Second branch of Japanese restaurant Haru opened

UAE-based Hotbrands International (HBI) has opened another branch of its Japanese casual dining restaurant, Haru, at the Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Haru provides food made by the robatayaki cooking method and features an open cooking concept. The traditional Japanese grills are served as small eats, while retaining elements such as tempura, sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki dishes.

The new branch was officially opened by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) vice president marketing and corporate communications Adnan Juma Al Bahar. The ceremony was also attended by DSOA assistant director of sales Mohammed Qasqoos, other senior DSOA officials and HBI executives.

HBI spokesperson Cheryle Treanor said: "Robatayaki restaurants are growing in popularity in the UAE. Haru was the first casual dining restaurants to serve Robatayaki cuisine in the UAE, when it opened in The Green Community and Haru at Dubai Silicon Oasis is yet another destination offering the same original taste.

"We had identified a need within the community at Dubai Silicon Oasis for a different type of dining experience and realized that Haru would cater to such a craving."

She added: "The opening of another Haru restaurant is also part of our expansion strategy aimed at opening more outlets in the UAE to add to the current portfolio of quick service and casual dining concepts."

The company's executive chef Junichi Kawamura gave a cooking demonstration that offered a glimpse of the Robatayaki style of cooking.

Currently, HBI’s QSR concepts include Indian (Shamiana), Chinese (Magic Wok), Italian (Santino’s), Thai (Sala Thai) and Japanese (Sugoi!) cuisines. Its casual dining restaurant concept features Haru, and Chinese brand Da Shi Dai.