Abu Dhabi

🥗

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse culinary scene that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan diets. While the city’s traditional cuisine is heavily meat-based, the growing awareness of plant-based lifestyles has led to an increase in vegetarian and vegan-friendly dining options. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate vegetarian and vegan dining in Abu Dhabi.

1. Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi offers a variety of restaurants and cafes that cater specifically to vegetarians and vegans or have dedicated plant-based menus. Here are some notable options:

a. Fully Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

  1. Ever Green Vegetarian Restaurant

    • Cuisine: Indian (South and North Indian specialties)
    • Highlights: A 100% vegetarian restaurant offering dosas, thalis, and curries. Vegan options are available upon request.
    • Cost: AED 20–50 per person (budget-friendly).
    • Location: Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah).

  2. Just Vegan

    • Cuisine: International vegan cuisine.
    • Highlights: A fully vegan restaurant with creative dishes like vegan sushi, burgers, and desserts.
    • Cost: AED 50–100 per person (mid-range).
    • Location: Al Muroor.

  3. Wild & The Moon

    • Cuisine: Organic, plant-based, and gluten-free.
    • Highlights: Cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, salads, and raw vegan desserts.
    • Cost: AED 40–80 per person (mid-range).
    • Location: Al Bateen.

  4. Mosaic Vegan Restaurant

    • Cuisine: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean.
    • Highlights: Vegan versions of traditional dishes like falafel, hummus, and stuffed vine leaves.
    • Cost: AED 50–100 per person (mid-range).
    • Location: Al Khalidiya.

b. Restaurants with Vegetarian and Vegan Menus

  1. Tamba

    • Cuisine: Modern Indian fusion.
    • Highlights: Vegetarian tasting menus and vegan-friendly dishes like jackfruit biryani and spiced lentil soup.
    • Cost: AED 150–300 per person (fine dining).
    • Location: The Hub, World Trade Center Mall.

  2. Café 302

    • Cuisine: International.
    • Highlights: A variety of vegan options, including plant-based burgers, salads, and desserts.
    • Cost: AED 50–100 per person (mid-range).
    • Location: Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana.

  3. Soulfull

    • Cuisine: Healthy, organic, and plant-based options.
    • Highlights: Vegan wraps, Buddha bowls, and smoothies.
    • Cost: AED 40–80 per person (mid-range).
    • Location: Al Raha Beach.

  4. Nolu’s Café

    • Cuisine: Afghan-American fusion.
    • Highlights: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly salads, wraps, and rice dishes.
    • Cost: AED 50–100 per person (mid-range).
    • Location: Al Bandar and The Galleria Mall.

c. International Chains with Vegan Options

  1. Wagamama (Japanese-inspired cuisine)

    • Vegan ramen, curries, and sides.
    • Locations: The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall.

  2. The Cheesecake Factory

    • Offers vegan salads and customizable pasta dishes.
    • Locations: Yas Mall, The Galleria Mall.

  3. PizzaExpress

    • Vegan pizzas with plant-based cheese.
    • Locations: Multiple across Abu Dhabi.

2. Types of Cuisines Available

Abu Dhabi’s multicultural population ensures a wide variety of cuisines with vegetarian and vegan options:

  • Indian: A staple for vegetarians, with dishes like dal, chana masala, and vegetable biryani.
  • Middle Eastern: Naturally vegan-friendly dishes like falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh.
  • Asian: Thai curries, Japanese sushi rolls, and Chinese stir-fries can often be made vegan.
  • Western: Vegan burgers, pasta, and salads are widely available in international restaurants.
  • Fusion: Creative plant-based dishes combining global flavors.

3. Food Delivery Services

Several food delivery platforms in Abu Dhabi cater to vegetarians and vegans:

  • Deliveroo: Offers a dedicated vegan and vegetarian section.
  • Talabat: Features a wide range of plant-based restaurants.
  • Zomato: Allows filtering for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
  • Careem Now: Includes plant-based meal options from local and international restaurants.

4. Availability of Plant-Based Ingredients in Local Markets

Abu Dhabi has a variety of supermarkets and specialty stores where you can find vegetarian and vegan ingredients:

  • Lulu Hypermarket: Offers a wide range of fresh produce, tofu, plant-based milk, and vegan snacks.
  • Carrefour: Stocks vegan cheese, plant-based meat alternatives, and organic products.
  • Spinneys: Known for its organic and international food selection, including vegan-friendly items.
  • Organic Foods and Café: Specializes in organic, vegan, and gluten-free products.
  • Kibsons (Online): Delivers fresh produce, vegan pantry staples, and plant-based proteins.

5. Cultural and Practical Considerations

  • Local Cuisine: Traditional Emirati cuisine is heavily meat-based, but vegetarian-friendly dishes like lentil soup (shorbat adas) and salads (fattoush, tabbouleh) are common.
  • Hospitality: Emirati culture is known for its hospitality. If dining in a local home, inform your host of your dietary preferences in advance, as they will likely accommodate you.
  • Language: Most restaurant staff speak English, and menus often indicate vegetarian and vegan options. Learn key phrases like "vegetarian" (nabati) and "vegan" (nabati ma'a laheya) in Arabic to communicate your needs.
  • Halal Considerations: All food in Abu Dhabi is halal, meaning no pork or alcohol is used in cooking. This can simplify dining for vegetarians and vegans.
  • Cross-Contamination: Be cautious about cross-contamination in non-vegetarian restaurants. Always confirm with the staff if dishes are cooked separately.

6. Challenges and Tips

  • Hidden Ingredients: Some dishes may contain ghee (clarified butter) or yogurt, especially in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Always double-check with the staff.
  • Limited Options in Traditional Eateries: Smaller, traditional restaurants may have fewer vegetarian or vegan options. Opt for international or specialty restaurants for more variety.
  • Dining During Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, restaurants may only serve food after sunset. Plan accordingly if you’re dining out.

7. Cost Ranges

  • Budget-Friendly: AED 20–50 per meal (e.g., Indian vegetarian restaurants, casual cafes).
  • Mid-Range: AED 50–100 per meal (e.g., international chains, vegan cafes).
  • Fine Dining: AED 150–300 per meal (e.g., upscale fusion restaurants).

8. Conclusion

Abu Dhabi is increasingly accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, with a growing number of dedicated restaurants, plant-based menu options, and accessible ingredients. While traditional Emirati cuisine may not be inherently vegetarian, the city’s multicultural dining scene ensures that you’ll find plenty of delicious and satisfying options. With a bit of planning and awareness, vegetarians and vegans can enjoy a rich culinary experience in Abu Dhabi.