Just three months after making its debut on Rockville Pike, YUXA Flame has announced that it will temporarily close for the winter season. The late-night, outdoor kebab spot, located at 1488 Rockville Pike A outside of Hulu Skewers, shared the update in a message to customers on social media.
“Thank you all for an amazing year and for supporting us by enjoying our delicious kebabs. We truly appreciate every one of you,” the YUXA Flame team wrote. “We’ve decided to close YUXA Flame for the winter season. However, we are still open for catering, so if you need flavorful kebabs for your events, we’ve got you covered. We look forward to serving you again when we reopen in the spring. See you in the new season.”
YUXA Flame opened in September with a small, focused menu built around the flavors of owner Subi Pulat’s Uyghur heritage. The late-night operation quickly gained attention for its three signature dishes. Offerings included the Lula Lavash with ground beef and lamb, the Uyghur lamb kebab served over bread, and the Chicken Lavash, all topped with fresh onions, tomato, cilantro, and sumac. Early customers praised the bold seasoning and standout chicken with yogurt, calling it one of the best non-breaded chicken dishes in the area.
For Pulat, YUXA Flame has been a deeply personal project. When the restaurant opened, he shared that the concept was inspired by the kebabs his father made and his desire to recreate the flavors he grew up with after living in the United States for more than a decade. His vision was to build a place where anyone could find authentic, halal dishes prepared with clean ingredients and homemade sauces.
The restaurant’s outdoor patio setup, paired with hanging lights and a relaxed atmosphere, made it a unique nighttime destination on the Pike. As temperatures drop, the team has opted to pause operations but will continue offering catering during the break. YUXA Flame plans to reopen in the spring, with updates expected closer to the start of the 2026 outdoor dining season.
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