Food & Beverage

Your Favourite “SHIO” is Back!

January 31, 2025
by Editorial Staff

Kimpton Kitalay Samui’s Stylish Sushi Bar Returns for 2025 with Exciting New Flavours

Following the resounding success of its debut in October 2024, SHIO, the creative sushi bar and Japanese dining concept at Kimpton Kitalay Samui, is making a triumphant return! From January 7 to May 9, 2025, SHIO will once again grace the shores of Koh Samui, offering an exquisite culinary journey with a refreshed menu featuring exclusive new dishes that are sure to delight both returning guests and first-time visitors.

Nestled on the pristine northeast coast of Koh Samui, Kimpton Kitalay Samui is proud to bring back SHIO, a dining destination that has quickly become a favourite among resort guests and locals alike. The name SHIO, meaning “sea tides” in Japanese, perfectly captures the essence of this unique concept, which blends the freshest seafood with innovative Japanese culinary artistry.

A Culinary Experience Like No Other

Helmed by the talented Chef Wacharun Imarramsak (Chef Run) from the acclaimed In the Mood for Love in Bangkok, SHIO offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. During its initial month-long residency in October 2024, SHIO captivated diners with its bold flavours, artistic presentation, and premium ingredients. Now, Chef Run is set to elevate the experience even further with a refreshed menu that includes both beloved classics and exciting new creations.

Signature Dishes and New Additions

At the heart of SHIO’s menu is its commitment to quality and freshness. The restaurant sources premium seafood directly from Japan, including buttery Chu-toro (tuna belly) and delicate Hamachi (yellowtail), ensuring every bite is a celebration of flavour and texture.

Signature Rolls:

  • Wave Rider: A harmonious blend of barbecued eel, shrimp tempura, and ebiko, wrapped in creamy avocado.
  • High Tide: Succulent scallop and ebiko topped with seared crab meat.
  • Samui Song: A local favourite featuring barbecued eel, cream cheese, crab, cucumber, and ebiko.

New for 2025:

  • Shiromi Ponzu: Thinly sliced shiromi sashimi paired with a zesty ponzu sauce.
  • Tide Turner: A delightful roll of BBQ eel, cream cheese, and cucumber, topped with sesame and teriyaki sauce.
  • Ocean Heat: A spicy and bold combination of salmon and cucumber, elegantly finished with sesame.
  • Scallop Shore: A luxurious roll featuring fresh scallop, cucumber, ebiko, and a hint of spicy sauce.

In addition to its signature rolls, SHIO offers an array of appetisers, main courses, and sashimi options. Highlights include:

  • Salmon & Lemon: Thinly sliced salmon sashimi with tangy ponzu sauce.
  • Maguro Kimchi: Fresh tuna sashimi marinated in spicy kimchi.
  • Gindara Saikyo Yaki: Grilled black cod with miso, a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
  • Chirashi Don: A colourful bowl of assorted sashimi served over sushi rice.

An Atmosphere of Understated Elegance

SHIO’s interior design reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings, with warm wood, rattan, bamboo, and ceramics creating a serene and inviting space. The soft hum of Japanese beats in the background adds to the ambiance, blending the laid-back vibe of a Samui beach lounge with the sophistication of a Tokyo sushi bar.

What Makes SHIO Special?

  • Premium Ingredients: Only the freshest seafood, imported directly from Japan.
  • Innovative Cuisine: A modern take on Japanese classics, crafted by one of Bangkok’s most celebrated chefs.
  • Stylish Setting: A perfect blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance.

A Word from the General Manager

Paul Loader, General Manager of Kimpton Kitalay Samui, shared his excitement about SHIO’s return:
“The response to SHIO’s debut was overwhelming, and we’re thrilled to bring it back for an extended residency. Guests and locals alike fell in love with Chef Run’s creative dishes, particularly the fresh seafood and signature rolls. From January to May 2025, we invite everyone to experience SHIO’s refreshed menu, which features exciting new dishes alongside our beloved classics. Whether you’re a returning guest or visiting for the first time, SHIO promises an unforgettable dining experience that brings the taste of Japan to the heart of Samui.”

Plan Your Visit

SHIO will be open six days a week (Thursday to Tuesday) from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, starting January 7, 2025. Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this sought-after dining destination.

For more information or to book your table:

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of SHIO – where the freshest ingredients, innovative flavours, and stunning surroundings come together to create a dining experience like no other.