Where to eat vegan in Dubai
A guest post from local vegan advocate and co-founder of the Dubai Vegan Days community, Ananda Shakespeare, who delivers her verdict on Dubai’s top plant-based eateries.
Whatever your views on veganism, its unstoppable rise is matched with an ever-growing list of restaurants and cafés springing up all over Dubai.
As a vegan for nearly three decades, and a Dubai resident for 15 years, I’m always delighted not only to see another venue offering cruelty-free dining options, but to support them through my own patronage and that of the group I run, Dubai Vegan Days.
I’m the daughter of a chef, so I like to think I know a thing or two about good food. What follows is not only my shortlist of seven favourite vegan (and vegan-friendly) eateries in Dubai, but a round-up of where you can discover genuinely great food cooked with passion and flair.
Any other vegan-friendly dining recommendations?
- Comptoir 102: This beautiful, sprawling converted villa on Jumeirah Beach Road is a favourite hangout for me and those looking for healthier food, with a daily specials board and a detailed menu that fully describes each and every ingredient – so you know exactly what you’re ordering. Dishes are mostly organic, and while not entirely vegan, the menu is sugar-free and dairy-free. It’s pricey, but the food is incredible in this café cum fashion and interiors shop. I regularly order their seaweed pesto – healthful hijiki with guacamole and flax seed crackers for years. Among the extensive drinks, juices and smoothies – the ‘sunscreen’, a carrot, mango and coconut oil smoothie – is both food and drink that heals eczema sufferers like me. I am very fond of their chocolate mousse too, topped with smashed hazelnuts. Expect sophisticated gourmet vegan food.
- Little Erth by Nabz & G: Oh how I love thee in JLT! A cosy lunch spot with a book exchange shelf, pretty outdoor seating for the winter, and a menu that screams homemade and wholesome. Hands-on owners Nabz and G are likely to be around, and it’s their natural, warm service that makes this place as welcoming as the soul food. Here, as well, you’ll find a few non-vegan items, but it’s predominantly a cruelty-free, plant-forward place. My faves are the Buddha burger sliders with air-fried sweet potato chips or the whole-wheat spaghetti marinara – served with homemade tomato sauce, buckwheat meatballs and vegan ‘parmesan’ – that tastes like my chef mama’s. It’s hard to leave without sampling the sweet potato, oat and date brownie, or an Arabic-style iced coffee.
- Soul Santé: True to its name, this place has soul and the food you eat here leaves you feeling in peak condition. I love this Dubai Marina café’s banana protein pancakes for breakfast or the new vegan pizza – homemade ‘cheese’ topped with peppers, olives and broccoli – along with a chocolate milkshake. Every item on the menu lists the nutritional value, which makes it a wonderful place for the health conscious. The restaurant changes its menu every four months, so there’s never any chance of boredom.
- Bounty Beets: The vegan menu at this upmarket but casual restaurant within the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has been pared down since the pandemic, but a few faves still abound. While non-vegan options are offered, I remain a solid fan of their ‘vurger’ – gluten-free homemade bread filled with tofu scramble, sweet potato hash brown, coconut ‘bacon’, avocado, rocket, tomato, onion, cashew aioli and bbq sauce. For a lighter meal, I go for the ‘son of a chick’ chickpea omelette – a chickpea and spinach omelette stuffed with vegan ‘cheese’, asparagus, peas, cashew aioli and mushrooms. I’ve literally eaten here dozens of times and the food is consistently delicious. Head here for chilled weekend vibes and some creative vegan dishes, served with love and care.
- Wild & The Moon: The sister restaurant to Comptoir 102. I tend to frequent the Al Serkal branch of this hipster urban brand which has roots in both Paris and Dubai, however the Downtown cafe is ace too. More urban than its upmarket sister – I go wild for their shots and juices and make sure to take some of their goodness away with me too. I tend to order their daily hot meal, or for something lighter, the quinoa and nori salad. This place is proudly, powerfully plant-forward, planet-forward, tasty, healthy and nutritious.
- Seva Experience (formerly Life ‘n One): One of Dubai’s truly hidden gems, this garden-based, fully vegan dining experience is on another level. Tucked in a converted villa in a Jumeirah back street, dining here means you’re truly entering a haven of tranquility. Given the high price point, it’s perhaps best reserved for weekends or special occasions, but there’s magic in the air. It’s a very natural space that seems to have undergone as much of a metamorphosis, as those taking wellness classes inside the villa. What remains as solid as saravasna is the great food. On the current menu, I’m a fan of the nachos – they’re meant to be shareable, but you won’t want to share, they’re so good! But do order the ‘Snickers pie’ for sharing; it’s too sweet to polish off on your own.
- Cafe Isan: Not a vegan-focused restaurant, but this award-winning North-Eastern Thai street food eatery on the JLT waterside boasts a separate vegan menu. Widely considered by many to be the most authentic Thai in town, the food here is served fast, with love and great value for money. While a great deal of Asian food involves fish sauce and other hidden animal ingredients, co-partner Chef New from Thailand’s Isan region has lovingly adapted her loyal clients’ favourites for vegans. Crispy spring rolls; finger-licking fried papaya savoury cakes; papaya salad; and tofu and mushroom satay are my firm favourites. Grab a fresh coconut juice to enhance the authenticity, and you’ll need a walk round the lake afterwards to work off the feast.
Dubai Vegan Days is a community group open to all, bringing together like-minded people over good, plant-based food. They aim to meet monthly at a different venue, often at a restaurant with a special, exclusive, one-off menu created for members. Some events include talks, music and vegan-friendly local vendors. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Comptoir 102 is totally worth a visit for the food and the calming surroundings. Little Erth by Nabz & G is one of my favourites, especially the vegan “meatball” spaghetti marinara. I also really like the new vegan menu at Cafe Isan, but Wild & The Moon, regardless of which location, I think is vastly overrated. Portions are tiny and I feel it’s very much “appearance over content” here.
Folia at the Four Seasons is worth a try for an upmarket vegan dining experience. Circle Cafe (various locations) also has a good vegan menu.