Dubai may be known for its luxury and opulence, but it’s also fast becoming a paradise for plant-based living. The Ultimate Vegan Guide to Dubai: Eat, Shop & Explore is your go-to resource for discovering how this dazzling desert city caters to the vegan lifestyle.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious traveler, or just starting your plant-based journey, Dubai offers a surprising array of cruelty-free options. From gourmet vegan dining and hidden plant-based cafés to sustainable fashion boutiques and eco-conscious markets, this guide covers it all.
Ready to experience the city without compromising your values? Let’s dive into the vibrant, flavorful, and compassionate side of Dubai that every vegan should explore.
Read More: The Ultimate Vegan Guide to Dubai: Eat, Shop & Explore
Exploring Vegan-Friendly Cuisines in Dubai
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with over 85% of its population made up of expats from countries such as Lebanon, India, Russia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and the UK. This diversity is reflected in its vibrant culinary scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines — many of which feature vegan options even in non-vegan establishments. You won’t have to rely solely on 100% vegan restaurants to enjoy incredible plant-based dishes.
Middle Eastern and Levantine Delights
Given Dubai’s location in the Middle East, you’ll find an abundance of Levantine cuisine. Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian, and Palestinian restaurants are common and offer a variety of naturally vegan dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, tabbouleh, and lentil soup. Be sure to double-check for dairy in certain preparations, but overall, these dishes are staples across Levantine and even Turkish and Emirati menus.
Diverse Global Vegan Options
If you’ve already explored the world of falafel and hummus, Dubai still has more to offer. The city is a true paradise for global food lovers. You’ll find vegan beyaynetu and injera at Ethiopian restaurants, flavorful curries at Thai eateries, hearty pho chay (vegan noodle soup) at Vietnamese cafés, and indulgent Beyond burgers at American-style diners. Whether you’re craving something light or decadent, vegan options are plentiful, clearly labeled, and accessible in English across most menus.
Top Vegan Restaurants in Dubai
SEVA Cafe – A Holistic Vegan Haven
Located in Jumeirah, SEVA Cafe is a peaceful, plant-filled escape from the city’s fast pace. The menu is 100% vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free, and cane sugar-free. Popular items include the Breakfast Tofu Wrap, Zucchini Pappardelle, and Plant-Based Tacos. Complement your meal with elixirs, tonics, smoothies, or herbal coffees.
📍 36 10B St, Jumeirah 1
Plantoholic Kitchen and Coffee Bar – Comfort Meets Consciousness
Situated in Palm Jumeirah, this all-vegan eatery offers a wide-ranging menu perfect for any craving. From hearty breakfasts and creamy soups to inventive sushi rolls, vegan burgers, and plant-based pizzas, there’s something for everyone. Their coffee, made from ethically sourced beans, is entirely dairy-free.
📍 Golden Mile 2, Building 8, Palm Jumeirah
Vegan Burger – Plant-Based Fast Food Done Right
Found in the Dubai Mall, Vegan Burger is the UAE’s first fully plant-powered burger joint. Menu highlights include the Truffle Cheeseburger, Aloo Tikki Burger, and even cheesy fries and milkshakes. American comfort food gets a vegan twist here, and you can order in via Deliveroo too.
📍 Lower Ground Food Court, The Dubai Mall
Planet Terra – Organic and Earth-Friendly
With two branches — The Greens and Ibis World Trade Centre — Planet Terra serves a 100% organic, vegan menu that emphasizes local and seasonal produce. From Matcha Pancakes to Tofish & Chips and vegan kunafa, every dish supports sustainability without compromising flavor.
📍 Panorama Building, The Greens | Sheikh Zayed Rd., Ibis WTC
Wild & The Moon – Superfood Central
With locations in Alserkal Avenue, Downtown Dubai, and DIFC, this trendy café offers everything from Superbowls and Seasonal Starters to vegan tacos and nut-based mylks. It’s a favorite for clean eaters and those seeking nutrient-dense meals in a stylish setting.
📍 Multiple Locations
Dobro Top Vegan – Where Creativity Meets Flavor
Highly rated and known for unique offerings like vegan “caviar” toasts and convincing vegan sushi, Dobro Top Vegan is ideal for those seeking something outside the typical plant-based fare. Their extensive menu also features bowls, burgers, and burritos.
📍 Dubai Star – Cluster L – JLT
Replika – A Gourmet Vegan Experience
Replika sets itself apart with indulgent, boundary-pushing dishes. Try a Stuffed Croissant with Wagyu pea protein, Konjac Lobster Roll, or Vegan Philly Cheesesteak. It’s a must-visit for seasoned vegans and culinary adventurers.
📍 Windsor Manor, Business Bay
SOUL Vegan Cheese – Artisan Plant-Based Cheeses
Though not a restaurant, SOUL Vegan Cheese deserves a mention. This Dubai-based brand offers nut-based gourmet cheeses available at Depachika Food Hall and Galeries Lafayette. Perfect for building your next vegan cheese board or simply elevating a home-cooked meal.
📍 Nakheel Mall & Dubai Mall
Notable Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Dubai
While not exclusively vegan, these restaurants feature clearly labeled and delicious vegan options:
- Dip Dash – Excellent pan-Asian vegan dishes.
- Cassette – Trendy spot for vegan breakfast and brunch.
- XVA Café – Ideal for Middle Eastern plant-based meals.
Personal Favorites for Vegan Dishes in Dubai
Over time, certain places have become personal go-tos for satisfying vegan meals:
- Vietnamese Snack Food Café / Vietnamese Foodies – Known for pho and curry.
- Vegan Burger & Pickl – For flavorful vegan burgers.
- Rosa’s Thai – Offers various tofu-based vegan curries.
- Zaroob – For Impossible shawarma with vegan tahini.
- Operation Falafel & Falafel Freyha – Middle Eastern favorites for falafel and hummus.
- Pizza Express – Try their vegan pizzas with plant-based meats and cheese.
Where to Shop for Vegan Groceries in Dubai
Dubai’s supermarket scene can be overwhelming, but several major chains reliably stock vegan-friendly products.
Major Supermarkets with Vegan Selections
Look for vegan items at larger branches of:
- Spinneys
- Waitrose
- Carrefour
- Grandiose
- Choithrams
From plant-based meats and cheeses to dairy alternatives and ready-to-eat meals, you’ll find a solid selection in frozen and specialty sections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dubai a vegan-friendly city?
Yes, absolutely. Dubai is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with a vibrant food scene that caters to a variety of dietary preferences, including veganism. From Levantine classics like hummus and falafel to creative plant-based sushi and gourmet vegan burgers, the city offers abundant options.
Do restaurants in Dubai clearly label vegan dishes on their menus?
Yes, most reputable restaurants in Dubai provide menus in English and clearly label vegan-friendly dishes. Many even mark items as “plant-based,” “vegan,” or use a green leaf icon to help diners make informed choices.
Do I need to go to a fully vegan restaurant to find vegan food in Dubai?
Not at all. While there are excellent fully vegan establishments, many non-vegan restaurants offer exceptional vegan dishes, especially Middle Eastern, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants.
Are Middle Eastern dishes in Dubai naturally vegan?
Many traditional Levantine and Middle Eastern dishes are naturally vegan. Staples such as falafel, baba ganoush, hummus (ask if dairy-free), tabbouleh, vine leaves, and lentil soup are typically plant-based. Just double-check with the staff to ensure no animal products are used.
Can I find vegan fast food in Dubai?
Yes! Fast food spots like Vegan Burger in Dubai Mall and Pickl offer vegan versions of classic comfort food, including burgers, fries, nuggets, and shakes.
Conclusion
Dubai may be famous for its luxurious dining and global cuisine, but it’s also rapidly becoming a vegan food paradise. From traditional Middle Eastern staples like falafel and lentil soup to innovative vegan sushi, burgers, and desserts, the city offers a rich and diverse plant-based landscape.
