It can be a struggle to be a vegetarian in Dubai, but it’s not impossible. Here are restaurants that cater exclusively to vegetarians:
1. 77 Veggie Boutique
This organic restaurant in JLT is both vegetarian and super healthy. It features dishes such as non-fried slimmer’s samosa, light tofu salad and vegan cocoa cake. Call 04-4224116.
2. Ottimo
Popular among the Indian crowd, this Bur Dubai spot does decadent, cheese-heavy pizzas, pastas and Mexican-influenced dishes. You definitely won’t miss meat at this place. Call 04-3885882.
3. Cream Centre
Right next door to Ottimo, this restaurant has a mix of Indian and Western dishes. Their sizzlers are fun to eat and delicious. 04-3547475
4. Wild & the Moon
This Al Quoz cafe is known for its smoothies and granola bars but also features meals such as lentil salad, avocado toast and a daily gluten-free focaccia. Call 04-3433392.
5. XVA Cafe
Tucked away in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, this cafe features Arabic-inspired vegetarian dishes (they do serve a few dishes with fish) such as grilled eggplant with feta cheese and beetroot kebab. Call 04-3535383.
Veggie options at non-veg restaurants
Good omnivore foodies don’t let their vegetarian friends feel left out, so here are some dining options for your next outing together.
Organic Foods & Cafe
Located in Al Quoz, The Greens and Business Bay, it’s easy to get your veggie fix. Try the pumpkin curry with brown rice and their pizzas.
1. Little Bangkok
Not only does this spot serve some of the best budget-friendly Thai food in the city, it has vegetarian variants for a large number of dishes including crispy spring rolls, penang curry and pad kaprow (vegetable stir fry with garlic and Thai basil). Call 8002264565.
2. Aroos Damascus
Amongst the mixed meat grills and shawarmas, they have some of the best vegan dishes in town — hummus, moutabel, zaater manakeesh, felafel — made fresh at this Deira staple that is open 24/7. Call 04-2219825.
3. Burger Fuel
This fast-food joint has exactly two veggie burgers (one can be made vegan on request), which is a lot more than other restaurants have to offer. Not only are they prepared separately from the meat burgers, they taste really good.
4. Freedom Pizza
We can’t end this list without mentioning a proper pizza joint. This spot offers more than one vegetarian option (a rarity) and a vegan cheese option. Also, their pizza dough is some of the best around.
