There’s something unmistakably joyful about dining at KIBOU. From the moment you step inside one of their beautifully designed Japanese Kitchen & Bar locations, you’re swept into a world where culinary elegance meets bold creativity. Recently, my wife and I had the pleasure of discovering (or should I say devouring) their vibrant new summer menu—a celebration of colour, flavour and talented foodie craftsmanship

Already known for its authentic yet playful approach to Japanese dining, KIBOU has taken things up a notch with a menu that feels both elevated and accessible. While retaining crowd-pleasing favourites like chicken karaage, pork gyoza, and the ever-satisfying katsu curry, the team has introduced a host of new dishes that showcase premium ingredients and bold flavours.

We began our evening with a round of the new Tokusen sharers, which, if you ask me, are worth the visit alone. The Beef Sirloin with Truffle Teriyaki was exceptional—paper-thin slices of perfectly rare beef, subtly glazed with a deep, earthy truffle sauce that added a decadent edge. My wife, ever the seafood connoisseur, swooned over the Yuzu Miso Marinated Salmon—delicately grilled and fragrant with Japanese citrus, it was both refreshing and satisfyingly savoury. For those who favour richness, the Black Pork Katsu, made with prized Kurobuta pork, offered extraordinary tenderness and depth of flavour.

As lovers of street food, we were intrigued by the new izakaya-style small plates. The Chicken Zangi, a spicy Hokkaido-inspired take on karaage, was dangerously moreish—crispy, juicy, and with just the right hit of heat. But the surprise highlight was the Sesame Prawn Toast Bao, a clever twist on a nostalgic favourite. Imagine the comforting crunch of sesame prawn toast encased in a soft bao bun—genius, and utterly delicious.

Of course, no visit to KIBOU would be complete without diving into their sushi selection, and the new offerings are nothing short of exquisite. The Uramaki Snow Crab Roll felt like a visual and textural celebration—fresh, vibrant and beautifully plated. But it was the arrival of Bluefin Tuna Chutoro that truly captured the essence of Japanese culinary luxury. Rich, buttery and melt-in-the-mouth, it’s the kind of sushi that inspires reverent silence at the table. A new section of Open Temaki, reminiscent of traditional Kaiseki presentation, added an interactive element to the meal, with standout fillings like scallop and tofu with vegetables.

We also tried one of the latest additions to the noodle menu: the Maze Udon. A bold, brothless take on classic ramen, it was thick, glossy, and wonderfully satisfying. Served with a variety of toppings and a punchy sauce, it’s a must-try for anyone looking for something hearty but refreshingly different. KIBOU’s traditional ramen bowls have also had a subtle makeover, now celebrating regional flavour profiles from across Japan—another thoughtful touch that speaks to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity.

Throughout the evening, the service was as warm and polished as ever. Whether offering pairing suggestions or explaining the subtle differences between the new dishes, the staff were as knowledgeable as they were welcoming—making our evening feel all the more special.

In every dish, you can sense KIBOU’s passion for Japanese cuisine: its respect for tradition, its hunger for innovation, and its desire to create memorable dining moments. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi aficionado or simply in search of an exciting new place to dine this summer, KIBOU’s gloriously summery menu is sure to impress.

So, book that table, bring a food lover you adore, and prepare to be transported to a Japanese culinary paradise.