Latest news with #KoreanBBQ
What's On
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Review: Hanu, an interactive new Korean restaurant
In Dubai's burgeoning restaurant scene, a handful of restaurants make an instant impact. Sushisamba was one such restaurant, which brought a trifecta of excellent views, dishes and vibes to the Palm Tower in 2021. The man who can be credited with much of the success on the culinary front is chef Kyung Soo Moon, the restaurant's then-executive chef. But now he's turned his attention back to his roots for Hanu, a modern interpretation of Korean cuisine. Found at St Regis Gardens, it's in good company with restaurants like Leña, Aretha, Chez Wam and Tresind Studio among its neighbours. Once inside, we're met with dark and moody interiors with intricate attention to detail. Rich dark walnut woods, striking artworks and Korean pine trees lace the traditional with more contemporary accents befitting of a glamourous new Dubai restaurant. You enter through the lounge and bar where a DJ spins enigmatic beats that are thankfully not overpowering, through to a table in the restaurant. If you're unfamiliar with Korean BBQ, the knowledgeable team are on-hand to make recommendations, and confidently talk us through the concept and must-try dishes. The wagyu beef gyoza (Dhs68) are one such dish, piping hot parcels of Japanese A5 wagyu short rib and shiitake mushroom encased in a dough that's the perfect level of crispy and tender. Forget everything you know about vegetables and order the Korean fried cauliflower (Dhs65), coated in a spicy sauce and served with a side of yuja radish to balance the heat. The almost-too-pretty-to-eat beef tartelette (Dhs110) is another playful interpretation of classic Korean flavours, with a soft quail egg marinated in soy sauce, served on top of a tartelette of beef jongjorim, a layer of caviar giving it a Dubai elevation. To truly get a taste of Korean BBQ, order the 'Meat Me At The Grill' (Dhs365 per person), where you'll be served four cuts of premium meat with a selection of sides, condiments and a stew. It's a generous offering – much like it would be if you dined at Chef Moon's family home – given added wow-factor with the meats cooked on the charcoal grill built into each table. Each buttery cut of meat is full of flavour and perfectly cooked, from the Australian Black Angus to the Japanese A4 Wagyu striploin. For dessert, a beautifully presented golden pear delight (Dhs63) is a light and fresh way to end the meal. Diced Korean pear is paired with a walnut crumble and a scoop of tonka bean ice cream. Verdict: A focus on quality cuisine and service makes this a restaurant deserving of a place on your foodie bucket list. Hanu, St Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, 6pm to 1am Sun to Weds, 6pm to 2am Thurs to Sat. Tel: (0)4 278 4844. @hanu_dubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Arab News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Jinji' – Korean cuisine in Jeddah
Jinji, the newest addition to Jeddah's growing lineup of Asian eateries, offers a casual and contemporary take on Korean cuisine. Located on Hira Street in Ash Shati District, this spot has quickly gained popularity for its street food-inspired menu, serving up favorites that feel straight out of Seoul's bustling food stalls. My visit started off with Korean classics like the crispy kimchi pancake and seafood pancake, both golden and satisfying. The kimchi version held a bit more punch for me. Their fried chicken is a highlight, especially the honey soy and sweet and spicy variations that offer a crispy bite with rich flavor. The plain fried chicken felt a little underwhelming in comparison and could use a touch more seasoning. Jinji lives up to its bold slogan, 'Serious meals only,' especially when it comes to Korean barbecue. The ribeye and short rib platter is ideal for sharing, with well-marbled cuts that are tender, juicy and full of flavor. The galbi plate, with its savory-sweet soy marinade, is another crowd-pleaser. The striploin and brisket platter is solid, though we found the brisket slightly dry on one visit. That said, grilling right at the table adds a hands-on experience similar to the authentic Korean BBQ joints of Seoul. Noodle lovers will appreciate the variety of ramyeon options, from the creamy pink rose version to the brisket ramyeon. The bibimbap is well-executed with fresh toppings, and the tteokbokki brings enough heat to satisfy fans of spice. Portion sizes are generous, and the pricing is reasonable as the BBQ platter, ranging between SR 200-250 ($53-66), easily feeds two to three people. Desserts bring a refreshing end to the meal, especially the authentic bingsu, a milk-based Korean shaved ice dessert in flavors like mango and Oreo. The hotteok pancake, filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, is warm, chewy, and worth saving room for. The ambiance is minimalist and relaxed, though during peak hours the space can feel a bit cramped and noisy. For more, check Instagram @jinji_sa.
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
US chicken chain that's 'better than KFC and Popeyes' set to open on Swansea's Wind Street
US chicken chain that's 'better than KFC and Popeyes' set to open on Swansea's Wind Street It promises to deliver 'cooked-to-order chicken and authentic Southern hospitality at its finest' Slim Chickens, the beloved American fast-casual brand known for its signature Southern comfort food (Image: Slim Chickens ) Popular chicken chain restaurant Slim Chickens is set to open up one of its newest branches in Swansea. The Southern-inspired restaurant, which first opened in Arkansas in 2003, will open a new spot in the south Wales city, together with other locations in London's Leicester Square, Wembley and Edgeware Road, along with the west and east Midlands, Reading and Newcastle. It is understood the new venue will open its doors along Wind Street, following on from another popular chicken hotspot, Wingstop, which also arrived there in recent months. Some of the chain's menu items include buttermilk marinated chicken tenders, chicken wings, boneless bites, sandwiches, salads, wraps, fries, and a range of 14 house dipping sauces. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . The dipping sauces include blue cheese, buffalo, cayenne ranch, gravy mayo, honey mustard, Korean BBQ, Slim Sauce and a limited-time "Unknown" sauce. Slim Chickens is set to open in Swansea (Image: Leicestershire Live/Tristan Potter ) According to the UK menu, a three-piece tender meal will set you back £10.95, while a four-piece costs £12.45, a five-piece sits at £13.45, and a seven-piece is £14.95. Article continues below The chain also offers a plant-based version, and the most expensive meal you can order is the "best of both" five and five tender and wing meal, which costs £16.95 and is served with Texas toast, seasoned fries, house sauces and a bottomless soft drink. Ben Blore, head of operations at Slim Chickens, said: "We couldn't be more excited to bring Slim Chickens to these locations. "Our team has been dedicated to making sure every guest experiences our fresh, cooked-to-order chicken and authentic Southern hospitality at its finest." The chicken shop chain first made its way across the pond to the UK in 2018 after launching in the US state of Arkansas in 2003. Currently, it has over 65 sites in the UK, with restaurants in Wolverhampton, Leeds, Bournemouth and Belfast. It also has venues in Cardiff and Brigend. In the states, it has over 200. Popeyes also revealed plans to open its doors in Swansea back in January 2024, but the wait goes on. At the beginning of this year, the chain said that "the landlord has experienced delays in being able to commence the construction of the drive-thru" and that it was "in their hands". You can read more about that by clicking here. On social media, fans have raved about the chain over the last few years. On Instagram, one person said the food "looks phenomenal", while on Reddit, another said "prefer it over KFC". Over on X, there were similar sentiments, with one person posting: "Slim Chickens is the best chicken place I have ever been to and it's not even close.." Another added: "What is the best fried chicken franchise and why is it Slim Chickens?" A third said: "Slim chickens is much better if you want good chicken, better than both KFC and Popeyes imo." Article continues below
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tom Cruise-nim on Run Jin: 'Mission Impossible' star bonds with BTS' Jin, confesses he's an ARMY, and drops secret IMF mission
Tom Cruise on Run Jin: Tom Cruise finally appeared on the May 20 episode of Run Jin, bringing his Hollywood aura to Jin's wonderfully chaotic show. The two stars hit it off instantly, hyping each other up, sharing laughs, and even bonding over BTS. Turns out, Cruise is an ARMY too. They chatted about BTS' journey, Cruise's upcoming film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and even managed to squeeze in a quick crash course on action scenes. On May 27, Jin, appearing on Young Street, Red Velvet member Wendy's radio show, spilled some behind-the-scenes details. Surprisingly, it wasn't Jin's team that approached the Hollywood actor; it was Cruise's team that initiated the collaboration. According to Jin, the moment plans were confirmed, everything was scheduled around Cruise's availability. Jin also revealed that his mom is a massive fan of Tom Cruise, making the episode even more special for his family. Tom Cruise joins Run Jin and talks about BTS, Korean BBQ, and flying airplanes The episode starts with Jin welcoming Cruise and jumping right in with the most Jin-style question ever: 'Do you know BTS?' Cruise, all smiles, replies, 'Yes, I know BTS. We all know BTS.' He adds, 'Your band, your career, and what you've created are very impressive. I'm very happy to be on your show right now.' Tom Cruise on RUN JIN "First of all, I just wanna say congratulations. Your band and your career and what you've created is really impressive. I'm a big fan and I'm so happy to be on your show right now" Jin gets a bit nostalgic and says the first movie he ever watched at 15 was Mission: Impossible, and now he gets to host the man himself. Cruise responds just as warmly, saying he loves Korea, especially the people, the food, and the movie-loving fans. Turns out, this was his 12th visit to Korea. He also dropped a few local food faves: Korean BBQ and samgyeopsal. Jin then recommended his favorite spicy mulhwe. The conversation then turns to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Jin says he caught it at a special premiere and was completely blown away by the airplane and underwater stunts. He asks Cruise if there were any crazy behind-the-scenes stories. Cruise reveals the movie was in the works for seven years, and some scenes were so extreme, they were literally 'inventing knowledge' to make it all happen. He talked about flying jets, helicopters, and aerobatic planes. Jin jokes that someone like him would panic at 50 km/h, let alone at 2400 meters in the air, which makes Cruise laugh. He explains how he pulls off those wild stunts and says the final scene was probably the toughest action he's ever done. Jin then admits he prefers to play it safe in life. Cruise agrees—kind of. 'I like to be safe too,' he says, 'we just have different definitions of safety.' The Hollywood star then also reveals he has previously watched Run Jin, and seen him do gymnastics, running, and other physical activities. Tom cruise really watched Run Jin LMFAOOOOO no wonder his team reached out to Jin and invite him to the show They also touched on the importance of teamwork. Jin mentions being in a group for 18 years, and Cruise says that for him, it's never just his movie—it's 'our movie.' He believes in keeping communication open and respecting everyone on set. Both praised each other's careers and the friendships they've built along the way. Cruise's surprise mission for Jin After they say their goodbyes (with Jin's iconic Run Seokjin pose, of course), Jin heads back to his car, thinking it's all wrapped up. But soon, a staff member walks up and informs him Cruise left him a secret mission. The mission? Jin has to complete a series of tasks and deactivate a 'bomb' in Yangpyeong-gun. Jin makes his way to the location and kicks off the mission, completing a set of games and challenges before finally diffusing the bomb and finishing his task like a true IMF rookie, making Run Jin feel like a mini-Mission: Impossible spinoff starring Seokjin. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Arabian Business
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
From Utah to Dubai: Shark Tank featured Cupbop to make Middle East debut ‘give Korean love', says CEO
Twelve years ago, Junghun Song launched a modest food truck in Downtown Utah, known as Cupbop, the Korean BBQ in a cup concept is now making its Middle East debut, with its first store set to open in Dubai. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, the Cupbop founder discusses his slow-burn success, the power of people-led partnerships, and why the Middle East is central to his brand's next chapter. Despite the popularity of food trucks in the US, Song's journey was never about making it a franchise or an overnight success. 'In 12 years, we organically opened our stores one by one, never took an investor from different countries or different people. We grew organically,' he said. Dubai wasn't always the plan Cupbop's newest launch in Dubai's Ibn Battuta Mall wasn't just another expansion. For Song, it was a move driven by people rather than profit. 'If I didn't met my partner team in Dubai, I never thought that I am going to come back to Dubai to open stores here.' 'The reason why I opened a store here is because I met the best partner in Dubai. That's the only reason,' he added. But one gesture changed everything. The CEO of the Dubai partner company, Elias Madbak, flew 24 hours from the UAE to Utah to meet Song in person. While talking, Madbak shared a moment that struck a chord, during the height of the pandemic, when most businesses laid off workers, his company chose to keep everyone on payroll. 'This is a people business. I don't want to fire anyone,' Song recalled. 'When the CEO shared the story with me, I realised yes, I want to work with the company.' Saudi Arabia is next – but not through franchising Dubai is only the beginning. Song confirmed that the brand's UAE partner has exclusive plans to expand Cupbop into Saudi Arabia, but not through individual franchising. 'I'm really good in the US, not in this market [Dubai]. So this is the reason why I need a great partner and I know these guys [RMAL Hospitality] so well and they know the market.' With Cupbop's hands-on, partnership-based model, Song is clear about maintaining quality and consistency, especially as the brand taps into new regions with unique culinary demands. Tailoring the menu to the market Cupbop is known for its Korean flavours, spicy noodles, sweet-and-savoury sauces, and crispy fried chicken, all served in a paper bowl. But Song knows that to win over the Middle East, there needs to be adaptation. 'We don't have a seafood menu in the US, but we're creating one here,' he revealed. He also noticed Dubai's obsession with spice and crunch. 'You guys love fried chicken,' he laughed. 'We have a spice level from one to 10. I know so many Indian people live here, and they love spices.' Shark Tank changed everything Before its Middle East debut, Cupbop gained widespread attention in the US after appearing on the hit show Shark Tank. But for Song, it wasn't just about securing funding. My COO came to me and said, 'If some big company invests $20-30 million and open 100 stores, we're not the first mover anymore,' he recalled. 'I said, let's go to Shark Tank. It's a national channel, if you actually be there and introduce ourselves then we know people will know that we are the first movers of Cupbop.' They applied that very day, passed ten rounds of interviews, and finally appeared on the show. 'We filmed for one hour and 30 minutes. Those five investors fought for one hour and 30 minutes in front of my face, we were supposed to convince them but those five sharks were fighting each other and tried to convince us,' Song said. ' One of them said – hey, I want to invest $5 million and we said no.' 'We didn't take the money,' Song said. 'But the episode aired six times in the US, free advertising. Whenever I go to the airport, people want to take pictures. That's a big change. They fly from Africa, Germany, Europe, just to see us.' What's next for Cupbop? With tailored menus, a people-first approach, and a viral reputation (attributed to popularity through platforms including TikTok and Shark Tank), Cupbop aims to become more than just Korean BBQ in a cup. Rather than pursuing rapid expansion, Cupbop is taking a long-term approach to growth within the fast-casual dining sector. This measured strategy is designed to ensure sustained brand relevance and operational resilience as the company explores further regional and international opportunities.
