Tashas
For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle
The upscale café Tasha’s first launched in South Africa in 2005 and now operates six branches across the UAE. Its London debut, at Battersea Power Station, marked a major milestone for founder Natasha Sideris. “We’d been in the UAE for almost 10 years and proven that we could make the concept work outside of South Africa,” Sideris told Arab News. “The UK has such an unbelievable and vibrant food scene… it’s always been a dream to open there.” The London branch features a curated menu of fresh, made-to-order dishes, a dinner selection and a signature cocktail list. “Our UAE-based customers have been incredibly supportive,” Sideris said. “They always say that coming to Tashas Battersea is like coming home.”
Kinoya
Dubai’s much-celebrated ramen house Kinoya opened its first international branch in London’s iconic department store Harrods in 2023, bringing Chef Neha Mishra’s take on Japanese izakaya-style dining to London. In Dubai, Kinoya was recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the second year in a row, and ranked number seven in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the MENA region. The concept is centered around a ramen-focused izakaya experience that celebrates both traditional ramen and a variety of Japanese dishes. The London menu features Kinoya’s signature shoyu and miso ramen, alongside dishes adapted for Harrods diners.
