Plant-based eating is becoming more and more popular, whether for environmental, health or ethical reasons more people are avoiding meat and dairy and choosing a vegan lifestyle. I have been vegan for several years now and one of the hardest things is choosing where to go on holiday. Despite being more commonplace it can still be difficult to find vegan-friendly restaurants in some countries, so I often spend time researching eateries before booking my trip to make sure I won’t be roaming the streets looking for a meal!
You may think that the United Arab Emirates might not be very vegan-friendly and the culture certainly is meat-centric with lamb and chicken being the most popular options, however, I have been happily surprised to discover that a large proportion of traditional food is either accidentally vegan or can easily be made vegan. There are also 170 vegan / vegetarian-friendly eateries currently listed on the Happy Cow website.
Some of the top vegan-friendly dishes in Dubai include shawarma which is traditionally a kebab like dish made with meat but can easily be made vegan by using meat substitutes or using a salad based version, falafel which originates in the Middle East and hummus which is also from the region.
Due to the multi-cultural nature of Dubai, there are many international vegan dishes available, such as Indian cuisine which is known to be of top-notch quality. Many can be found near top attractions like Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world. Find when to the Burj Khalifa here.
For those looking to enjoy authentic flavours, there’s no shortage of options, whether you’re craving spicy curries or savoury street food. A visit to a Stylish Indian restaurant can elevate your dining experience with a modern twist on traditional recipes, offering rich, aromatic dishes in a chic, contemporary setting. Many of these establishments provide an extensive selection of vegan options, ensuring that plant-based diners can enjoy the full spectrum of Indian cuisine. Located close to some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, these restaurants allow you to indulge in world-class dining before or after your sightseeing adventures, making them a must-visit during your stay.
Check out these, my top 3 must-visit Dubai restaurants for plant-based eaters.
Wild & The Moon
Wolf & The Moon serve a selection of cold-pressed juices, nut milk, smoothies, salads, soups, desserts, super bowls and snacks made from homemade, organic, local, and ethically sourced to provide a healthy alternative to the urban crowd. On their menu right now are several amazing looking dishes including the amazing sounding gluten-free orange blossom pancakes made with orange blossom, maple syrup, homemade coconut whipped cream, banana and pistachios. Yes, please!
Bounty Beets
Offering organic, gluten-free and vegan options, Bounty Beets is an Instagram worthy eatery that promotes wellness through healthy eating and is known for spreading positivity, promoting a cruelty-free lifestyle, and encouraging guests to look after themselves and the planet. Looking at the menu I think I would have to try their Bunbelievable burger made with a vegan patty, BBQ mayo, tomato, onion, lettuce, cheddar cheese served with sweet potato fries for my main and the Caramel Cake made with coconut, cashew cream cake topped with vegan caramel, dark chocolate, blackberries, figs for dessert.
Common Grounds
A self-proclaimed speciality coffee shop with a big heart, Common Grounds serves up healthy, innovative and wholesome dishes packed full of goodness. There are 4 locations in Dubai, all offering a full range of dishes from breakfast to salads and wraps alongside smoothies and juices, as well as speciality coffee. Look out for the chunky avocado fries served with a spicy red mojo sauce and black lime salt, the Vietnamese rice wraps made from crisp ray veggies, glass noodles, fresh herbs, sprouts, seaweed and a black sesame dipping sauce and don’t pass up one of their soul fuel smoothies – the Flinders Lane smoothie looks amazing, made from dark chocolate, almond milk, espresso, banana, date, peanut butter, vanilla and cacao nibs. Slurp!
