SUNSHINE BAR – Riverside Dining Japanese Style

As its name suggests, the Sunshine Bar and Restaurant is an impressive open space with plenty of natural light and fresh air wafting in from the river. Replete with its own creative menu, this hidden gem is the brainchild of Japanese expat, Shohei Yada. He is an impressive young man on a mission to create a Japanese restaurant with a difference and one that doesn’t play it safe with just traditional Sushi offerings.

A short taxi ride out of the city-center, Sunshine is located behind Ponagar Temple and it is a great choice for an afternoon riverside lunch or early evening dinner, after having visited the Cham Temple. It is also very popular amongst the expat community who see it as a quiet little escape from the tourist area, and it has become a well-known spot for birthday celebrations and group gatherings. On any given day, you will find a healthy mix of tourists and locals enjoying the river views, eclectic music, and peaceful atmosphere.

A casual and country-chic venue, it is home to delicious ginger beer, creative miso seafood soup and a variety of Japanese Udon noodles, all handmade by Shohei himself. Although he doesn’t have any classical cooking training, he has created a diverse menu that comes from his passion for food. The menu is based on his mother’s home cooking and fused with the influences of dishes he has sampled across the world. He keeps up to date with international dining trends, constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what he can create. The goal is to always surprise and delight his guests with an interesting take on traditional cuisine.

A ‘must try’ is the authentic Ramen soup, his signature dish that showcases the best in home-cooked Japanese food. A rich broth that takes twelve hours to create forms the base for either the Classic Soy or Spicy Miso options. Added to this are soft noodles, vegetables and either minced pork or seafood topped with a runny soft-boiled egg. The boneless chicken in a homemade batter is also particularly noteworthy, perfectly tender and delicious. Washed down with a cold beer or some Sake, it will leave you craving more!

Shohei has put his full personality into the style and decor of Sunshine, and a recent expansion of the premises was needed to accommodate more diners. It is an ideal location for couples, groups and families who seeking to unwind for an afternoon or evening. Whether you perch at the bar or dine on the spacious terrace, Sunshine boasts an uninterrupted river view with beautiful sunlight, a cool breeze and fantastic decor. Put your feet up and watch the ornate blue fishing boats coming in and out of the harbor or the traditional basket boats that resemble giant seafaring coconuts, expertly steered by the local fishermen.

Sunshine is also the place where adventure lovers come to try the amazing Flyboard Experience, – a unique, adrenaline filled watersport that sees users balanced atop their own personal water propulsion board. As a result, there is a daily breakfast and lunch menu of western dishes to cater to eager adventurers who also partake in the company’s private jet ski tours to the neighboring islands off Nha Trang. It also creates a nice vibe with a great mix of international visitors enjoying the sunshine, riverside, and camaraderie. So if you are in search of a cozy bar off the beaten track, Sunshine Bar and Restaurant has options aplenty.