What began as a humble food stall is now a full-scale culinary destination, as the father-son duo behind Calgary's beloved Expat Asia have opened IBU, a sophisticated Pan-Asian restaurant on 14th Street S.W.
From Food Stall to Full Restaurant
Chefs Jeff and Joel Matthews never initially planned to launch a sit-down establishment when they started their Expat Asia stall at the Fresh and Local Market and Kitchens in Avenida back in 2018. Both accomplished chefs with extensive international experience, they had returned to Calgary separately after spending decades living and working overseas, including a formative period in Indonesia.
Joel Matthews grew up with rice and spices rather than traditional Canadian comfort foods, shaping his culinary identity around the vibrant flavours of Asia. His father Jeff was attempting retirement, but both found themselves yearning for the tastes that had become staples during their time abroad.
The IBU Dining Experience
Located in a stand-alone building that previously housed a hair salon and flower shop, the Matthews had the unique opportunity to build their 60-seat dining room and kitchen from scratch. The elegant space features an open kitchen and a long communal table that Joel plans to use for chef's table experiences starting early next year.
The restaurant's name, IBU, means "mother" in Indonesian, paying homage to the family's culinary roots and the matriarchal influence on their cooking. Situated in a growing restaurant zone near Our Daily Brett and Marda Loop, IBU represents a significant upgrade from their quick-service origins.
A Menu of Travel Memories
While some Expat Asia favourites remain, Joel estimates they comprise only about 20 percent of IBU's current offerings. The menu is a reflection of the Matthews' life travels, heavily leaning into Indonesian and Malaysian influences while incorporating other Asian and international flavours.
Dishes range from the irresistible "tiger" cauliflower with spicy aioli, sweet soy, and sesame ($22) to luxury items like a four-ounce Japanese A5 Hyogo striploin ($136). Other standout dishes include a beautiful beet salad with yellow curry veloute, pickled ginger and pistachio ($18), kimchi and kewpie mayo-laden potstickers ($18), and salmon crudo with black garlic aioli and nuoc cham served with sesame crackers ($24).
With Joel running the kitchen and Jeff taking a more behind-the-scenes role that brings him closer to retirement, IBU represents the next chapter in the family's ongoing culinary adventure, bringing authentic Pan-Asian flavours to Calgary's vibrant food scene.
