Dining/Drinking

Samui Japanese restaurant Shio launch: Kimpton Kitalay Samui, the idyllic island resort on Koh Samui’s northeast shore, is inviting foodies to discover highly creative cuisine and spectacular sushi this October, as Lanai Bar & Lounge, its stylish seafront hangout, transforms into SHIO, a vibrant new Japanese restaurant concept.

Shio, which means “sea tides” in Japanese, is helmed by Wacharun Imarramsak or Chef Run, the culinary innovator from In the Mood for Love, the popular Bangkok sushi bar and omakase restaurant. Now, he will dedicate a full month to creating fun, flavourful and finely crafted Japanese delights in a stunning tropical setting. Chef Run specializes in cooking eye-catching sushi rolls with a Western twist, such as the signatures Wave Rider and High Tide, which are available at Kimpton Kitalay Samui.

From October 1-31, 2024, Chef Run presents a curated collection of his own handmade delicacies at SHIO. The menu is designed to be authentic yet creative and approachable for everyone, whether they are a sushi connoisseur or experiencing Japanese cuisine for the first time.

One of Shio’s defining qualities is delivering unparalleled freshness in its seafood, with premium fish flown in directly from Japan. From buttery Chu-toro to delicate Hamachi, every piece is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and flavour. The premium selection of fish is handled with precision by Chef Run, allowing guests to savour the authentic taste of Japan, right here in Koh Samui. Each bite promises the essence of the ocean, a true reflection of this restaurant’s commitment to offering the finest ingredients available.

An extensive selection of sushi rolls includes signature varieties such as Samui Song, a sublime blend of barbecued eel, crab, cucumber, ebiko, and cream cheese invented especially for Kimpton Kitalay Samui, Sassy Salmon, which showcases spicy salmon and ebiko wrapped with seared salmon, and Negi Toro Hand Rolls with chopped toro, pickles and scallions. Mouth-watering main courses include Gindara Saikyo Yaki (grilled black cod with Chef Run’s homemade miso) and the Fish of the Day, sourced locally and cooked to perfection. With a choice of enticing appetizers, signature rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and main dishes, every guest can satisfy their culinary cravings or discover new taste sensations.

Stylish and sophisticated yet also warm and friendly, this Japanese restaurant blends the rustic-chic ambiance of a Samui beach lounge with the traditional essence of a Japanese sushi bar, with a minimalist interior design featuring natural materials such as wood, rattan, bamboo and ceramics, and a background of Japanese beats. This uplifting yet chilled-out vibe is casual and fun, while also exuding an atmosphere of grace and elegance.

“We are delighted to launch Shio, a compelling new culinary destination for our hotel guests and and authentic Japanese cuisine lovers in Samui. In the Mood for Love, Chef Run’s popular Bangkok sushi and omakase bar, has become hugely popular among its discerning clientele. I am confident that everyone will love its creative, eye-catching, and experiential culinary concept, with the highlight being our fresh seafood imported directly from Japan. We look forward to introducing Bangkok’s finest Japanese cuisine to Koh Samui,” said GM Paul Loader.

Shio is open daily for dinner (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM), and for lunch (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) on Fridays and Saturdays.