Going vegan? Here's your guide for being plant-based in Dubai

With the growing popularity that veganism has seen over the last few years, many people are becoming curious – if not convinced – about the benefits this food trend has to offer. Once pushed to the sidelines, the discourse around veganism has now found its place in the mainstream, becoming an active part of the discussions around creating a more sustainable future.

More than just a diet fad, going vegan or plant-based is the compassionate act of giving up all products that are derived from animal sources. While vegetarianism advocates giving up on consuming meat as part of one’s diet, veganism takes it a few steps further, encouraging consumers to give up on material goods that are derived from animals. Why? Over the course of many industrial revolutions that the world has witnessed, a prominent consequence in the recent times has been the rise in factory farming. According to peta.org, “the factory farming industry strives to maximise output while minimising costs — always at the animals’ expense”, keeping animals “crammed by the thousands into wire cages, metal crates, or other extremely restrictive enclosures inside filthy, windowless sheds”.

Going plant-based encourages us to move away from the excessive consumption of animal products as a way of course correction, leading to more favourable conditions. With vegan lifestyles finding its way into the mainstream, the food and beverage industry has also started to reflect this shift, with more vegan joints opening up and existing restaurants trying to include vegan options on their existing menus.

With complete plant-based ranges, to plant milk, vegan cheese, and mock meat varieties, going green in the city has never been this easy. We take a look at the emerging vegan scene in Dubai.

With a menu that is fully vegetarian and almost two-thirds plant-based, VEGO Cafe detaches itself from unhealthy and non-organic food choices, just as its name suggests. While there are a number of vegan options to feast on, such as Tofu Florentine and The Vego Uttapam, some of their non-vegan dishes, like Avo Toast and Bombay Grill sandwich can easily be swapped for plant-based ingredients. VEGO Cafe's menu is an expanse of a variety of sandwiches, sliders, vegan desserts and much more, including gluten-free and refined-sugar free options.

Locations: Mankhool, Dubai

Average cost: Dh 85

If a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free menu is on your mind, then Bounty Beets is the place! From healthy breakfast options to soups, burgers and bowls, all their unique dishes are made with a twist of creativity to tease the taste buds. You can't miss out on their Son of a Chic, which is a chickpea and spinach omelette stuffed with vegan cheese, asparagus, tomato, mushrooms and cashew avioli on the sumptuous Chia Bowl and Avo Toast, which is spread on gluten-free bread. And you can enjoy the meals in the company of its zen-like ambience, exuding a burst of greens.

Locations: Le Méridien Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh

Average cost: Dh320 (without house beverages)

With a variety of hues, textures, flavours, aesthetics, and aromas this earthy restaurant believes in the magic of “goodness of the earth”. Their website specifies that they are committed to using innovative techniques to craft healthy meals and outstanding culinary experiences. Named the best Vegan Restaurant – Zomato User’s Choice Awards 2018, this restaurant brings to the table, delicious vegan dishes including their vegan brownie and Zesty Spaghetti.

Locations: JLT, Cluster J

Average cost: Dh 135

More than a restaurant, Wild & The Moon is a lifestyle movement created by a group of chefs, food-lovers and naturopaths, bringing together the holistic dimensions of foo consumption, all under one roof. An urban, trendy restaurant offering pure, nutritious plant-based cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, soups, desserts, superbowls and snacks. Wild & The Moon’s uses organic, local, ethically sourced ingredients with no refined sugars, no additives or chemicals, no GMOs, no gluten and no dairy.

Locations: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz

Average cost: Dh 170

Indian cuisine is probably one of the most vegan-friendly cuisines in the world, simply due to the fact that a large part of the population in the subcontinent is vegetarian. So, its only natural to expect the most authentic and flavourful vegan options at My Govinda’s, which is an Indian vegan and vegetarian restaurant. Taking veganism a notch here, if you're a food lover, who wants to enjoy the irresistible flavours without compromising on plant-based ‘saatvik cuisine’, ditching onion and garlic, this is the place for you. Their food is made from fresh vegetables and fruits, preferably organic and the menu includes low-calorie, high-protein, vegan, gluten-free and even oil-free options.

Info: Order online from Noon.com or Zomato.com