Dubai, UAE: As the global Veganuary movement gains momentum, Dubai’s premier hotels and independent eateries are redefining what it means to eat and live consciously by introducing plant-based nutrition, and even vegan-friendly spa retreats.
Michelin-Recognized Mastery: Akira Back’s Gourmet Take on Veganuary
This January, Akira Back at W Dubai, The Palm invites guests to experience a refined plant-based perspective on its award-winning Japanese-Korean fusion. Recognized by the Michelin Guide Dubai, the venue is celebrating Veganuary with a specially curated menu by Chef de Cuisine Giovanni Ledon. Available daily from 7 PM to 11 PM throughout the month, the menu features creative standouts such as the AB Eringi Pizza with white truffle oil, Watermelon Tataki with leche de tigre, and a rich Eringii “Scallop” Risotto crafted with pearl barley and salsa verde. For a sweet finale, diners can indulge in a Vegan Chocolate Lava Cake paired with hojicha ice cream, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Dubai skyline.
Uptown Social: The JLT Community Hub
Located in the iconic Uptown Tower, Uptown Social serves as a high-energy, plant-based destination for a morning fuel-up. For Veganuary 2026, the venue is offering an enticing incentive where guests who buy any vegan dish can enjoy a complimentary hot or cold beverage. The signature Vegan Big Breakfast, priced at AED 69, is a comprehensive morning meal featuring tofu, avocado, roasted baby potatoes, and sourdough. For those with a sweet tooth, the Oat & Banana Pancakes and the vibrant Açai Bowl provide lighter, fruit-forward alternatives. The café operates daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
99 Sushi Restaurant & Bar: Luxury in Every Bite
For those seeking a more decadent Veganuary, 99 Sushi with locations at Address Downtown and Al Maryah Island proves that plant-based dining can be truly opulent. The must-order dish this season is the Vegan Golden Bricks Maki, priced at AED 60, which combines crispy rice, creamy avocado, and fresh tomato, all finished with delicate 24k gold leaves. This venue offers a high-end Japanese experience that pairs sophisticated flavours with world-class urban views.
Media One Hotel: A District of Diversity
Dubai Media City’s favourite social hub, Media One, offers a diverse range of plant-based options across its multiple venues. At Ciao Bella, guests can enjoy the Panzanella for AED 55, a classic Italian medley of heirloom tomatoes and olives. For those craving comfort food, Garden on 8 serves a hearty Vegan Curry for AED 78, packed with cauliflower and green peas. Coco Lounge provides an ideal poolside option with its Plant-based Burrito featuring soy-marinated tofu and mango, while Qwerty offers a sophisticated Vegan Salad Bowl that blends sweet potato purée with pickled beetroot and sesame dressing.
Holistic Wellness: Waldorf Astoria Spa DIFC
Waldorf Astoria DIFC is embracing a holistic start to the New Year with a dedicated wellness package that blends high-end gastronomy with restorative spa treatments. At Bull & Bear, guests can enjoy a Veganuary-inspired business lunch priced from 125 AED, featuring nutrient-dense dishes like Lion’s Mane mushroom steak and pumpkin risotto, all enhanced by herbs from the restaurant’s in-house hydroponic grow-room. To complete the rejuvenation journey, the hotel offers a 900 AED weekday wellness retreat, comprising a 60-minute stress-relief massage, a 30-minute flotation pod session, and full access to the gym and rooftop pool facilities.
Sarood Hospitality: The Neighborhood Favourites
Spanning across the city’s most scenic districts, Sarood Hospitality’s venues offer reliable, high-quality plant-based comfort. Hillhouse Brasserie in Dubai Hills is the ultimate destination for a Sunday family lunch, particularly famous for its Vegan & Beyond Weekend Roast. Along the waterways of Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Trattoria reimagines Italian classics with vegan mains starting from AED 55. For everyday dining, The Noodle House serves as a city-wide staple for Asian-inspired vegan mains, while The Duck Hook provides a traditional pub atmosphere with hearty plant-based takes on beloved British staples.
Avatara Elevates Veganuary with Vegetarian Fine Dining
As Dubai’s first and only Michelin-starred vegetarian fine-dining destination, Avatara at Dubai Hills Estate offers an uncompromising approach to Veganuary. Under the precision of Head Chef Omkar Walve, the restaurant showcases technique-driven Indian cuisine that highlights natural seasonal produce rather than substitutes. Throughout January, guests can embark on a refined culinary journey featuring standout creations like Wasabi Greens with pickled daikon, Jackfruit with kaffir curry, and Raw Banana Varuval with curry leaf sorbet. Whether opting for the curated Lunch Menu (AED 540) on weekends or the signature Experience Menu (AED 750) for dinner, Avatara provides a sophisticated narrative that redefines the depth and luxury of plant-based dining.
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