KUFFO — Restaurant in Florida

TLDR: food is ok not amazing and definitely not for the price things are at

My bf and I ordered the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen at level 5 spiciness, domburi E katsu chicken curry, pork belly Bao buns, calamari, steamed shrimp shumai, taro boba tea, and Fanta. The spicy tonkotsu ramen wasn’t even remotely spicy if anything it was hella salty and had too much lime which was very odd because there was no lime slice served with the bowl. The domburi E katsu chicken curry needed more salt or something in the curry, instead of the basic curry cube that’s usually used to make that dish, the rest though such as the chicken and other fixings were good/tasty. The pork belly Bao buns were very delicious, it was the one great tasting dishes of the whole meal. The calamari was probably the second best tasting appetizer/meal, the sauces that accompanied it were very tasty as well. The steamed shrimp shumai felt off like something in it gave it some weird bitter taste and it definitely wasn’t the sauce that was served with it because I even tried it without it’s sauce and it was just terrible. The taro boba was really good though it was a small 12 oz amount filled 1/3 with a bunch of ice. The Fanta orange is served in a glass bottle so no refills there. The service from our waitress was great, she was very attentive and she was manning all the three other tables that were also active. The restaurant is located in a suburban plaza in what seemed like not a super popular spot. So I could see and understand that if you wanted a simple Asian fusion dish and this was conveniently located close to you, why this would probably be your choice. The entire meal cost $78 and then plus the tip came to about $94

Edit/update: Dear Owner, I am not sure who is Thomas? I think you are confusing me and my bf with another table couple that was eating at the restaurant when we were. You went to my table, with my bf and I, just one time to ask how we were doing. You were speaking to another couple across from us various times. And that explains why you are mentioning various different foods that were not in my review or captioned pics. We were already done with our food when you came by because we were starving after having walked through Zoo Miami. And we only spoke with you for a couple of seconds 😅We also don’t live close to the area at all, we just wanted to try a new restaurant close to the zoo. Appreciate the clarification on the bubble tea, more flavors and sizes would be...

I tried giving KUFFO another shot, and I am extremely disappointed. I ordered the same dish I ordered the first time (Chicken Stir Fry), and I went with the Teriyaki sauce again and the same vegetables: corn, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, scallion. I also ordered a Shrimp Stir Fry with ginger sauce and all the vegetables, a soup, and an order of Fried Calamari.

Chicken Stir Fry, Teriyaki Sauce

The sauce was still watery like before, the portion size actually got smaller than before and they gave less rice than before so there still wasn't enough rice for the food which was less quantity, and honestly, slightly lower quality as well. The actual bowl in which they serve all the food is smaller than the previous time I ate here, and it's only been a month; and the price stayed the same (less food, same cost). Also I didn't order zucchini in my chicken stir fry, yet I still found about 5 pieces in it.

Shrimp Stir Fry, Ginger Sauce

The sauce was watery once again, portion was smaller for the same price, not enough rice, and the shrimp wasn't good. For $18 this is absolutely not worth it.

Fried Calamari

18 small pieces of Fries Calamari for $14, it's just doesn't make sense and definitely not worth that price. The wasabi tarter sauce was okay, and the Calamari was fine, but all these prices are unreasonable.

Tonkotsu Ramen

This was definitely the worst dish, no flavor, small portion again, overcooked egg, and for $12 again, terrible pricing.

All in all, definitely do not recommend KUFFO, I wish I could but I just can't, it's very overpriced for what it is, the portions were already small and imbalanced to begin with and they just got smaller, the food quality hasn't improved. Just a no for me.

Update: On yelp the owner of KUFFO, Fernando Vargas, he reacted to my review on Yelp and voted it was funny, thank you thank you, but what I think is really funny is that he said:

"This is the first time we are hearing about our serving size being too small, we will take your input into consideration".

And then he proceeds to make the serving size EVEN SMALLER and keeps charging the same price, what a guy, what a joke, what a SCAM. ...

This is defenitely a hidden neighborhood gem. It is All about taste, flavors, and quality ingredients. The duck is Superb!!! Beware, very limited seats and it is a fairly small place; just to keep in mind. If you order to go is a great option, and get ready for an explosion of Asian Fusion flavors that will satisfy your palate and make your taste buds happy. It will not disappoint. I recommend this place located in the midst of Country Walk.

Update Aug 14th 2021. This time we visited Kuffo instead of pick up and I am glad we did, for we had the pleasant opportunity to meet Fernando who was amicable, cordial, and giving everyone great attention. I previously gave Kuffo a well deserved 5 Star review and dine in visit not only confirmed the 5 Stars review but makes me wanting to give more stars if I could. Their plates, cups, all resemble the asian influence.

Started with Tom Yum soups. The perfect balance of flavorful umami broth and lemongrass acidity. Then we had the 3 main dishes that make for the "trinity" of the restaurant trademark fusion: Kuffo Combination, the Crispy Fillete Corvina, and the Lemongrass Duck with sweet and sour sauce. Amazing explosion of flavors; great execution on all dishes with a delicate and inviting presentation. Although our previous take out experience was satisfactory and delicious because of the good quality ingredients, it does not do justice to these sublime dishes until you dine in and see them in front of you well plated. We could not put our forks down...LOL. I highly recommend this jewel and do not get misled by the fact it is in a small strip shopping center inside Country Walk. Defenitely a true gem. Fernando, you have a great...