Tengoku

Located in the elegant InterContinental Phuket Resort in Kamala, Tengoku is a sleek and modern restaurant that specializes in veritable Japanese cuisine inspired by the ancient techniques and traditions of Osaka’s culinary masters. Helmed by the creativity and dedication of Chef Ice, dining here is a top-tier experience and one that should be on every foodie’s hit list. 

Chef Ice and his team have truly honed their craft. The ingredients, presentation and execution of each Japanese dish is simply outstanding. The passionate wait staff are storytellers in their own right, and go above and beyond when it comes to recommending dishes and drink pairings. My dining partner and I are looking forward to sampling the new “Spring” menu and eagerly make our way to the table. 

In addition to our old favorite, Wagyu Garlic Fried Rice, six vibrant dishes are arranged perfectly at our dining space. Each dish is so well plated, and the aromas are mind-blowing! After a brief explanation of the “Spring” menu, and of course, a million photos, we dig in.

Dishes served include Katsuo Tataki a Skipjack tuna with citrus soy sauce,  Sakura Masu Yuzu Ponzu a Japanese cherry salmon with umami citrus soy sauce, Nagaimo Mentaiko a Chinese yam with spicy cured pollack roe and micro salad, Soramame a Japanese broad bean with moshio salt, Asari Clam with Japanese manila clams, cabbage, sake & butter, Yasai Harumaki a spring roll of seasonal vegetables including mushroom, asparagus, bamboo shoot and cabbage, Tantanmen a spicy minced pork ramen with chili oil, and Sawara which is Japanese Spanish mackerel with yuzu chili paste, sweet potato and pickles. 

The flavors of each dish are exceptional and the accompanying sauces and vegetables really elevate the taste. All of the dishes are absolutely divine, but my personal favorite was the Tantanmen. I’m a huge fan of ramen, and the homemade noodles were perfectly soft, chewy and doughy and the chili oil really amplified the combination of the spicy minced pork, wood ear mushroom, sesame and bok choy. The broth was sensational! 

Other dishes I recommend include the Sawara as the fish just melts in your mouth, and the Soramame. I’d eaten this dish when living in Japan, and vegetable lovers will enjoy its equally bitter and creamy taste. The Nagaimo Mentaiko is also absolutely unique, and perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new. 

Although we are stuffed, we are obviously not going to say no to dessert. We were served Mirin Crepe and Berries, Matcha Ice Cream with Red Beans, and Yuzu Ice Cream and Honey. The desserts are a decadent finale to an already perfect meal. The Yuzu Ice Cream and Honey was so sweet and satisfying, but the Mirin Crepe and Berries was also a taste bud explosion - so soft and creamy! 

I can’t recommend dining at Tengoku enough, and you have three months to sample the new “Spring” menu. 

Tengoku is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:00pm-10:00pm. Reservations are paramount, and there is plenty of parking on-site.