Kengai — Restaurant in Quintana Roo

Kengai is, without a doubt, one of the most unforgettable dining experiences we had in Tulum—and honestly, one of the most special meals we’ve had anywhere. If you’re looking for a place that effortlessly blends world-class flavors, intimate ambiance, and heartfelt hospitality, this is it. Kengai feels like a secret that you want to keep to yourself... but also can’t stop telling everyone about.

From the moment we walked in, we were completely transported. The vibe is cozy, romantic, and cool without trying too hard—think soft lighting, thoughtful design, and lush greenery surrounding a serene and elegant open-air dining space. It feels like a hidden jungle retreat designed by someone with impeccable taste. Every detail, from the ceramic dishes to the way the food is plated, reflects care and intention.

And then… the food. Wow. Kengai is a Japanese grill, but it’s not just sushi or standard fare—it’s a creative, elevated, and deeply satisfying exploration of flavor and fire. Every dish that came to our table was a knockout. We started with the wagyu dumplings and grilled avocado—both insane. Perfectly balanced, complex, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The tuna tataki with ponzu was bright, fresh, and bursting with umami. You can taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite.

Then came the robata-grilled skewers, which were absolutely unforgettable. Each piece of meat or vegetable had that signature smoky-charred flavor but was also incredibly tender and juicy. The grilled eggplant was a surprise favorite—it was buttery, savory, and somehow totally craveable. And don’t even get me started on the miso black cod. It was perfection. Silky, rich, and cooked to absolute excellence. We were speechless.

The cocktail program is top-tier as well. Creative but balanced, with unique infusions and fresh ingredients that complemented the menu beautifully. The bartender clearly knows what they’re doing—each drink felt like it belonged in a craft cocktail bar in NYC or Tokyo.

And the service? Flawless. Our server was warm, genuine, and deeply knowledgeable about the menu. They made fantastic recommendations and paced the meal perfectly, giving us time to savor everything without feeling rushed. It’s rare to find a team that hits this sweet spot of friendly and professional, but Kengai nails it.

Price-wise, it's absolutely worth it for the experience and quality you’re getting. Yes, it’s on the higher end, but if you're in Tulum and want a meal to remember—whether it's a date night, special celebration, or just treating yourself—Kengai is where you go. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, sip your drink, and savor every single bite. We didn’t want the night to end.

Kengai is a true gem in Tulum’s dining scene. Exceptional food, a beautiful setting, and a sense of calm luxury that lingers long after you leave. We’ll be dreaming about this place until we come back—and believe me, we...

Overall, I was surprised at how much I liked the dishes because typically Asian fusion meals at resorts and hotels tend to not hit the mark. Although not all of the flavours were 100% authentic, they were all tasty. To nitpick a bit, the noodles in the pad thai were quite chewy, unlike how it’s typically made, and the fried chicken in the Thareage wasn’t crispy and too salty BUT the overall flavour profile was great. I’d also recommend the Tikka Masala, the coconut rice had lots of coconut bits and the naan had a nice texture and dusting of seasoning on top.

If you are extremely hungry, I’d recommend coming earlier as the food takes a while...

He Loved the bao buns. The dumplings were a little too heavy for us and we wouldn't get again. I loved my pad thai, it was the perfect size and I ordered it with chicken instead of shrimp, arguably the best pad thai I've ever had. He liked the soup, it was spicy. We weren't a fan of the kimchi, it tasted so different than from...