Kougen — Restaurant in Pahang

A Gem in Cameron Highlands - Kougen Restaurant

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) because I can't give more...

What a place, what a place! If you find yourself in Cameron Highlands, Kougen Restaurant is an absolute must-visit! Just make sure you arrive on time, as this charming eatery tends to get busy, and waiting for a table is well worth it.

The first thing that sets Kougen apart is that it's a one-man show, with the passionate owner single-handedly managing everything. It's impressive to witness the dedication and love poured into every aspect of the dining experience.

We began our culinary journey with the Tapas Style Lettuce Wrap featuring Grilled Pork Belly and Sushi Rice. The flavors were simply outstanding, and the ingredients were cooked to perfection, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Moving on to the main course, we tried the Inari Sushi, Salmon Sushi, and Wagyu Beef Sirloin Steak. The Inari Sushi was a delightful treat, and the Salmon Sushi was incredibly fresh and flavorful. However, the highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Wagyu Beef Sirloin Steak. Cooked to perfection and served in a tantalizing Ponzu Citrus soy sauce, each bite was a heavenly experience.

The ambiance of Kougen Restaurant is warm and inviting, providing a relaxed and enjoyable dining atmosphere. The attention to detail in both the decor and service further enhanced our dining experience.

After such a fantastic meal, we are already planning to return tomorrow to savor more of the incredible dishes this restaurant has to offer. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Kougen Restaurant is a culinary gem that should not be missed. The dedication of the owner and the exquisite flavors make this a standout dining destination in Cameron Highlands. Highly recommended!

A Gem in Cameron Highlands - Kougen Restaurant Part 2

Starters:

We couldn't resist trying more of Kougen's starters, and we were not disappointed! The Agedashi Tofu was a delightful combination of crispy and tender, served with a savory dipping sauce that complemented the dish perfectly. The Gyoza was another hit, with a delectable filling and expertly pan-fried to a golden crisp.

But the real star of the starters was the Grilled Pork Belly with Sea Salt. This dish took our taste buds on an unforgettable journey. The pork belly was cooked to perfection, boasting a mouthwatering smokiness that paired beautifully with the subtle seasoning of sea salt. It was a revelation, and we savored every bite like never before.

Main:

For the main course, we opted for the Goro Goro Steak Don and Teppanyaki Chicken Don. Once again, Kougen Restaurant exceeded our expectations. The Goro Goro Steak Don was a carnivore's dream come true. The tender slices of steak were cooked just the way we liked, and the flavors were further enhanced by the delectable sauce drizzled over the dish. Each bite was a burst of satisfaction.

The Teppanyaki Chicken Don, on the other hand, was a lighter yet equally delightful option. The chicken was juicy and seasoned to perfection, served with a medley of fresh vegetables that added a delightful crunch to the dish. It was a perfect harmony of flavors, leaving us completely satisfied.

Overall Impression:

We find ourselves falling in love with Kougen Restaurant all over again. The consistency in the quality of their food is truly commendable. The owner's dedication and passion for the culinary arts shine through in every dish, making each visit a delightful experience.

The warm and welcoming ambiance, coupled with attentive service, creates an inviting atmosphere that keeps drawing us back. Kougen Restaurant has undeniably become our go-to dining spot in Cameron Highlands, and we can't wait to return for more culinary adventures.

If you're in Cameron Highlands, do yourself a favor and make a beeline for Kougen Restaurant. Whether you're a fan of Japanese cuisine or simply appreciate deliciously crafted dishes, this gem of a restaurant will leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return for more. Kougen Restaurant truly...

Probably the one and only gem of a Japanese restaurant in Tanah Rata.

For a one-man show, with a cleanliness of a TopTier "A" rating given by the local food inspection authorities, this is one of the most efficient spots I've ever visited. You can go around the other shops, with a 101 staffs and yet their cleanliness rating is a 2nd tier "B". So yes, this is impressive on his own.

The boss himself is a no-nonsense guy as mentioned by one of the patrons, and it makes it into a very straightforward process. Sit, read menu, order and wait for your food & drinks. Patience is a virtue and more so when you dine in Ko Gen (signboard has been changed, "u' removed).

Watch in wonder as he comes up straight as an arrow, take your order, then heads straight to the kitchen (full view) to get it done. Again, practise patience if you're in Ko Gen. If you're famished and going to be snarky about it, there are many other cafes and restos around to serve you with ready cooked (and most of the times, exposed) dishes.

I ordered the pork cutlets with vegetable curry, served with Japanese rice and it was a delicious full meal. Whenever I'm in CH, a visit to Ko Gen is a must, at least for one meal.

The menu is extensive and quite impressive for a one-man show. A variety of alcoholic beverages are also available, along with the normal drinks. He even operates a coffee machine and brews fresh coffee!

Ko Gen does not open everyday. The boss travels quite a bit to source the ingredients he needs for his restaurant. Sometimes it opens at 5PM or 6PM, depending on his level of readiness. Ko Gen is closed the first half of the week, and opens mostly towards the second half of the week for weekend travellers. His choice of Japanese music selection in the background is quite interesting too.

Cash & cashless...

We usually tend to refrain from leaving negative reviews but we simply cannot in this case. We came here due to the high number of positive reviews but were utterly let down. It took very long for our food to arrive (we ordered Bibimbap and fried chicken with rice). After an incredibly long wait, our food arrived with many minutes in between and only after we had asked repeatedly. As for the taste, the fried chicken tasted very strange (as if the oil it had been fried in wasn't good anymore) and we did not finish it. Also the Bibimbap wasn't great and tasted a bit fad. It also came without Kimchi which we then had to ask for seperately. When it came to paying the bill my girlfriend realised that we got charged an extra amount for the Kimchi (which in any Korean restaurant comes with the dishes) and asked for an explanation. The owner, who claimed we should have known that it will take a long time since they were only two people working, got very vocal with my girlfriend and wasn't friendly, welcoming or apologetic at all. We left very disappointed and will not come back. Considering the hefty price (comparing to other delicious meals we had in the same town for much less) of 60+RM for two mains and a pot of tea, this felt like a waste of money and opportunity to...