizaki equipment, Mr. Lam plans to replicate this kitchen blueprint for UNAGI’s second location in District 7 by early 2027.
