Izakaya restaurants

Kenshin Izakaya Asok

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

155 Asok Montri Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand $$
4.3
1,671 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Asok, Kenshin Izakaya Asok offers an inviting taste of authentic Japanese izakaya culture right in the heart of Bangkok. This cozy eatery expertly combines traditional casual Japanese dining with a lively yet intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements its array of affordable, flavorful dishes.

Step inside and you’re greeted by warm wooden interiors, soft lighting, and the gentle strum of Japanese tunes—creating an ambiance that’s relaxed yet distinctly upbeat. It’s the kind of place where you could comfortably hold a business meeting or unwind with friends over delicious plates and drinks. The dining area strikes a balance between casual and charming, steering clear of the pretentiousness some trendier spots can fall into.

What truly shines here is the food. Ken Shin’s menu celebrates authentic Japanese Izakaya fare that perfectly pairs with their thoughtful selection of sake, beers, and cocktails. Diners have praised signature dishes such as the expertly grilled seafood served right at the table, which bursts with smoky, savory notes and fresh oceanic sweetness. Alongside this, the flavoured beers—with their subtle, sweeter undertones—and refreshing cocktails like “Back to 90s” and the Kyoto Graph round out a drinking experience that feels both novel and comfortably familiar.

While the menu might feel a bit overwhelming due to its variety, the attentive and helpful staff are eager to guide your choices, even though English may sometimes be limited. This dedication to customer satisfaction feels genuine and makes the dining experience more approachable for international visitors. Although a minor inconvenience was noted when a guest had to shift seats mid-meal, the warm environment and quality food more than make up for those small quirks.

For anyone seeking a reliable spot to enjoy true Japanese comfort food in Bangkok, Kenshin Izakaya Asok stands out from the sea of imitators. It's a welcoming, well-loved local gem where each bite tells a story of careful tradition and vibrant flavors. Whether you're a seasoned fan of izakaya or venturing into Japanese dining for the first time, Kenshin will leave you feeling satisfied, intrigued, and eager to return.

Contact: 155 Asok Montri Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | Phone: +66 2 661 6202

03 Notes from regulars

1,671 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.3
Based on 1,671 verified notes
5 846
4 575
3 188
2 37
1 47
All Grilled Menu Sakura Beer Draft Beer Asahi Passion Fruit Beer Udon Kimchi Nabe Time Machine Beer Fresh Sashimi Cold Beer
Ned Uchida.
2 month ago
Not too bad in terms of its decor and ambience. They play Japanese songs throughout, some hours can be quiet which makes it a nice place to have meetings over some affordable Izakaya food. Better than many other rundown Jap-wannabe restaurants in Bangkok.
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Ma tt.
3 month ago
It could have been a 5-star given the good food and vibe, and midway through my meal I was asked to change seat to make way for a larger group. Not a big deal, but it certainly wasn’t pleasant to have to shift your things and yourself. The flavoured beers had a sweeter note to them, and the back to 90s was not too bad a choice. It was both light and refreshing. The Kyoto graph cocktail on the other hand tasted just like carbonated drink, without a tinge of alcohol. Despite being indoor, I had mosquitoes flying around and it was irritating to have to deal with them.
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Itt Pamarapa.
4 month ago
Kenshin Izakaya Asok, located 1.5 km. from Asok BTS Station or Sukhumvit MRT Station on Asok Road near Asok 1 Lane, was a typical casual Japanese restaurant - Izakaya . It was one of the very first Izakaya restaurants in Sukhumvit area where many Japanese experts lived. It served truly authentic casual Japanese dishes which got along well with beers, sake and other alcoholic drinks. Its dining area was like sitting in one of Izakaka restaurants in Japan. Its draft beers were so good and refreshing. Its restroom was set on its 2nd floor where there was an additional dining area opened when its 1st floor seating area was crowded.
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rolly luchavez.
5 month ago
Beautiful Izakaya restaurant with really cool vibe. The menu was overwhelming for me, and while the staff didn't speak great English, they were helpful in recommending something to order. The end of our dinner the waitress asked me to put some tip.
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Ali M.
5 month ago
Beautiful Izakaya restaurant with really cool vibe. The menu was overwhelming for me, and while the staff didn't speak great English, they were helpful in recommending something to order. I ordered the raw fish (forgot the name) that they'll grill in front of you, and it was really good.
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Timothy Ngui.
6 month ago
Great food at reasonable prices. Their skewered sticks are really good. Be sure to try their beef tartar and Tori Tsukune and "Sea Grapes".
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HC L.
6 month ago
Yakitori here were good particularly the chicken bud (backside) and chicken wing. Enjoyed the tempura udon but the tempura prawns were not well flavoured. The Dragon sushi has avocado and crispy pawn in it, coated with mayonnaise. Ordered the beer and it came in a big glass. Overall a decent Jap meal.
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Pony.
6 month ago
Every things I ordered were delicious, been here with my friends before, today I was the area so I wanted to pay a visit. Never disappointed
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday (today) 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Finding the door

155 Asok Montri Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • No Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • No Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • No Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Food at bar
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • College students
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists
  • Transgender safespace
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Parking
  • Parking
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