Korean-American BBQ chain CupBop has opened its first UAE location at Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, making its regional debut under RMAL Hospitality.

Founded in Utah with roots in Seoul, CupBop has expanded globally with a focus on bold, approachable Korean street food.

The new Dubai store brings the brand’s fast-casual format to the UAE, offering customizable bowls layered with rice, noodles, or both, topped with options such as bulgogi beef, spicy BBQ chicken, crispy tofu, or katsu. Signature sauces range from sweet to various spice levels – including the brand’s “secret #7.5 sauce”. 

Side dishes include kimchi, Korean sodas, and a fish-shaped ice cream dessert.

CEO Elias Madbak describes the restaurant chain as “fast, fun, and full of flavour”.

“The launch is just the appetizer,” says Madbak. “With a flagship JBR store on the horizon and delivery in the pipeline, CupBop is all set to become a fixture in Dubai’s street food scene.”