Restaurants and cafes from the United Arab Emirates establish a presence in London, England
UAE-Based Restaurants Expand to London
London's vibrant food scene has attracted several international restaurant brands, with a notable increase in UAE-based establishments setting up shop in the city. One of the latest additions is Shanghai Me, which is set to open this month at the Hilton Park Lane.
Natasha Sideris, the founder of Tasha's, expressed her excitement about expanding to the UK. "I've always dreamt of opening in the UK due to its thriving food scene," she said. Tasha's, an upscale café that first launched in South Africa in 2005 and now operates six branches across the UAE, will open its London branch at Battersea Power Station.
Another UAE-inspired brand, Koub, has also made its way to London. Known for its specialty coffee and teas, along with a rotating selection of pastries and light bites, Koub's London branch on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia offers items infused with Emirati flavours such as dates, saffron, cardamom, and rose water.
GAIA, a Greek-Mediterranean restaurant, serves upscale dishes in a refined space, complete with a seafood market. The London branch of GAIA, one of the expanded brands from Fundamental Hospitality, originating in Dubai, has opened its doors in central London.
Filli Cafe, best known for its saffron-infused Zafran chai, has also expanded internationally. The café, which started as a single tea shop in Dubai's Al-Mamzar neighborhood, opened an East London branch in 2023.
Saddle, a dessert concept originally from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, opened a permanent location in London's South Kensington in 2024. The London menu of Saddle includes savory breakfast items, salads, seasonal pastries, and signature soft serve.
Parker's, a concept popular in the Gulf for its "find the key" marketing strategy and off-menu items, opened its first UK location near Oxford Street in 2023. The London branch of Parker's offers a condensed menu that includes truffle fries, beef sliders, and Lotus milkshakes.
Kinoya, a much-celebrated ramen house, opened its first international branch in London's Harrods in 2023. Kinoya's London menu features Kinoya's signature shoyu and miso ramen, alongside dishes adapted for Harrods diners.
The expansion of UAE-based restaurants into London has been driven by several factors. London's status as a renowned culinary and multicultural hub makes it an attractive market for showcasing UAE-based and Indian-inspired dining concepts to a diverse, international audience. Additionally, there are strong existing economic and cultural links between the UAE and the UK, which have recently been formalized and encouraged through initiatives such as the "Dubai Hub London."
Moreover, the UAE restaurant industry, like its regional neighbours, benefits from innovative and technology-driven business models. Companies like Rebel Foods—operating significant cloud kitchen networks—leverage proprietary technology systems to scale internationally with asset-light partnerships, including in the UK market with about 20 locations already.
This tech-enabled approach supports efficient international expansion by controlling cooking processes and ensuring quality at scale. The expansion activities into London are explicitly noted from 2024 onwards, with specific brands aiming to open outlets in London by that year. The trend is expected to continue given ongoing strategic economic partnerships and technological investments.
References:
- UAE-based Karigari plans London expansion by 2024
- Dubai Hub London
- Rebel Foods
- Tasha's
- Koub
- GAIA
- Filli Cafe
- Saddle
- Parker's
- Kinoya
- The Middle Eastern food scene in London has witnessed an influx of UAE-based restaurants, with several brands expanding from the UAE, such as Tasha's, Koub, GAIA, Filli Cafe, Saddle, and Parker's.
- Events like the opening of Shanghai Me at the Hilton Park Lane and Kinoya's international debut in Harrods are indicators of this trend, demonstrating the city's appeal to UAE brands.
- Cultural influences from the UAE, such as saffron-infused dishes at Filli Cafe and Emirati flavors at Koub, add a distinctive touch to London's diverse food-and-drink culture.
- Moreover, lifestyle establishments like Saddle, known for its unique desserts, and Parker's, famous for its hidden menu items, are contributing to the city's vibrant lifestyle scene.
- Home-and-garden and shopping enthusiasts may also find a cultural connection with upcoming UAE-based brands, as Tasha's has plans to open a café at Battersea Power Station, offering both culinary delights and a taste of the Middle East in a striking architectural setting.
