While the food trend that dominated most of the 20th century was rooted in the consumption of meat and livestock, the first two decades of the 21st century have seen a striking move in the opposite direction. Considering meat is more accessible on the basis of price and availability, it is surprising that more and more people world over are choosing to go down the vegetarian or plant-based route. Touting reasons that include animal welfare, health benefits, and the environment, perhaps our mothers were right about force-feeding us broccoli.
Thus, in commemoration of World Vegan Day (November 1); a reminder that there is indeed a day for everything, here are some vegan and vegetarian restaurants you can enjoy around the UAE.
SEVA
Previously known as Life n’ One, the evolution of SEVA features an experience platform that, while centered around delicious food, aims to go beyond it. Including a yoga & meditation studio, a wellbeing treatment center, and a conscious shop and high-frequency knowledge hub in the heart of Jumeirah 1, Dubai, SEVA’s cosy eatery offers dairy-, chemical-, gluten-, and additive-free dishes, in addition to fresh juices and alkalized water that aim to deepen the experience.
Super Natural Kitchen
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Located in the charming aisles of Dubai Mall’s Galeries Lafayette, Super Natural Kitchen is a 100% raw, plant-based, gluten and sugar-free eatery that often puts cooked food to shame. While meat-eaters might be skeptical, the menu will quickly dispel any myths that fresh food can’t work wonders, even for a palate accustomed to cooked food. From lasagne to pizza and everything in between, Super Natural Kitchen will surprise you, and your taste buds.
Bloom Vegan Kitchen
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Available across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah, Bloom Vegan Kitchen is a veggie-lover’s dream. Delivering health and tasty plant-based food, the menu comprises burgers, sandwiches, power bowls, and desserts. If you like the sound of getting your five a day from a vegan, ‘mushbloom burger,’ Bloom Vegan Kitchen is the place to be.
Little Erth by Nabz & G
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Previously known as Urth by Nabz & G, Little Erth is a cozy little eatery tucked away in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Run by raw food advocates Chef Nabih and Ghalia, the space espouses freshness and zest while offering some of the tastiest and most nutritious dishes. Boasting Buddha burgers, veggie bowls, and perfectly-crafted paellas, the menu is predominantly vegan, with a few nods to dairy and seafood.
Comptoir 102
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Comptoir 102 has been a firm favorite on the Dubai set since its launch in 2012. Its Healthy Café in particular. Offering up both sustainable and nutritious food, its ingredients are sourced from local organic farms. Although not solely vegan, the menu features a substantial amount of raw vegan dishes, including colorful salads and a vast array of tasty smoothies. With the menu changing daily depending on the harvest, the chefs use techniques such as pre-soaking, fermentation, steaming, and dehydration to ensure each dish is full of flavor.
Wild & The Moon
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Using local, seasonal, organic, and ethically-sourced ingredients, Wild & The Moon believes that food should not only be good for the consumer but for the planet, too. Famed for its cold-pressed juices, it also serves nutmilks, smoothies, soups, salads, desserts, and snacks that are all inspired by the seasons. Focusing on a raw vegan philosophy, the brand also aims to have 0% food waste and use recycled material where it can for a 360 feel-good experience.
Read More: Here’s Where to Get the Best Vegan Cupcakes in the UAE