The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its rich traditions, including the culinary ones, and dedication to preserving them. It could create the impression that it might not be the most welcoming destination for vegan travellers. However, there is an increasing awareness of veganism in the UAE, allowing easy finding delicious and nourishing options. Further, lots of traditional cuisines in the UAE are "accidentally" vegan - like hummus and falafel. When travelling around the UAE, you're probably going to go to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It's only an hour's drive between the two so you will probably end up wanting to rent a car Dubai. In this article, we will mainly focus on staying vegan in these two cities.
Research and Planning Before Your Trip
Have you ever heard the common expression "Forewarned is forearmed"? It means a bit of preparation can go a long way. So, here are some tips to help you stay prepared:
- Research vegan-friendly restaurants: To explore the options and filter the best ones in advance, consider using apps like HappyCow or TripAdvisor, where you can search by specific criteria;
- Learn key phrases in Arabic: Perhaps you know how to say: "Where can I find a car rental service in Dubai?" in Arabic. But what about "I don't eat animal products" or "Is this made with dairy, eggs, or honey?" Trust me, the locals would appreciate the effort to explain your ethical choices in an accessible way;
- Stock up on essentials: It is always a good idea to bring along some of your favourite snacks, such as nuts or protein bars, to fill any gaps;
- Consider self-catering options: Renting accommodation with a kitchen could give you more control over your meals. In this case, you would be able to prepare familiar dishes with fresh ingredients from local markets and vegan-friendly stores;
- Join vegan travel groups online: Social media platforms like Facebook host vegan travel groups where you can ask questions, get recommendations, and even find dining companions.
Moreover, this pre-trip research can help you navigate the city effortlessly, as you will already have a list of vegan-friendly restaurants and essential spots in mind. With everything in place, you will be ready to drive around the city in a rented car.
Vegan-friendly Restaurants in the UAE
Right, why not take a moment to check if there is a vegan-friendly restaurant near your car rental service? Let's explore some of the best vegan spots in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where you can enjoy delicious plant-based meals, whether you are just down the road from your accommodation or out on an adventure. Here is the list of the very best vegan restaurants in Dubai:
- Plantoholic Kitchen and Coffee Bar: Its menu offers hearty dishes, such as veggie-packed salads, creamy soups, sushi rolls, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and, of course, plant-based coffee drinks;
- SEVA Cafe: Here, you can taste organic foods free from MSGs, GMOs, gluten, cane sugar, and trans fats;
- Vegan Burger: It is about vegan versions of classic American food, like truffle cheeseburgers, wraps, salads, cheesy fries, and more;
- Wild & The Moon: As you can see on its website, it offers a delicious selection of cold-pressed juices, nut milk, smoothies, salads, soups, desserts, super bowls, and snacks to provide a healthy alternative to the urban crowd;
- Planet Terra Vegan Cafe: Would you like to taste matcha pancakes for breakfast, mushroom shawarma for lunch, and tempeh souvlaki for dinner? Welcome!
I suppose your vegan adventure shouldn't end in Dubai, and that luxury car rental will allow you to explore and compare the culinary delights in Abu Dhabi as well.
Vegan-friendly Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
The best vegan restaurants in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Rasoi Ghar: Here, you have the opportunity to discover regional dishes like dhokla, dal pakwan, and lentil soups;
- Sangam Vegetarian Restaurant: The mainstay on its menu is the dosa, which is kind of a thin, savory crepe in South Indian cuisine;
- Cooper’s: It is a British sports bar where you can catch all the matches while tasting a vegan burger, sausage with sweet potato fries, a spicy bean-based Mexican wrap with guac, or falafel sliders.
Wrap Up: How to Be Vegan in the United Arab Emirates
By the way, if you haven’t yet hired a vehicle to explore every spot in person or if you are simply in the mood for a cozy night in, remember that delivery apps like Deliveroo, Talabat, and Zomato make it easy to enjoy these meals right at your door. I wish you a delicious vegan journey through the UAE!
P. S.: If you're interested in an app designed for vegans & wanna support the vegan movement and us, VeganVsTravel as well, use this link plz to download Abillion. When registering, please use our referral code: TRAVELLINGWEASELS. If you wanna know why we think this is a great app, read here (Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4)
