Kampai — Restaurant in Puebla

---- Update December 7, 2024 --- After writing & posting my Nov 23 fairly negative review (2-stars) of Kampai Puebla, the "Kampai Management" responded in what appeared to be a sincere response in trying to rectify a service issue. Kampai Management responded saying they "regret that [my] visit to Kampai did not meet expectations" and they "greatly value [my] feedback". Kampai Management further said they would like to "restore [my] confidence in [Kampai]" and asked "please contact me directly via message [221 105 3385] to ensure [my] next visit is exceptional". I was sincerely encouraged by this response from Kampai Management.

HOWEVER, after making 3 attempts (on Nov 29, Dec 3, Dec 6; see added screenshots) with no response from Management, it now seems that this Management response was not sincere but just lip service for "public show". There was no sincere effort to understand and rectify the service issue. I would not be surprised if Management has an 'excuse' for not responding. For what it's worth (maybe they don't value the Google Review system) I've subsequently downgraded my review from 2-stars to 1-star and will then close with the idea that this is a highly over-priced and poorly serviced establishment. My recommendation is don't waste your time or money.

----- November 23, 2024----- Very disappointed in dining at Kampai. We ordered 2 appetizers & followed w/main courses. While we found food to be way too costly for the quality, our prime concern was related to food service/main courses. An entrée arrived, a 2nd about 5 min later but after 15+mins of us all waiting to begin eating, I asked my other guests to begin eating and cancelled the 3rd plate w/wait staff. I credit the server for ultimately, later, bringing the 3rd plate at no charge, but discredit him more for trying to cover for food service issues. Life is full of mistakes - if one is made - admit to it, apologize for it, make good for it and move on. I was insulted by the lame explanations for the delay. Again, food we did have was AVERAGE but was overpriced for just being "OK". In terms of drinks, the Matcha Martini was watery/poorly made. Further, for a restaurant claiming to be so sophisticated/expensive, I was disappointed w/the tequila table service, as staff failed to poor the drink at the table, and chose just to bring the pre-poured cup to the table. Lastly, we came to Kampai to enjoy a high quality, meal and conversation with friends. However, we found wait staff to be constantly and unnecessarily interrupting our conversation/meal to the degree it became annoying. That disruptive energy should have been directed to better manage the placement of and consistent delivery of our food...

It's a very cozy place for eat Japanese food. The place it's a little bit dark lightened mostly by little candles at tour table, so the forniture is perfect for a romantuc date, but also the waiter's can turn up the light a little bit at your table if you want to have a business diner or so. The food was excelent, very tasty and very fast service. All the waiter's and the host are very nice people. I think that you need reservations, but if you go past 22:00 the tables start to be free for anyone that wants to eat there. The only weak ponit, I think, is the valet parking cause there are only two workers, then at a some point you have to wait 5-15 minites to leave your car or...

Como mencionó otra reseña, no hay que comer aqui si requires una factura. En el momento de comer, me dijeron que su impresora ya no tenia papel pero que en seguida enviaran la factura por correo. No llegó. Tuve que molestar al restaurante para 5 dias por telefono y correo para recibir la factura.

Pero hay cosas peores de este lugar:

1. Huachinango al vapor. - Al probar esto, pregunté al mesero si el "cangrejo" por encima del platillo era surimi. Me dijo que no, que era King Crab. Respondí que eso noera posible y no lo creo. Me dijo que va a preguntar al Chef. Según él, el Chef dijo que era cangrejo sintético pero que si era 80% puro de King Crab y solo 20% de harina.

Tal producto no existe. Efectivamente era alguna especie de cangrejo artificial que no tiene nada de cangrejo. Considero que el menú y la comunicación de sus empleados representa una especie de fraude y que merece la atención del PROFECO.

2. Las dos bebidas para un total de $388.04 Mi esposa pidió esto en base de la recomendación del mesero. No hay trago tan caro en su carta. La bebida ni siquiera era tan especial como otros tragos más baratos en la lista. El tomillo que usaron como guarnición ni siquiera era fresco. Era seco. Lo único que podía saborear era azúcar y jugo de piña. No había suficiente alcohol para detectar. En fin, muy muy sospechoso por parte del restaurante. De donde llegaron los $.04 ???

3. Los nigiri apenas fueron comestibles. Para empezar, el corte del pescado era poco profesional. (las orillas de cada pedazo sesgados). El huachinango tenía un nervio adentro. Se ve que no era el pescado más fresco. Era comestible, pero sólo apenas.

Aparte, la preparación del arroz no era tan buena. Creo que faltó poner un poco de vinagre de arroz y un cachito de azúcar como debe de ser. La bolita de arroz no se mantuvo en su forma. Era "crumbly" (sujeto a desmoronarse).

En fin, este no es un buen lugar para sushi. De hecho, lo unico que probé que era bastante bien...