Kanpai serves traditional Japanese tempura as part of its core menu alongside ramen and chanpon. The restaurant has built its reputation over 18 years as an authentic izakaya, maintaining consistent technique in both batter and frying. The tempura arrives light and crispy, with a delicate coating that doesn't overwhelm the seasonal vegetables and proteins inside. As a long-standing Japanese establishment in the San Diego area, the kitchen treats tempura as a foundational skill rather than a specialty item.