Dubai’s Yubi Handroll Bar Is Making Its Saudi Debut, Bringing Fresh Sushi & More To Jeddah

Dubai’s food scene has a habit of travelling well. Over the past few years, restaurants that started in the UAE have slowly made their way across the Gulf, especially to Saudi Arabia, where the dining scene seems to be changing almost every month. Yubi Handroll Bar, the Japanese concept created by chef Reif Othman and 7 Management, is preparing to open its first location in Jeddah. It will also be Chef Othman’s first project in Saudi Arabia.

Dubai’s Yubi Handroll Bar Is Heading To Jeddah For Its First Saudi Opening

 

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If you’ve never been to Yubi, the whole idea is fairly simple. The restaurant focuses on temaki, better known as Japanese handrolls. They’re made using crisp sheets of nori wrapped around rice and fillings that can range from fresh seafood to vegetables and premium cuts of meat.

Unlike sushi rolls that can sit on a plate for a while, handrolls are meant to be eaten almost immediately after they’re made. The seaweed stays crunchy, the rice stays warm and the textures just work better that way. At Yubi, chefs prepare the rolls directly in front of guests seated at the counter, which has become part of the appeal.

Also Read: Chef Reif Othman Unveils YUBI, UAE’s First Homegrown Handroll Bar Coming To 25 Jump Street, Dubai!

Diners Can Expect More Than Just Sushi

The handrolls may get most of the attention, but the menu goes quite a bit further. There are sashimi platters, nigiri selections and lighter dishes like salads. Then come the warmer options including wagyu gyoza and bowls of tori ramen.

As for the handroll fillings, diners can expect everything from spicy tuna and prawn tempura to combinations involving Japanese wagyu, shrimp tempura and even foie gras.

Dubai Diners Will Recognise The Vibe Instantly

When Yubi first opened in Dubai, it stood out for doing things a little differently. The restaurant mixed Japanese street culture with hip-hop playlists, fashion references and interiors that felt more relaxed than traditional sushi counters. Also, it became known as the UAE’s first licensed homegrown handroll bar, which helped it carve out its own space in an already crowded restaurant scene.

Also Read: Say Hello To Aiku, What’s Touted To Feature Jeddah’s First Hand-Rolled Sushi Bar

Saudi Arabia’s Love For Japanese Food Keeps Growing

Handroll bars are still finding their audience. And judging by how quickly similar concepts have taken off elsewhere in the Gulf, Yubi may be arriving at exactly the right time. For now, there’s no opening date and the exact location is still under wraps.

Cover Image Courtesy:YUBI Handroll Bar/Website, Instagram