Where To Get Your Plant-Based Meal: Vegan And Vegetarian Spots In Dubai

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Where To Get Your Plant-Based Meal: Vegan And Vegetarian Spots In Dubai

12 Dec 2024

Veganism is not just a quick trend — for many, it is a way of life. Giving up meat typically takes two forms: Vegetarianism (meaning avoiding meat, fish, and poultry) and Veganism (eliminating all animal products, including dairy, eggs, honey, and anything else derived from animals).

Over the past decade, statistics have shown a significant rise in the popularity of vegetarianism across Europe and Asia. Also, last year, Emirates Airlines provided some interesting insights: there was a 154% increase in vegan meal requests between 2021 and 2022, which is quite remarkable considering the airline has been serving vegan dishes since the 1990s. In 2022 alone, they served over 280,000 plant-based meals.

With all this in mind, it is clear — a list of top vegan and vegetarian spots is long overdue. So, here are the places you need to check out!

Vegan spots in Dubai

PXB Lifestyle

This incredible vegan spot is known for its beautiful serving — even non-vegans will want to order half the menu! I suggest coming here for breakfast — the buckwheat pancakes, porridge, and scrambled tofu with avocado on sourdough are some of the most Instagram-worthy breakfasts around.

If you are dining with a non-vegan friend, this place have you covered too — the menu features an "add-ons" section where you can include organic chicken, salmon, and other non-vegan options to your meal.

Bonus: PXB Lifestyle often hosts health-focused events (both physical and mental) like pilates and mindfulness workshops.

Instagram: @pxblifestyle

Plantoholic Cafe

Another plant-based hidden gem that transforms our favourite dishes into vegan delights. You can try their Birito, where scrambled tofu replaces eggs, Plant-Based Buttered Chicken (which is also tofu-based), or even their Shakshuka made with chickpea eggs — an amazing plant-based alternative to the original. The menu is extensive, featuring salads, soups, toasts, wraps, and, of course, desserts! I highly recommend the Biscoff cheesecake made with plant-based cream cheese and organic powdered sugar — a truly guilt-free pleasure.

Instagram @plantoholic.uae

Vegan Burger UAE

If you are craving some junk food, this place is for you! The menu is packed with flavour, and the colourful buns make everything look so appetising. My personal favourite (of course) is the truffle burger — it comes with mozzarella, mushrooms, fresh lettuce, and truffle mayo. Their fries are a must-try too! Great for those who are on a diet — if you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can ask for your burger wrapped in lettuce.

Instagram: @veganburgeruae

SEVA Table

This place is a pure health combo — plant-based, gluten-free, and cane sugar-free. It is also incredibly green, and cosy, with a large bookshelf in one of the rooms for those looking to slow down and relax. The vibe feels like you have stepped into a Balinese retreat right in the heart of Dubai.

The food is fantastic! They also have themed specials (if you want to try something unique), like Sushi Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and Afternoon Tea on Thursdays after 4 PM.

And (I have to add this) I am absolutely in love with their tableware — I even bought some of the same ones for my home!

Instagram: @sevatable

Vegetarian spots in Dubai

REPLIKA

This is a spot that works for vegans too — basically they do not serve meat and replace eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives in some dishes. However, since the menu is quite extensive, you will also find dishes with eggs (like omelettes) and cheese (like their burrata salad) — so it is just safer to put it as a "vegetarian" place.

In REPLIKA there is even a menu section for seafood lovers with options like salmon and tuna, making it a fantastic choice if you are going out with a non-vegan friend. I would also recommend trying their burgers — they are incredibly juicy — and their summer rolls, which offer plenty of flavours, even for those who do not eat fish.

Instagram: @replika.uae

Comptoir 102

This place is definitely my favourite vegetarian spot in the UAE! It is not only a cosy café with a lovely garden area, but also a concept store packed with amazing things — from clothing to home decor. Every time I visit it, I end up leaving with a new handmade plate or a random candle.

The menu is divided into vegan and vegetarian options (as some dishes include eggs). Some dishes even come in two portions, offering alternatives for non-vegan products — for example, their N Charged Super can be made with vegan cheese.

My top dish is the R Mezze S’102 — a vegan pita served with three dips, including hummus and guacamole.

Instagram: @comptoir102

Flavour Fields

This new spot just opened at Galeria Mall and it is not strictly vegetarian. Before 12 pm, the menu is entirely meat-free. After that, the lunch menu still offers plenty of vegetarian options, but there are also dishes with meat. So, if you are strictly avoiding meat (in any sense), it is better to come before noon.

Breakfasts here are amazing — delicious toasts and bowls (acai, yoghurt, chia). Lunch is also great! The watermelon and burrata salad and hummus were absolute standouts. There is also a charming outdoor terrace, perfect for enjoying your meal. Plus, the manager is really friendly and will likely stop by to check if everything is okay at least twice during your meal.

Instagram: @flavourfields.me

by Barbara Yakimchuk