What Are the Best Vegan-Friendly Spots in Dubai?
- ankn40
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
If you're searching for the best vegan-friendly spots in Dubai, look no further. The city boasts a vibrant plant-based food scene with options that are as satisfying as they are nutritious. From laid-back cafés to fine-dining havens, Dubai caters to vegans with creativity and flavour. At the heart of it all is Wandr, a health-focused, plant-forward cafe in JLT that effortlessly combines wholesome ingredients with culinary flair. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just exploring healthier choices, Dubai's food landscape has something delicious in store for you.
Table of Contents
Top Vegan-Friendly Restaurant Spots in Dubai
Here’s a quick table highlighting some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Dubai:
Restaurant Name | Area | Type of Food | Notable Vegan Dishes |
JLT Cluster T | Healthy but delicious. All menu items are vegan by default | Miso-glazed tofu bowl, Artie's berries smoothie, matcha latte | |
Alserkal Avenue & DIFC | Organic, gluten-free | Vegan banana bread, spirulina smoothies | |
Jumeirah 1 | Holistic vegan | Ayurvedic bowls, chakra smoothies | |
Jumeirah 1 | French-inspired healthy food | Vegan burger, raw desserts | |
Jumeirah Beach | Fine dining vegan | King oyster mushroom tacos, cashew cheese pasta |
Why Dubai Is Becoming a Vegan Food Haven
Dubai’s culinary landscape is evolving rapidly, with veganism no longer being a niche trend. According to the Middle East Vegan society, as well as a report by Euromonitor International, the Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for plant-based diets. Factors such as increasing health awareness, sustainability consciousness, and diverse expat influence have contributed to this rise. In addition, platforms like Deliveroo and Talabat now feature entire sections dedicated to vegan meals, reflecting real-time demand shifts.
Spotlight: Wandr, A Plant-Forward Gem in JLT
Located in JLT Cluster T, Wandr is one of the top-rated plant-forward cafés in Dubai. Its philosophy revolves around making healthy food in JLT both accessible and exciting, with a strong lean toward vegan-friendly meals. They don’t just accommodate vegans—they celebrate them. Nearly every dish on the menu can be made vegan, and many are naturally so.
What Makes Wandr Stand Out?
Balanced meals made with whole ingredients
Vegan matcha lattes and energising smoothies
Dine-in, takeaway, and delivery via Talabat & Deliveroo
Cozy, modern ambience with lake views
📍 Pro Tip: Visit during lunch to enjoy their rotating plant-based bowls that often feature grains, legumes, fermented veggies, and rich sauces that feel indulgent but nourish deeply.
Hidden Vegan-Friendly Gems Across Dubai
While popular spots often get the spotlight, Dubai is full of lesser-known treasures serving high-quality vegan meals:
Just Vegan (Jumeirah & Marina): Fully vegan and globally inspired.
Soul Santé (Marina): Vegan protein pancakes and mac & cheese.
Bounty Beets (Al Sufouh): Plant-based breakfast and Instagrammable ambiance.
Planet Terra (The Greens): Zero-waste café with excellent vegan coffee options.
Healthy Food in JLT: Best Vegan Options Around the Lake
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) has quietly become one of the city’s healthiest neighborhoods, thanks to a mix of fitness studios, wellness spas, and of course, plant-forward eateries.
Besides Wandr, here are a few more vegan-friendly restaurants in JLT:
Circle Café – Great hummus bowls and vegan salad options
1762 Stripped – Several grab-and-go vegan wraps and lentil dishes
The Fit Food Kitchen – High-protein vegan smoothies and grain meals
JLT’s green walking tracks and lake views make it the perfect place for a mindful meal.
How Vegan Restaurants in Dubai Cater to Non-Vegans Too
An important note: Dubai’s best vegan-friendly restaurants don’t just serve vegans. “Most of our regulars aren’t strictly vegan,” says Dina Aziz, head chef at Wild & The Moon. “They just enjoy food that makes them feel good.”
This inclusivity is a major reason behind the success of places like Wandr and Wild & The Moon, where diners feel satisfied without labels or restrictions.
Things to Look for in a Great Vegan Restaurant
When choosing the best vegan restaurants in Dubai, here’s what to look for:
Clearly labelled menus with vegan symbols
Fresh, whole food ingredients (not just processed substitutes)
Customisable dishes
Dessert options without dairy or refined sugar
Sustainable packaging for deliveries
✅ Checklist: What Makes a Vegan Spot Great?
🌿 Whole-food-based meals
🍰 Vegan dessert options
🌱 Organic ingredients
🚚 Sustainable delivery
🧾 Transparent menu labelling
Real-Life Review: A Customer’s Experience at Wandr
From Wandr’s Google Reviews, one visitor writes:
“Found this gem while wandering around. Huge vegan portions and everything tastes amazing. I had a bowl and a smoothie, both were super fresh and full of flavor. Plus, there’s a lovely view of JLT, which makes it even better. Loved it!” - D
Final Thoughts: Where to Go Next
Dubai’s vegan scene is vibrant, expanding, and inclusive. Whether you're exploring healthy food in Dubai for the first time or you're a seasoned herbivore, spots like Wandr prove that nutritious can also mean delicious. Ready to explore more? Check out Wandr’s menu, swing by their JLT café, or get their food delivered through all the apps.