Dubai’s pioneering handroll destination has rolled out an ambitious menu expansion this January, pivoting towards heartier, more comfort-driven offerings whilst maintaining the precision and quality that has defined the venue since its inception.
YUBI Handroll Bar, situated in One Central, has introduced two significant additions to its culinary repertoire: a dedicated bowl category and an extended range of warming Japanese classics designed to complement the cooler months. The update marks a notable evolution for the establishment, broadening its scope beyond the handrolls that made its name.
According to founder Chef Reif Othman, the refresh reflects both seasonal sensibilities and the venue’s commitment to ingredient integrity. “This winter-inspired menu brings more warmth and depth to what we do at YUBI, while staying true to clean flavours and quality ingredients,” says Chef Reif Othman.
The expansion’s centrepiece is Owan’s, an entirely new category devoted to rice bowls that showcase premium proteins and luxury ingredients. This section features indulgent combinations including the Otoro + Caviar Bowl and Japanese Wagyu + Caviar Bowl, alongside a multi-fish option that brings together Sake, Hamachi, Akami and Ikura in a single vessel. Each preparation adheres to the restaurant’s meticulous standards, elevating the humble rice bowl format with high-end components.
Meanwhile, the hot dishes segment has undergone substantial augmentation. The kitchen now offers traditional Japanese comfort fare such as Wagyu Mazemen, Tori Ramen, and Chicken & Foie Gras Gyoza—dishes particularly suited to the season and designed to provide warmth and substance beyond the raw preparations that form YUBI’s foundation.
The menu restructure also introduces The Basics, a category that places the spotlight squarely on pristine seafood with minimal intervention. These handrolls, featuring options like buttery Hamachi and classic Sake, emphasise the natural qualities of each ingredient through careful preparation and restraint. For those seeking additional luxury, caviar is available as a supplementary topping.
Not every addition skews rich and warming, however. The update includes lighter touches within existing sections, such as the Kaiso Salad, which incorporates green apple and walnut to deliver freshness and textural contrast. This ensures the menu maintains equilibrium despite its heavier new offerings.
Significantly, the expansion hasn’t come at the expense of YUBI’s established repertoire. The signature handrolls and core dishes that have built the venue’s reputation remain firmly in place, ensuring regulars can still find their preferred options whilst newcomers navigate the broadened selection.
The restaurant represents the UAE’s first homegrown handroll bar, a concept brought to life by the multi-award-winning Chef Reif Othman. Set within a Japanese street-inspired environment at 25 Jump Street in One Central, the venue has cultivated a reputation for freshly prepared handrolls designed to be consumed at the counter, embodying both immediacy and craftsmanship.
YUBI’s philosophy centres on accessible yet creative Japanese cuisine characterised by bold flavours and straightforward execution. The counter-style service creates an intimate dining dynamic that blends comfort with excitement, fostering a sense of connection between kitchen and guest.
The venue operates from midday until midnight on weekdays, extending its closing time to 1:00 am on weekends to accommodate weekend diners seeking a later sitting. This schedule positions YUBI as both a lunch destination and an evening gathering spot, with the new menu additions potentially appealing to different dayparts—lighter handrolls and salads for afternoon visits, heartier bowls and ramen for dinner service.
With this winter refresh, YUBI demonstrates an ability to expand its culinary scope without abandoning the focused simplicity that defined its original concept. The introduction of Owan’s and the bolstered hot dishes represent a natural progression for a venue now confident enough in its identity to explore adjacent territory whilst keeping its handroll heritage intact.
The timing of the launch aligns with Dubai’s peak dining season, when cooler temperatures make comfort-focused cuisine particularly appealing and the city’s restaurant scene sees heightened activity from both residents and visitors. By diversifying its offering during this window, YUBI positions itself to capture diners seeking warmth and substance alongside the precision raw preparations it’s known for.
YUBI Handroll Bar is located at 25 Jump Street, Offices 5, One Central, Dubai. The venue opens daily at 12:00 pm, closing at midnight Sunday through Thursday and at 1:00 am on Friday and Saturday.