Whether you want to go meat and dairy free or you’re on the lookout for a new chic eatery, the UAE's vegan scene is ever-growing; with a fresh crop of plant-based restaurants, brunches and dishes to try. From jackfruit tacos to Tuscan spaghetti, here's the new menus to take your fancy at vegan restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Poke Bowls at The Bay
Located at the stunning Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, The Bay has a brasserie-style atmosphere with a terrace overlooking the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Throughout the month of October, the enviable beachside destination is offering a new exclusive vegetarian menu (inclusive of vegan options) with healthier choices for diners. The menu includes nutritious dishes that don’t sacrifice on flavour; from zucchini noodles to kale salad. There’s also has a reimagined vegan poke bowl to dive, whilst you enjoy the idyllic setting in autumn’s cooler climes. For reservations; +971 4 777 2233
Plant-Based Pasta at Il Burro Tuscan Bistro
Beetroot tartare, pumpkin and courgette carpaccio and aubergine parmigiana complete with vegan béchamel – are just some of the new vegan dishes on offer at the Il Burro Tuscan Bistro in Jumeirah Al Naseem. The stylish venue at the serene Turtle Lagoon, has introduced an array of meat-free, dairy-free Italian dishes to highlight the culinary quality and diversity of Tuscan cuisine. As well as increasing awareness of sustainability via vegan products. From plant-based spaghetti to caramelised banana ice cream, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this menu. For reservations; +971 4 275 2555
Vegan Night at Aqua
The capital is hosting its first vegan-themed night at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island. Curated by Chef Rukman Rathnayaka at the Aqua restaurant, the dedicated ‘V for Vegan’ night takes place every Sunday from 7pm to 10.30pm. The buffet feast includes 40 plant-based dishes, from the popular vegan burger to steamed silken tofu broccolini, vegan biryani and mac’n’cheese. There’s also a sushi spread, a gluten-free pasta station and guilt-free desserts. Each week, the menu will feature new colourful treats sample. For reservations; +971 2 813 5550
Brunch at Soul Santé
This recently opened vegan restaurant in Dubai, Soul Santé café – is a plant-friendly eatery founded by health coach and chef, Manisha Advani – is a launching a Friday brunch like no other. The laidback setting located in Dubai Marina Promenade, offers fulfilling vegan food that is good for both the body and soul. The brunch will begin with avocado toast or bruschetta, followed by one of Soul Sante’s signature dishes: eggless omelette or pulled jackfruit tacos. To finish, indulge in sugar-free chocolate cupcakes or peanut butter cups and stay refreshed with lemon ice tea. Friday brunch from 11am to 2pm; +971 50 783 7685
Refine Raw Eats at Al Meylas
The sophisticated Al Meylas lounge sits in the Four Seasons hotel Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island. The elegant location has launched a new raw vegan menu crafted by chef Christian Buenrostro, with fresh, local ingredients at the heart of each dish. Inspiring a healthy lifestyle, the menu includes fine-dining style cuisine that hasn’t been heated above 47°C. Dishes include reinvented comfort food such as tacos, nachos and pizza, as well as pad thai, mushroom ceviche and fudge choco cake for afters — each bite comes with an elevated twist to savour. For reservations; +971 2 333 2444
