What is Veganism?
The practice of eating only food not derived from animals and typically of avoiding the use of other animal products. The practice of trying to completely avoid all animal-related food items and the consumption of animal-sourced food is called veganism.
Who is Vegan?
A person who practices veganism is known as a vegan; the word is also used to describe foods and materials that are compatible with veganism.
When and how did the practice of veganism come about?
Since ancient times, individuals have been renouncing the consumption of products of animal origin; the term "veganism" was coined in 1944 by Donald and Dorothy Watson. The aim was to differentiate it from vegetarianism, which rejects the consumption of meat but accepts the consumption of other products of animal origin, such as milk, dairy products, eggs, and other "uses involving exploitation". Interest in veganism increased significantly in the 2010s.
https://travel-lush.com/vegan-in-dubai-guide/
Vegan-friendly cuisines in Dubai
One of the coolest things about Dubai is that it’s super multicultural. In fact, expats make up over 85% of the population here, with people hailing from places like Lebanon, Russia, India, the UK, Ethiopia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, Africa, and beyond!
This means that you’re going to find cuisines from all around the world in Dubai, many of which have many vegan dishes to choose from. So you don’t necessarily need to seek out 100% vegan restaurants to find really good vegan food in Dubai, although those do exist!
Because Dubai is in the Middle East, you’re going to be spoiled for choice when it comes to Levantine restaurants, which offer lots of vegan dishes, like hummus (just be sure to ask if it’s prepared with dairy!), baba ghanoush, falafel, tabouli, and lentil soup, to name a few of the many vegan options.
For example, if you dine at a Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, or Jordanian restaurant (all of which you’ll find in spades across the city), you’ll be able to get your fill of these Levantine dishes. And, of course, these dishes are popular in other cuisines, including Emirati, Turkish, and Egyptian cuisines.
But if you’ve had your fill of vegan shawarma, hummus, and falafel, you’re going to find other excellent international options in Dubai. Trust me: This is a city for foodies!
Whatever your tastes or cravings, you won’t have to look too hard to find vegan options on the menu. Plus, menus in Dubai are almost always in English, and vegan options are often clearly labeled, which makes things even easier.
The best vegan restaurants in Dubai
SEVA Cafe
Located in Jumeirah, SEVA Cafe is a lush reprieve in the middle of the city. When the weather is nice, take a seat in the plant-filled garden – although the boho-chic interior is equally inviting.
Peruse the cafe menu and you’ll find a tempting selection of plant-based dishes that are 100% gluten-free, GMO-free, and cane sugar-free. Think all-day breakfast items like the Breakfast Tofu Wrap and Açai Bowl, starters like the Conscious Nachos and Tofu Dynamite, and mains like the Zucchini Pappardelle and Plant-Based Tacos.
Don’t skip over the drinks menu, which has some excellent tonics, elixirs, smoothies, juices, coffee beverages, and more.
Address: 36 10B St, Jumeirah 1
Plantoholic Kitchen and Coffee Bar
If you’re looking for the best vegan restaurants in Dubai and you find yourself in Palm Jumeirah, you’re going to want to give Plantoholic Kitchen and Coffee Bar a try. This is especially true for coffee lovers because all of their beans are ethically sourced, and their coffee drinks are 100% plant-based (try the Oatccino!).
But you’re probably here for the food.
Luckily, the menu here is huge and boasts loads of hearty breakfast dishes, veggie-packed salads, creamy soups, and creative sushi rolls – not to mention all of the vegan sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, pastas, burgers, and more. There really is something for everyone on this menu, even the biggest of vegan skeptics!
Address: Golden Mile 2, Building Number 8, The Palm Jumeirah
Vegan Burger
As the name implies, Vegan Burger is all about serving up some of the best plant-based burgers in town. You’ll find this place in the Dubai Mall, but if you don’t feel like making the trek to the mall, you can also order delivery from apps like Deliveroo.
This place prides itself on being the “UAE’s first 100% plant-powered brand,” and you’ll find vegan versions of all sorts of American comfort food classics on the menu. The burger menu features creative options from the Truffle Cheeseburger to the Smokey Bacon Burger and Aloo Tikki Burger.
But if you’re not in the mood for a burger, you’ll also find hot dogs, wraps, salads, and sides like chicken nuggets and cheesy fries on the menu. Try to leave room for dessert because their milkshakes are pretty killer, too!
Address: Lower Ground Food Court, The Dubai Mall
Planet Terra Vegan Café
Planet Terra is widely regarded as one of the best vegan restaurants in Dubai to the point that it now has two locations: one in The Greens and one in the Ibis World Trade Centre Dubai.
No matter which branch you visit, the mission is the same: to be “your earth-friendly neighborhood cafe.” Everything on the Planet Terra menu is 100% organic and vegan, as well as locally and seasonally sourced whenever possible. So expect dishes like the Matcha Pancakes and Chickpea Omelette for (all-day) breakfast, Mushroom Shawarma and Car-neat-as Tacos for lunch, and Tofish and Chips and Tempeh Souvlaki for dinner.
The dessert menu even offers a vegan kunafa with a creamy cashew and tapioca filling, which isn’t something you find in Dubai every day!
Ibis World Trade Centre Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Rd., Trade Centre, Trade Centre 2
The Greens: Panorama Building, 6th St., The Greens
Wild & The Moon
Wild & The Moon in Alserkal Avenue.
When it comes to Dubai vegan restaurants, Wild & The Moon is another super popular option. Speaking of its popularity, it now has three locations across the city: Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and Alserkal Avenue.
Everything on the menu here is fully vegan, organic, gluten-free, and made with love and care. Choose from one of the nutrient-packed Superbowls, Seasonal Starters, or Seasonal Salads. There’s also a selection of Hot Meals, including the Wild Tacos with vegan nut cheese and guac or the Dish of the Day with grains and seasonal veggies.
They also have an impressive drinks menu with incredible cold-pressed juices, coffee beverages, smoothies, and “Nutmylks.”
Alserkal Avenue: Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, H-77
Downtown Dubai: Palace Hotel Cafe n5, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd
DIFC: Gate Avenue, U-149, Trade Centre
Dobro Top Vegan
A true gem, Dobro Top Vegan is a super highly rated vegan restaurant in town. The menu here is huge, and you can choose from a variety of plant-based pita sandwiches, bowls, burgers, burritos, and mains.
But what I love about the Dobro Top Vegan menu is that they have vegan dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Think “caviar”-topped toasts and some of the best and most convincing vegan sushi rolls in Dubai!
JLT: Dubai Star – Cluster L – Jumeirah Lake Towers
Replika
When it comes to indulgent vegan eats in Dubai, Replika is tough to beat. The menu here is as creative as it comes, and you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one dish. This isn’t your average vegan restaurant, so expect all sorts of incredible options you’ve never seen at a vegan restaurant before.
For example, there’s a Stuffed Croissant with Wagyu pea protein bacon, a Lobster Roll made with konjac lobster, a Vegan Salmon Tartare with konjac tuna, a crispy Escalope Milanese with plant-based chicken, a Philly Cheesesteak made with pea protein steak strips – you get the idea!
Business Bay: Windsor Manor
SOUL Vegan Cheese
OK, so this isn’t exactly a vegan restaurant, but this cool Dubai-based company sells some seriously good vegan cheeses that you can pick up in a couple of places in the city.
You can find SOUL Vegan Cheese‘s gourmet, nut-based cheeses at Depachika Food Hall in Nakheel Mall and at Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet in Dubai Mall. It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking to put together a vegan cheese platter for your next get-together or if you just need a cheese fix!
Address: Al Barsha - Al Barsha South - Dubai
Dip Dash Restaurant & Café Barsha
Dip Dash is all about adding a dash of dips to every dish! ? The in-house dips, made fresh daily with no preservatives or artificial colors, transform every bite into a drool-worthy experience. Inspired by the legacy of a grandmother and mother who nourished with love, we blend tradition with innovation. At Dip Dash, we elevate Vegetarian, Vegan, and Jain cuisine with vibrant Pan-Asian flavors. More than just a restaurant, we’re a haven for conscious eaters who value both health and flavor. Dive into clean, delicious food crafted for today’s lifestyle. Dip in. Dash out. Feel great. #HealthyMadeDroolworthy
Dip Dash Restaurant & Cafe · Healthy Food · Asian · Japanese · Sushi · Beverages · Desserts. Ground Floor, Rasis Business Center, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha, Dubai.
TAAMA Restaurant
TAAMA is a plant-based restaurant redefining vegan dining through innovative cooking techniques and bold global flavors. Led by CEO & Founder Tanya Mansotra, we prioritize consistency and quality by using high-grade, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. From organic mains to gluten-free delicacies, our menu is designed for those seeking healthy, sustainable, and vegan-friendly cuisine. Whether you're searching for “vegan restaurants/cafes in Dubai or near me” or exploring plant-based food options in Dubai, TAAMA offers a unique and fulfilling culinary experience.
Address : First - 13 A Street, Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Quoz - Al Quoz 1 – Dubai
Vegan Burger - The Dubai Mall
"A 100% plant-powered burger experience, serving delicious burgers, hot dogs, salads, loaded fries & milkshakes."
Yumi - vegan cuisine
"Yumi is a plant-based food movement on a mission to empower the MENA region to make more conscious health and environmental decisions. We are chefs, nutritionists, sustainability experts, but mostly dreamers pushing the boundaries in crafting vegan food that is uncompromising on taste, health, & experience.”
Address : Food Nation - Hessa St - Al Barsha – Dubai
A few vegan-friendly restaurants in Dubai
These places are not vegan, but they have excellent, clearly marked vegan dishes on the menu.
