Ah, January. A time for refreshed wardrobes and renewed faith that you can forgo unhealthy habits for an entire month. The concept of committing to a vegan diet for January began with the Veganuary non-profit organisation in the UK over a decade ago and has become a worldwide phenomenon with millions taking part every year. Forget the statistics that show 80% of people will abandon their resolutions and become your own success story, as plenty of Dubai restaurants are helping diners achieve their goals. From fine-dining hotspots to neighbourhood eateries, these are the vegan menus in Dubai to try this month.
Amazónico
In honour of both Veganuary and those looking to kickstart their health journey this January, the DIFC favourite has unveiled various dishes that are sustainable, low-waste and packed with superfoods. Mango, kalamansi and avocado come together in the ensalada amazónica and preps the palette for the hearty quinoa salteada, a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavours that features wok-tossed pumpkin, smoked eggplant and quinoa. Other vegan dishes include the Amazónico maki of mango, avocado and coconut and wok de 25 verduras, a combination of seasonal vegetables prepared in sweet and savoury sauce. Don't skip dessert, as the raices rojas of sweet beetroot tapioca, crisp oats, quinoa and coconut foam is as delicious as it looks. Book now
Miss Lily’s
Whoever said vegan food was bland has obviously never visited Miss Lily’s. The flavourful vegan menu is a hit year-round, though Veganuary serves as the perfect introduction for first-timers. Starters include the bok choy salad with scotch bonnet soy dressing and warming pumpkin ginger soup, while you can’t go wrong with the curry coconut vegetable and scotch bonnet cous cous or the lemon pepper tofu boat for mains. Complementing the meal with fried plantain is a no-brainer, all finished with a decadent banana bread french toast. Book now
Signor Sassi
The celebrity-loved London hotspot recently landed in Dubai and is starting off the new year by putting a fine-dining twist on Veganuary with elevated vegan options available across starters, mains and desserts. Starters include beetroot carpaccio, minestrone soup or the pizzetta alla Marinara accompanying mains of rigatoni alla Norma with aubergine, spaghetti al pomodoro and cauliflower with sesame. Sweeten your evening with strawberry panna cotta or zingy fruit sorbet. Book now
Pai Thai
Jumeirah Al Qasr's award-winning Thai restaurant continues to dazzle throughout January, offering vegan starters, mains and desserts. Savour bestsellers including the green papaya salad, crispy tofu skewers and green vegetable curry, ending the evening with the MOJEH-approved sweet sticky rice with ripe mango and coconut syrup. Book now
Seva Table
The original ‘hidden gem’ if there ever was one, Seva Table is Dubai’s first completely vegan restaurant. From all-day breakfast to soups, salads and bowls packed with powerful ingredients, there is plenty on offer if you are seeking a soul-nourishing experience. Pro tip: bring that novel you’ve been meaning to finish and get comfortable in the café's lush garden. Book now
Ling Ling
Atlantis The Royal’s Asian restaurant is dishing up an array of plant-based delights this Veganuary, presenting a 20-strong offering that is as elegant as its glittering address. Dishes include dim sum, salads and hot dishes alongside mains of truffle xo hand-cut noodles with okra and eggplant; singaporean vegetable fried rice and curry; and coal-roasted cauliflower with green curry. Indulge in expertly crafted beverages and stick around after dinner to see Ling Ling's electric atmosphere come to life. Book now
Flow
Consistently buzzing because of its proximity to Dubai's financial district, Flow is a well-loved health hub serving nutritious vegan dishes. Whether you visit for breakfast on the way to the office, swing by for a working lunch or fuel up before an evening of entertaining, the generous menu of gourmet plates, snacks, salads and all-day breakfast has something for everyone. See more
Folly
Often regarded as the best rooftop in town, Folly serves Michelin-approved cuisine to go alongside its breathtaking Souk Madinat Jumeirah views. The longtime favourite has launched a three-course vegan menu that has an optional detox drink pairing of beverages made with leftover ingredients. Whet your appetite with a zucchini and avocado starter followed by a celeriac terrine for mains and a coconut chocolate and tofu mousse dessert. Book now
Planet Terra
Nestled in The Greens surrounded by tranquil gardens, this haven is a go-to for foodies in-the-know. Serving organic, 100% plant-based dishes year-round, the menu reimagines classics with vegan ingredients. Think: lasagna reworked with a lentil ragu, kimchi pad thai, baja tacos with oyster mushrooms and zucchini risotto. Rather have breakfast for dinner? The all-day affair features hearty favourites and sweet treats, too. See more
