World Vegan Day: Uncovering Dubai’s Top Food Haunts with Vegan-Friendly Menus
Dubai, UAE-: Vegan dining culture is fast on the rise in Dubai. Chefs across the city are whipping up mouth-watering and inventive plant-based dishes that taste as delicious as they look. From vegetarian South Indian delicacies to twists on pan-Asian treats, discover Dubai’s delicious vegan-friendly plates and places on World Vegan Day on 1 November.
Ushana – Souk Madina Jumeirah
The labyrinthine corridors of Souk Madinat Jumeirah house a treasure trove of trending restaurants representing food from around the world. Take a trip to Little India at Ushna for authentic South Asian flavours and spices, where a host of dishes meet vegan diets. Homecooked-style ‘Dal Tadka’ made of yellow lentils and garlic; crispy, batter-fried cauliflower pakoras; okra doused in a mixture of tomato, onion and spices; and potato and flavour-packed spinach puree – there are plenty of options for a full and flavourful feast. Be sure to ask the waiter for all the options!
SHI – Bluewaters
SHI offers an incredible pan-Asian culinary experience overlooking the pristine waters at Bluewaters, with a dedicated vegan menu. From their signature rice stone pot with a medley of fresh vegetables to miso and sweet corn soups, delightful spins on tofu, delectable dim sum and a plethora of mouthwatering vegetable-based dishes, vegan foodies will find plenty of options to tantalise their taste buds.
Chokhi Dhani – Al Seef
Chokhi Dhani isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an experience. Set along Dubai Creek’s shore, it’s a gentle reminder of the intricate links between local heritage and Indian culture and cuisine brought through by travelling merchants. You can sort through an extensive menu of authentic Rajasthani foods at the restaurant or sample flavour-packed street foods at carts. The restaurant has a greater pick of vegan options, including perfectly sauteed bottle gourd fritters (‘Banjare Kofte’), crispy ladyfingers with house spices (‘Jodhpuri Gatte Curry’), and pickle marinated baby potatoes (Chat pata Achari Aaloo).
The Noodle House – Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The Noodle House has been a staple at Souk Madinat Jumeirah for years and has adapted its food offerings to meet the city’s changing palettes and diets. Serving pan-Asian street foods along the iconic destination’s waterways, The Noodle House offers a selection of options for vegans. Their Asian kale salad, packed with delicious and healthy greens and topped with miso-ponzu dressing; the Bang Bang cauliflower bao; Pinoy chop suey with mushroom oyster sauce; and Korean barbeque-marinated tofu with bok choy, mushrooms and scallion will make your stomach grumble for more.
Kailash Parbat – Al Seef
Named after the revered Mount Kailash of the Himalaya Mountains, Kailash Parbat takes visitors on a culinary journey through the subcontinent’s vast and diverse cultural landscape. Don’t be tricked by its modern, bold interiors – this Al Seef gem serves up a varied selection of authentic India’s vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, as well as pan-Asian plates. Crispy okra, signature chaats and spicy potato and cauliflower mash-ups – food here echoes flavours, spices and recipes handed down through generations.
Allo Beirut – JBR
Allo Beirut brings the vibrant streets, culture and foods of the Lebanese capital to Dubai. This chain took the city by storm, offering an extensive and mouthwatering menu of classic sharing plates, wraps and mezze that hit the spot every time. From starters to sandwiches, Allo Beirut offers several vegan-friendly options that can fill you up without feeling too heavy. Zaatar manaeesh, medley of falafel dishes, fresh Fattoush and Tabbouleh and zesty vine leaves – their signature dishes pass the vegan test.