The team behind Sticky Rice, the beloved Thai eatery known for its rich flavors and family roots, is set to launch a bold new concept in Abu Dhabi: Kew’s, a tallow-fried chicken restaurant, opening on April 17, 2025, at Yas Mall.
Kew’s sets itself apart with a unique cooking method—frying chicken in all-natural beef tallow instead of seed oils. This technique, the first of its kind in the UAE, promises a richer, crunchier experience for fried chicken lovers. The menu will include Hokkaido milk bread chicken sandwiches, crispy tallow fries, and sauces like Sticky Tamarind, Thai BBQ, and the fiery Kong Kang. Sides such as sour mango slaw, Hainanese rice, and coconut milk shakes round out the lineup.
“The launch of Kew’s is something that has been in the pipeline for quite some time and we as a brand couldn’t be more ecstatic that the time is finally here,” said Mo Abedin, co-founder and owner of Sticky Rice and Kew’s. “We’re very excited for you all to try our tallow-fried dishes, believe me it won’t be like anything you’ve tried before!”
Sticky Rice was founded in 2018 by the late Amena Rakkuson and her son Mo, who is half Emirati and half Thai. Known for its warm service and authentic Thai food, Sticky Rice has become a standout in the UAE’s food scene, growing its presence to Abu Dhabi in 2023.
The new fried chicken concept, named after the restaurant’s iconic yellow duck mascot Kew, also pays tribute to Amena, whose favorite animal was a duck. According to Mo, the expansion into fried chicken is not only a creative extension of their culinary roots but a move to “further cement the brand’s authentic positioning and unique edge in the market.”
Plans are also underway to bring Kew’s to Dubai, as the brand continues to grow and reach more customers across the UAE.
