Dubai: Noodle Box, an Australia-based Asian restaurant-chain, launched its first outlet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this month, with three more expected to open this year, the company said on Monday.

The brand has partnered with master franchisee Himmah Foods, a subsidiary of Al Himmah Group in Saudi Arabia, to expand across the Middle East. It plans to be present in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the next three years, according to a statement.

“We believe Noodle Box’s authentic, Asian street food, cooked in open work kitchen and served in a relaxed restaurant environment will be a hit with the guests,” said Ian Martin, chief executive of Noodle Box, in a statement.

Noodle Box has been in existence since 1996.

Himmah Foods is the master franchisee for brands that include Tasti DLite and Planet Smoothie.

“Himmah Foods is constantly searching for premium concepts with an added value that can cater to the growing and young population of the region and their changing lifestyles,” said Abdul Aziz Al Babtain, president of Himmah Foods, in a statement.