Cafés, community spaces, hidden gems, new openings – it’s all here.
As January draws to a close, so does Veganuary, an annual challenge that sees countless people worldwide start the year by adopting a vegan lifestyle. Did you fall off the bandwagon before the month was up? No judgment! Be patient, remind yourself that plant-based choices make sense regardless of month, and discover these Dubai-based eateries where it’s always Veganuary.
Avatara
Dubai’s first and only Michelin-starred vegetarian fine dining restaurant invites guests on a culinary journey with its Ayurveda-inspired vegan tasting menu. Rooted in the ancient philosophy of the six rasas, the menu blends timeless wisdom with modern culinary artistry. Thoughtfully paired with a selection of 100% vegan wines, the restaurant celebrates balance, flavour, and innovation. Highlight dishes include Kadalika (raw banana varuval, coconut moilee, and curry leaf sorbet), Kalingam (grilled watermelon, stone fruit pickle, and tomato water), and Panasa (Coorg spiced jackfruit, idiyappam, and chestnut), each crafted to delight the palate and nourish the soul. Available daily from 6pm to 11pm. AED 595 per person (food only).
GO: Visit avatara.ae for reservations and more information.
Folia
For those who prefer to dine on vegan dishes in a chic garden setting, Folia is where it’s at. Located at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, it’s led by celebrity chef Matthew Kenney, who’s known for creating plant-based culinary art. Admittedly, it’s a little on the steep side, but between the upscale setting and calibre of ingredients used, it’s certainly worth the occasional splurge. A word to the wise: save room for the recently launched panna cotta that pairs an Italian classic with Tahitian vanilla.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com/dubaijb for more information.
Planet Terra
The new kid on the all-vegan block, Planet Terra is (rather aptly) situated in The Greens, encouraging diners to breathe slowly and eat intentionally. The menu draws inspiration from some of the world’s most popular dishes, translating to plant-based versions of lasagne, risotto, fish and chips, and more – each 100% organic and hand-crafted onsite. Elsewhere, the beverage menu boasts a whopping eight different types of latte, making it a great spot for a coffee catch-up. The pet-friendly outdoor terrace is just the cherry on top.
GO: Visit https://planetterra.life for more information.
SEVA Table
For wellness seekers across the city, the name SEVA needs no introduction. Its in-house café, SEVA Table, has repeatedly been praised for its Bali-esque vibes, but it’s the delicious plant-based dishes that you’ll return for – think: Tropical Coconut Ceviche, Almond Toast, Zucchini Pappardelle, and the vibrantly hued Baja Cauliflower Tacos. As for what makes this vegan eatery especially appealing? Dining in the vicinity of a whole host of classes and workshops, each designed to help you heal, learn and grow – that’s your Saturday afternoon, sorted.
GO: Visit www.sevaexperience.com for more information.
Soul Santé
This vegan institution in Dubai Marina takes healthy eating to new heights, complete with a range of meal plans, wellness events like yoga classes and sound-healing sessions, and a menu that specifies the nutritional content of each dish. Celebrating a birthday or anniversary? Soul Santé will put together a customised menu that suits the occasion, but doesn’t compromise on taste – no easy feat in the realm of veganism. Looking for a full-on vegan feast? The café serves an ‘All You Can Eat’ brunch until 2pm every Saturday and Sunday.
GO: Visit www.soulsantecafe.com for more information.
Wild & The Moon
The cold-pressed juices, nut mylks, smoothies, salads, soups, desserts, super bowls and snacks at Wild & The Moon are not only vegan, but also entirely organic and gluten-free. More lifestyle movement than menu, it also sells eco-conscious home care products, reusable tote bags, ready-to-use sauces and flavoured salts, and cookbooks brimming with plant-based recipes. Incidentałly, Wild & The Moon also hosts plant-based iftars, supper clubs and other dining pop-ups, so keep an eye out if you’re seeking a more curated experience.
GO: Visit www.wildandthemoon.ae for more information.
