We paid a visit to another fantastic addition to the recent Ballyhack foodie renaissance, KION. This Latin–Nikkei fusion restaurant on the Upper Newtownards Road serves delicious South American dishes with hints of Japanese cuisine, and the food was absolutely brilliant.
KION comes from the Peruvian word for ginger, perfectly reflecting the warm, comforting and spicy aspects of the menu.
We started with a couple of terrific cocktails, an Orale Margarita, and a Kion Martini, accompanied by a bowl of fresh Guacamole topped with pico de gallo, chillies, and an architecturally striking tower of plantain chips for dipping.
Next, our appetisers of Prawns Majadito, sautéed with a chilli & garlic sauce served with crushed plantain majado, and a delightfully zingy Nikkei Style Sea Bream Ceviche cured in tiger milk, and topped with sweet potato, crispy plantain and red onion, were both excellent.
To follow, the Cod Encocado was fragrant with coconut, cooked in banana leaf, and flecked with crushed nori creating delicious flavours and aromas of the sea. Accompanied by steamed cassava and chilli, in a coriander and caper sauce, this was a beautiful fish dish.
And the vegetarian Gnocchi Huancaina, plump potato gnocchi sautéed, then smothered in a Peruvian creamy, spicy sauce made with queso fresco, was served with purple potato and edamame. Perfect comfort food!
Accompanied by Diablo Beans, black Mexican beans with a good kick of chilli heat, and crispy, roasted baby Criollo Potatoes sautéed with annatto oil and herbs, this was a fabulous feast.
And to finish, the Ecuadorian Chocolate Mousse with Baileys Sponge was rich, dark, and decadent.
KION: “Latin passion and Nikkei harmony on every plate.”
Many thanks for inviting us along to try KION’s stunning menu.
ABOUT US
KION is a Latin–Nikkei restaurant in the heart of Ballyhackamore, born from the meeting of two rich culinary worlds — the bold, passionate flavours of Latin America and the refined balance of Nikkei cuisine.
Our name, KION, comes from the Peruvian word for ginger: a root known for its warmth, depth, and healing qualities. It symbolises the connection between cultures — a bridge between the Andes and Japan, brought to life by the culinary name of Nikkei cuisine.
The colourful strings “O” in our logo represents the quipus of the ancient Andes — cords once used traditionally to count the crops and record messages between tribes with a different count of knots. In KION, those messages continue through every dish, every colour, and every detail.
Our menu celebrates this journey — from Ceviche’s and Cod Encocado, and handcrafted cocktails — each plate designed to surprise, comfort, and connect to the Andean roots.
KION is not just a place to eat.
It’s a space to experience culture, to share moments, and to discover a new harmony of taste — where Latin passion meets Nikkei precision
OUR STORY
KION is a dream come true, inspired by my grandmother, who first sparked my curiosity for food and flavours.
She used to cook for large companies, running a catering business when I was just a child. Watching her in the kitchen taught me how good food can come from creativity, passion, and a mix of ingredients from everywhere.
Following my own path, I travelled the world and worked in different culinary concepts, learning how to blend cultures while staying true to local produce and authentic ingredients.
Now, together with “Los Tres Amigos” — Michael, Julian and Diego — from three different cultures, we’ve created something truly unique and genuine
OUR MENU
At KION, every dish tells a story — a meeting of Latin soul and Nikkei precision.
Our menu is inspired by the flavours that travelled from the Japan to Andes bringing us our Nikkei culinary style, reimagined for Ballyhackamore – Belfast with creativity.
Each plate is a celebration of contrast and harmony: bright citrus notes meet deep umami flavours, spice blends with elegance, and every bite reflects the journey of Nikkei cuisine. From Tiradito’s to, Chiken Quinotto and original cocktails,
KION invites you to discover a dining experience that feels both familiar and entirely new. Latin passion, nikkei harmony in every plate.
