6 top spots for conveyor belt sushi in Bangkok
What’s more fun than having sushi served on a conveyor belt? Absolutely nothing! The innovation of kaiten sushi (or kaiten-zushi, to be grammatically and phonetically accurate) first originated in 1958 at Mawaru Genroku Sushi in Osaka. Its design, conceived by Yoshiaki Shiraishi, was famously inspired by a beer factory’s conveyor belt. By 1970, Mawaru Genroku Sushi had expanded to over 200 locations in Japan, cementing its name as the pioneer of conveyor belt sushi.
In Thailand, the history of kaiten sushi can be traced back to 2000, when Genki Sushi became the first restaurant to introduce the revolving setup to the capital. This was followed by the Thai-born Sushi Den, which largely replaced Genki Sushi by 2006. Genki Sushi did attempt a comeback in 2013, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. 2015 then saw the arrival of the Taiwanese brand Sushi Express.
However, it wasn’t until 2021 that the true kaiten sushi mania fully returned. Sushiro, one of Japan’s largest conveyor belt sushi purveyors, landed in Bangkok at centralwOrld, single-handedly reviving the craze for this dynamic dining experience. And like many food trends in Bangkok, once the first broke out with significant hype, more quickly followed. We're now seeing the return of other major Japanese brands like Sushi Plus, Katsu Midori Sushi, and even Genki Sushi, which has made a substantial comeback.
We know it’s hard to keep up with Bangkok’s ever-evolving food scene, which is why we're here to get you up to speed. Let’s explore the current up-and-running kaiten sushi spots in our city and see which one tickles your fancy the most!
It’s back, back, and undeniably back! Genki Sushi, Thailand’s inaugural kaiten sushi restaurant, has triumphantly returned, bringing the original delight of this Japanese dining experience to the fifth floor of centralwOrld. This comeback is stronger than ever, with the use of high-speed Kousoku trains that guarantee swift service to hungry patrons. Over 130 dishes are now on offer, with prices starting at B39.
Undoubtedly a strong competitor in Bangkok’s kaiten sushi scene, Sushi Den is a Thai-born brand that readily rivals its Japanese counterparts. With over ten locations across the city (though only three feature the conveyor belt setup), Sushi Den promises exceptional freshness. Enjoy more than 70 dishes crafted from fish and seafood imported directly from Japanese markets, with prices starting from just B29.
There’s no denying that Sushiro is the true leader of kaiten sushi in Japan, boasting over 600 branches across the country. In Bangkok, Sushiro thrives not only due to its fun array of sushi and a la carte dishes—including traditional Japanese fare and Thai-fusion delights—but also thanks to numerous cool features that provide extreme convenience to diners. These include on-table tablets for ordering off-belt items, convenient bill checking, and a dedicated hot water tap for self-prepared matcha. This powerhouse brand has now extended its reach beyond Bangkok, establishing a strong presence in major cities throughout Thailand.
A globally recognized name in the revolving sushi scene, Sushi Express operates an impressive network of over 660 outlets worldwide. It stands out for its exceptional value, with plates beginning at just B30. In Thailand, diners can now enjoy this budget-friendly experience at any of its 25 branches across the country.
Sushi Plus, a sister brand of Sushi Express, positions itself as a more premium kaiten sushi purveyor. Here, patrons can enjoy more upscale dishes typically priced around B60-90, offering excellent value. A highlight of the experience is the shinkansen train that delivers freshly made sushi directly to your table. Sushi Plus now boasts over ten locations across Thailand.
Just debuted on the third floor of centralwOrld, Katsu Midori Sushi—a popular kaiten sushi purveyor from Kyoto—is already drawing long queues of sushi lovers eager to relish its high-quality sushi and exceptional value. At this Bangkok outpost, diners can choose to enjoy the revolving delights from the conveyor belt zone or opt for a counter seat, where a more personalized service from the chefs awaits. Adding to the unique experience is a giggle-inducing feature: tables ordering expensive dishes are announced loudly through the speakers.
