7 eateries where it’s Veganuary all year round

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.

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.

Just Vegan

One of the pioneers in Dubai’s plant-based dining scene, Just Vegan is rooted in making vegan food more affordable and accessible, translating into a menu that’s equally appealing to vegans and meat-eaters. Currently serving diners in Jumeirah Street, its menu spans the likes of artisanal burgers, hearty pasta dishes and gluten-free desserts that patrons rave about.

GO: Visit www.justveganme.com for more information.

Mylk Lab by Genki

This café and community space in Jumeirah may have come into prominence because of its beloved housemade nut ‘mylks’, but its menu boasts so much more: breakfast favourites like Buckwheat Crepes served all day long, Kimchi Bibimbap piled high with veggies, a plant-based take on kibbeh, and more baked vegan desserts than we can count (start with the Banoffee Pie, please). And because Mylk Lab is entirely gluten-free, everything on the menu is safe for those with celiac disease. Win-win.

GO: Follow @genkiuae on Instagram 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.