January means Veganuary, a whole month dedicated to plant-based eating.
Since launching in 2014, the Veganuary movement has encouraged more than one million people across 192 countries to try a vegan diet during January and beyond. So, whether you’re sticking to New Year’s resolutions or simply switching things up, here’s where to take part in Dubai this month.
Above Eleven
Above Eleven is marking Veganuary with a limited-time Nikkei set menu that highlights the versatility of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine through an entirely plant-based line-up. The menu begins with Otoshi, featuring sweet potato tempura topped with beetroot tartare, followed by King Oyster Mushroom Nigiri with spring onion and wasabi. Citrus-led plates include a palm heart tiradito with avocado and lime, as well as a ceviche of pickled mushrooms with asparagus and chia seeds. For heartier bites, expect Arroz with jasmine rice, fried plantain, red capsicum, king oyster mushrooms and curcuma, plus Josper-grilled miso-glazed cauliflower served with celeriac, leeks, quinoa and edamame. Dessert is Tapioca with coconut cream, mango and avocado ice cream. Available throughout January. AED 299 per person.
GO: Call 04 666 1420 for more information.
Akira Back Dubai
Akira Back Dubai is marking Veganuary with a dedicated vegan menu, available from 1 to 31 January. Created by Chef de Cuisine Giovanni Ledon, the offering reinterprets Chef Akira Back’s signature Japanese-Korean flavours through a plant-based lens, balancing creativity with bold, umami-led combinations. Highlights include the AB Eringi Pizza topped with vegan umami aioli and white truffle oil, Watermelon Tataki served with leche de tigre and lotus crisps, and Not Tuna Tataki featuring marinated tomatoes with mustard su-miso and pickled wasabi. Dessert comes in the form of the Spice Souq cake with cashew cream and strawberry sorbet, or a molten Vegan Chocolate Lava Cake served with hojicha ice cream.
GO: Visit www.akirabackdubai.com for more information.
Avatara
Dubai’s first and only MICHELIN-starred vegetarian fine dining restaurant invites diners to explore the transformative power of food with an Ayurveda-inspired vegan tasting menu. Thoughtfully paired with a curated selection of 100% vegan wines, the experience blends ancient wisdom with modern culinary artistry, taking cues from the six rasas (tastes) at the heart of Ayurvedic philosophy. Highlights include Kadalika (raw banana varuval, coconut moilee and curry leaf sorbet), Kalingam (grilled watermelon, stone fruit pickle and tomato water) and Panasa (spiced jackfruit, idiyappam and chestnut). Available daily from 6pm to 11:30pm. AED 750 per person (food only).
GO: Visit avatara.ae for more information.
Bull & Bear
Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria DIFC invites you to embrace Veganuary in Dubai with a tempting tasting menu. Known for its culinary creativity, the restaurant unveils a vegan lunch menu that celebrates sustainability through innovative, plant-forward dishes crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients. Highlights include the Courgette and Cucumber Salad with Charred Asparagus, followed by satisfying mains like Roasted Pumpkin Risotto with Sage Crema and Mushroom Jus. Save room for dessert, featuring highlights such as a Tofu Crémeux topped with Madagascan vanilla gelée and berries. Available Monday to Friday from 12:30pm to 4pm. AED 125 (two courses) or AED 155 (three courses)
GO: Visit www.bullandbeardifc.com for more information.
