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Kim Sang is a restaurant specializing in Asian—more precisely, Vietnamese—cuisine in Munich, near Arabellapark. I recently went there for dinner on a whim with a companion, and we were pleasantly surprised. We called about 30 minutes before our arrival and reserved a table for two. From the outside, the restaurant is somewhat hidden away in a simple and admittedly not particularly inviting building with a glass facade, giving no hint of the excellent Vietnamese cuisine with an unforgettable character that awaits inside.
The cuisine at Kim Sang restaurant is characterized by three simple ingredients: rice in all its forms, fish sauce as a flavor carrier, and an abundance of fresh herbs that underscore and refine the dishes' distinctive character. The owner himself describes his cuisine as "fusion cuisine," offering Vietnamese dishes based on family recipes dating back to the French colonial era, as well as modern and creative sushi. Appetizers/starters range from €5.20 (for three vegetarian spring rolls filled with vegetables and lime fish sauce) to €12.50 per person (for an appetizer platter with summer rolls, spring rolls, bo la lot, fried shrimp, and nom salad). There are also numerous salads (from €6.90 to €8.90) and soups such as miso salmon soup, vegetarian soup, pho ga ha noi soup, or coconut scampi soup – from €5.50 to €12.50 – available in small or large portions. We both opted for an appetizer. I chose the "Salmon Poke"—diced salmon with sesame oil and avocado—for €6.90. My companion went for the Vietnamese-style "Veggi Soup" for €5.50. The appetizers arrived at our table relatively quickly and were served simultaneously. Both the soup and my salmon were delicious and the portions were very generous. However, if you're generally not a big fan of fish, I would advise against the raw salmon, as it has a very strong fishy taste.
The selection of main courses on the menu is also very extensive. We opted for "Flame Salmon"—a grilled salmon fillet on sautéed bean sprouts with yakiniku sauce for €19.90—and a sushi platter with assorted sushi rolls and soy sauce. Called the "Inside-Out Box," it was filled with six California, six Alaska, and six tuna-sesame rolls for €19.50—a hefty price, but reasonable. When ordering the sushi, I was informed that it might take a little while. Apparently, the group of eight women at the next table had also just ordered sushi together, so I had to wait a bit. After we waited some time, the sushi arrived, along with my companion's "flame salmon." Unfortunately, it's not very visible in the photo, but it looked quite good, and the salmon had taken on a slightly smoky flavor from the flame. The fish tasted excellent, and the side dish was delicious too – perhaps a little too many sprouts, but that's a matter of taste, of course. My sushi was expertly rolled, and I immediately noticed the difference between, for example, delivered sushi and this. It was rolled very neatly, the rice stuck together firmly, and even the soy sauce, which was poured into a separate dish, tasted somehow fresher than with the delivery – presentation matters, too. I would definitely recommend a visit if you're looking for good sushi.
While the restaurant isn't exactly centrally located in the city center and, as mentioned, isn't particularly inviting from the outside, it wins you over inside with its cozy ambiance, lovely wallpaper, soft lighting, and welcoming atmosphere. Upon entering, we were warmly greeted and immediately shown to our table by the friendly and professional staff. The owner, Kim, even came by our table himself, joking with the other guests and explaining in a brief conversation that maintaining close relationships with his (regular) customers is very important to him. Whether you enjoy being treated so personally, almost like an old friend, is a matter of personal taste. I personally prefer to remain anonymous and act as a guest – otherwise, I'd just be eating at my friends' houses. 😉 Nevertheless, he was very attentive and friendly, clearly concerned for the guests' comfort. Also worth mentioning is the pianist who plays various classical pieces live on a piano in the corner – this naturally enhances the atmosphere and is a big plus, especially for romantics and fans of Asian cuisine.
This restaurant is definitely suitable for cozy evenings. It's neither particularly small nor large, with about 15 tables and a pleasant outdoor area. There's a lighted bar in one corner, and the entire room is furnished with dark, substantial tables. So, if you're looking for a romantic yet modern restaurant with delicious Vietnamese cuisine, this is the place for you. The restaurant is located only about 10-15 meters from the "Cadillac" cinema in Arabellapark. A visit before or after a movie is definitely worthwhile. It's also the perfect spot for a relaxed evening with colleagues, family, or friends. We paid €64 including tip, using our debit card, for our chosen drinks (a small still water (0.25l/€2.50) and a very tasty Hugo (€6). Certainly not exactly cheap, but worth every penny. You can pay with Mastercard or Visa starting from €50 – which should be easily achievable if there are two of you and you both want a starter and a main course. If you also want to try one of the delicious desserts (e.g., coconut balls, mango sorbet, or matcha ice cream), it's unlikely you'll find a lower price.
I'll be back: Generally, yes. The restaurant isn't cheap, but the sushi is very good.
Place visited: Kim Sang
Address: Rosenkavalierplatz 15, 81925 Munich
Website
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