Experiences

Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options in the UAE

Explore vegetarian and vegan food options in the UAE—from Emirati dishes to international plant-based delights, perfect for eco-conscious, health-minded, and meat-free travelers.

3 min

Traditionally rooted in meat-centric Middle Eastern cuisine, the UAE has transformed into a plant-based paradise for travelers. With growing awareness around wellness, sustainability, and global diets, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi now offer diverse, flavorful, and accessible vegetarian and vegan dining options. Whether you’re a committed vegan, curious vegetarian, or simply want a lighter bite on your travels, the UAE is ready to impress.

Traditional Emirati & Arabic Veg Options

While Emirati cuisine is often associated with lamb and seafood, it also offers delicious, naturally vegetarian dishes:

Must-Try Local Veg Delicacies:

  • Harees (without meat): Cracked wheat porridge, smooth and filling
  • Balaleet: Sweet vermicelli with cardamom and saffron, often eaten for breakfast
  • Samboosas (veg): Stuffed pastries with lentils or vegetables
  • Falafel: Chickpea fritters, usually served with hummus and salad
  • Tabbouleh & Fattoush: Fresh herb and bread-based salads
  • Hummus & Baba Ghanoush: Essential mezze items made of chickpeas and eggplant

Tip: Look for mezze platters at Arabic restaurants for an all-vegan starter experience.

Best Cities for Plant-Based Travelers in the UAE

Dubai

Dubai is the UAE’s vegan capital, with a growing number of eco-conscious cafés, restaurants, and food festivals.

Notable Restaurants:

  • Wild & The Moon (Alserkal Avenue): Organic, raw, and vegan
  • Folia (Four Seasons, Jumeirah): Gourmet plant-based menu by Chef Matthew Kenney
  • Comptoir 102: French-Middle Eastern vegan fusion with a boho vibe
  • Just Vegan (Jumeirah): Fully vegan menu with comfort food and gluten-free options

Traveler's Tip: Dubai hosts the annual Vegan Days Market and Organic Farmers Markets between November–March.

Abu Dhabi

The capital city offers a blend of traditional flavors and modern vegan fare, often in scenic settings.

Top Picks:

  • SoulFull Café: Vegan sandwiches, bowls, and protein-rich smoothies
  • Market at EDITION: Plant-forward fine dining
  • Tawa Bakery: Gluten-free and vegan-friendly café with hearty meals

Pro Tip: Many malls have vegan options at food courts—just ask for “no dairy, no meat” and staff are generally accommodating.

Global Vegetarian Cuisine in the UAE

Thanks to the UAE’s diverse expat population, plant-based eaters can enjoy a world tour on a plate.

Indian

  • Rangoli (Dubai & Sharjah): Pure vegetarian thali-style
  • Saravana Bhavan: South Indian vegan dishes like dosa, idli, and sambhar

Thai

  • The Thai Kitchen (Park Hyatt): Offers veggie tofu curries and salads

Italian

  • Il Borro Tuscan Bistro: Fine dining with vegan risotto, salads, and antipasti

Chinese

  • Din Tai Fung: Vegan dumplings, stir-fried greens, and tofu dishes

Tip: Many international restaurants will customize dishes upon request.

Where to Shop for Vegan Groceries

  • Organic Foods & Café (nationwide): All-organic store with vegan snacks, milks, and mock meats
  • Spinneys & Waitrose: Offer dedicated plant-based sections
  • Carrefour: Affordable, wide variety of vegan pantry items and dairy alternatives
  • Veganity Online Store: UAE-based vegan delivery marketplace for rare finds

Look for “Vegan” labels in Arabic (نباتي) and English.

Vegan Desserts & Coffee Spots

  • Baker & Spice: Vegan muffins, cakes, and almond milk lattes
  • SEVA Table: Wellness-focused menu with raw vegan sweets
  • Mister Baker: Order customized vegan cakes for celebrations
  • % Arabica: Known for oat and soy milk lattes in minimalist cafés

Cafe Culture: UAE cities are café-rich—most offer plant-based milk options like almond, oat, soy, and coconut.

Cost Guide for Plant-Based Travelers

Traveling as a vegetarian or vegan in the UAE? Good news—options are everywhere, and they cater to every taste and budget.

  • Street Cafeterias: $5 – $10
    (Try falafel wraps, lentil soup, or veg biryani in Deira and Bur Dubai)
  • Mid-Range Cafés: $15 – $30
    (Think smoothie bowls, quinoa salads, and lentil burgers at spots like Comptoir 102 or Wild & The Moon)
  • Vegan Fine Dining: $40 – $100+
    (Elegant plant-based menus at restaurants like Folia, Akira Back, and SEVA Table)

Tipping is optional but appreciated—typically 10%–15%. Vegan meals may cost a bit more due to imported ingredients or organic sourcing.

Unique Vegan Experiences to Try

Looking to go beyond just meals? The UAE offers immersive plant-based adventures:

  • Desert Vegan Picnics: Join eco-conscious operators for sunset plant-based dining amid sand dunes
  • Vegan Cooking Classes: Learn to make Emirati-inspired vegan dishes like balaleet and harraq osbao
  • Wellness Retreats: Relax with yoga, meditation, and nourishing meals at SEVA, Talise Wellness, or Shimis
  • Tasting Menus: Savor curated vegan courses at upscale spots like Folia (Four Seasons) or Akira Back (W Hotel)

The UAE may be known for its lamb kebabs and shawarma, but it’s also a rising haven for conscious cuisine. From soulful lentil stews in Old Dubai to high-end vegan sushi with skyline views, plant-based travelers are no longer limited—they’re celebrated. Whether you're a lifelong vegan, curious flexitarian, or simply craving fresh, feel-good food, the UAE will surprise you with how seamlessly plant-based dining fits into its cultural and culinary fabric.

Let Hi DMC customize your travel experience with thoughtfully planned plant-based dining, desert retreats, vegan cooking classes, and sustainable stays across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond. Reach out to Hi DMC and start your flavorful, meat-free journey through the UAE today!

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