Skip to Content

Best Places To Eat Vegan Food In Abu Dhabi 2024

As the token vegan on the Secret Abu Dhabi team, it was only right to pull together some of the best places to find vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

Originally from the UK, where the options are endless, it did take a little while to find some firm favourite vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

Eating out in Abu Dhabi as a vegan is not always straightforward. In some places, staff still do not understand the concept of veganism and often confuse it with vegetarianism.

Another thing to note about Abu Dhabi is fresh produce has a very short life, from my experience. When buying fruit and vegetables in Abu Dhabi, they need to be used up quickly before they go bad.

It is probably, for this reason takeout delivery is so incredibly popular, no matter what day of the week it is! Not to mention it is sometimes more affordable to have takeout rather than buy groceries.

On the whole, eating takeout a lot is probably not the most healthy option. However, there has been a sharp rise in health-conscious restaurants on Deliveroo and Talabat. From KCAL to vegan-specific restaurants, the options are endless.

When dining out, some restaurants take dietary requirements very seriously, whilst others do not understand!

However, Abu Dhabi is a diverse and cosmopolitan city with an improving vegan food scene. In fact, this year, I noticed a number of establishments running Veganuary deals which were amazing to see!

Similarly, I’ve noticed fresh local produce at pop-up weekend markets. There is most certainly a growing interest and focus on producing food locally.

From vegan cafes to local delicacies and vegan meal plans, there are plenty of options to find delicious vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

We all know veganism is not always healthy! So whether you are looking for a juicy vegan burger, pancakes or a delicious green salad, we have all the basis covered!

Vegan Restaurant In Abu Dhabi

Bloom Vegan Kitchen

Bloom Vegan Kitchen is a fully vegan restaurant in Abu Dhabi for take-out only and is a favourite with vegan residents of the UAE, including Dubai.

The take-out restaurant offers a range of vegan dishes, from starters to desserts. It has a diverse menu, with a mix of Middle Eastern and international cuisine. Some dishes could most certainly be described as comfort food.

For starters, they have options such as spinach and artichoke dip served with pita bread. Another popular dish is vegan-loaded nachos.

The vegan mezze platter is another popular choice. It includes a selection of Middle Eastern dips, such as hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara. My personal favourite is the braised tofu skewers.

For mains, there is a variety of dishes to choose from, including vegan burgers as well as vegan tacos.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

The vegan chicken nuggets are a must-try, as they are made from seitan. It’s a protein-rich meat alternative made from wheat gluten which is very realistic when it comes to texture and taste.

Not to mention a vegan steak option made from seitan. Served with mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables, it is a hearty meal, to say the least.

However, the vegan classic chicken is something I order time and time again! It’s a creamy vegan chicken and mushroom dish served with mashed potato and a side salad.

In addition to its main courses, Bloom Vegan Kitchen offers a range of vegan desserts.

The vegan chocolate cake is delicious, as well as the vegan cheesecake, made with cashews and served with a fruit compote. The chocolate mousse is my personal favourite.

Overall, Bloom Vegan Kitchen is a great option for vegans looking for tasty vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

Delivering to: Abu Dhabi city

Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Contact Details: Phone: +971 56 644 4664

Email: bloomvegankitchen@gmail.com

Instagram: @bloomvegankitchen

Cafe 302

Cafe 302 is a trendy cafe located in the Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana hotel in Abu Dhabi. While they are not a fully vegan restaurant, they do offer a range of vegan dishes.

Cafe 302 offers a vegan breakfast platter including avocado toast, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomato, and roasted potatoes.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

A healthier option is an acai bowl made with blended acai berries, bananas, and coconut milk. Topped with granola, fresh fruit, and coconut flakes, it’s super healthy and filling.

For lunch and dinner, Cafe 302 has several vegan options available. The vegan burger is made with a Beyond meat patty and served with sweet potato fries.

vegan food in abu dhabi
Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

Whilst the vegan mushroom risotto made with arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and truffle oil is another customer favourite.

The vegan avocado and quinoa salad, made with mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes and a citrus vinaigrette, is super tasty.

The cafe has a range of vegan snacks and sides, such as vegan lentil soup, vegan hummus platter, and vegan berry smoothie.

Cafe 302 has previously had a completely vegan brunch. Learn more about the Abu Dhabi brunch scene here.

Location: Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana Fatima Bint Mubarak St. Abu Dhabi, UAE

Opening Hours: Daily: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Contacts: Phone: +971 2 610 6666

Email: cafe302.almaha@rotana.com

Soil Cafe

Soil Cafe is a small eatery located in Al Seef Village Mall in Abu Dhabi. It looks like a fast food option, and the cafe is not super fancy since it is more like a small organic grocery store, but the food is great.

The restaurant prides itself on a healthy menu inclusive of many vegan dishes.

From savoury wraps and buns to indulgent desserts and snacks, there are quite a few vegan options.

The spicy tofu wrap is a popular option, featuring marinated tofu, avocado, lettuce, and spicy mayo. Another option is a falafel wrap made with homemade falafel balls, hummus, and mixed greens.

However, my personal favourite is most certainly the vegan mushroom and cheese melt, it is so delicious.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

Soil Cafe offers an array of vegan desserts, such as sticky date pudding, a moist and delicious cake made with dates and topped with a sweet caramel sauce. Not to mention vegan brownies, energy balls, and banana bread.

The freshly-squeezed juices are divine, my personal favourite is the beetroot and ginger juice!

Soil Cafe is the perfect choice for healthy and delicious vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

Location: Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours: 10 AM -10 PM daily

Contacts: +971 2 622 2219

Instagram: @soilcafeuae

Leens

Leen’s Restaurant is a popular eatery located in the World Trade Center (WTC) Mall in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant serves a variety of Middle Eastern and international cuisine and has a good selection of vegan options.

Leen’s appetizers include the classic Middle Eastern dish, hummus with pita bread. As well as stuffed vine leaves, or dolma, which is filled with rice, herbs, and spices.

For vegan mains should it be lunch or dinner, Leen’s Restaurant has a few options to choose from.

One of the most popular is the falafel plate, which comes with six pieces of crispy falafel, a side of hummus, salad, and pita bread.

vegan food in abu dhabi
Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

The vegan mixed grill includes grilled vegetables, tofu, and seitan.

Leen’s Restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian dishes that can be modified to be vegan upon request.

For example, on the kids’ menu, they can make the pancakes vegan and are always very happy to make an alteration.

Leen’s Restaurant has a casual and welcoming dining atmosphere and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. We love it for a lazy weekend breakfast.

Location: Leen’s Restaurant, World Trade Center Mall, Level 3, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Opening Hours: Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Thursday and Friday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Contact: +971 2 626 2131

Paul’s French Bakery

Paul is a French bakery and cafe with several locations in Abu Dhabi. While the bakery is known for its delicious pastries and bread, it has several vegan options on the menu.

One of the most popular vegan options at Pauls is the vegan falafel wrap or the vegan burger.

For breakfast, Pauls offers a vegan acai bowl. The bowl is made with a blend of frozen acai berries, bananas, and other fruits and is topped with granola, sliced banana, and berries.

In addition to the vegan options, Pauls offers a variety of fresh juices and smoothies made with all-natural ingredients.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

The vegan smoothies include options like the green detox, made with spinach, kale, cucumber, and apple, and the berry burst, made with a blend of berries, banana, and almond milk.

Overall, Pauls is a great option for vegans looking for delicious and healthy vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

They have a loyalty card programme which is good for discounts since they are not on The Entertainer.

Paul Bakery has several locations in Abu Dhabi, including:

Al Muneera Beach Plaza, Abu Dhabi

Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi

Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi

The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi

The opening hours may vary depending on the location, but generally, the stores are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The Market

The Market at The Edition is a healthy restaurant based inside The Edition Hotel. They offer a wide range of vegan food options for healthy and delicious plant-based meals.

From the vegan breakfast option, including chia porridge and fresh fruit with berries to avocado toast, there is plenty to choose from.

vegan food in abu dhabi
Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

For either lunch or dinner, enjoy a ‘skinny’ burger option such as the green earth burger or the roasted cauliflower with a cashew nut cream and pomegranate.

The Market at The Edition is a fantastic place during Ramadan for Iftar perfectly located close to three nearby mosques.

Location: The Market at The Edition Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Opening Hours:

Sunday to Thursday: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Friday and Saturday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Contacts: +971 2 208 0000

Nolus

Nolu’s is a popular restaurant in Abu Dhabi serving a variety of healthy and delicious food options, including many vegan dishes.

The owners mum was Afghani and also has Californian roots, which are reflected in the flavours of the menu.

The focus is on fresh ingredients and bold flavours. In particular, there is a spicy Afghani chutney that can be added to the side of savoury dishes served and it is also on sale to take home!

The vegan-friendly breakfast dishes include the vegan omelette, which is made with chickpea flour and filled with fresh vegetables.

vegan food in abu dhabi
Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

Another popular option is avocado toast, which includes tomato and a drizzle of olive oil.

However, the Nolus fowl is a must-try! It’s a typical Middle Eastern dish which is quite hearty with beans, chickpeas, garlic and tomato based. It’s perfectly enjoyed with fresh crusty bread. It looks similar to shakshuka.

For lunch and dinner, Nolu’s offers a variety of vegan salads, sandwiches, and entrees. The vegan quinoa salad is a customer favourite, featuring a mix of chickpeas and roasted vegetables with a tangy lemon dressing.

Overall, Nolu’s is a great option for vegans looking for healthy and delicious vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

Locations: Al Bandar, Galleria Mall and Al Muntazah

Wild And The Moon

Wild and The Moon is a vegan cafe offering a wide range of plant-based food and drinks. They focus on using fresh, organic, and natural ingredients in the dishes served.

The menu features a variety of options, including smoothie bowls, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods.

One of the most popular dishes is the buddha bowl, which is a hearty and filling meal made with quinoa, roasted vegetables, hummus, and a variety of other toppings.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

In addition to the food menu, Wild and The Moon also offers a range of vegan and organic skincare products and other eco-friendly products.

Location: Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation Centre, Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 9 PM

Thursday to Saturday: 9 AM -10 PM

Contacts: +971 50 545 4130

Brunch and Cake

Brunch and Cake in Abu Dhabi offers a range of vegan options. One of the most popular is the vegan avo smash on multigrain bread served with mixed greens and roasted cherry tomatoes.

Another popular option is the vegan poke bowl, which is made with quinoa, mixed greens, marinated tofu, avocado, edamame, and ginger dressing.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

For those with a sweet tooth, try the vegan carrot cake topped with a creamy vegan frosting.

They also have vegan smoothies, like the green machine, made with kale, spinach, banana, and almond milk. Not to mention the berry blast made with mixed berries and coconut water.

Brunch and Cake have a stunning interior similar to a glass conservatory filled with tall plants and luxurious furnishings. Not to mention a flower shop at the front of the store with pretty arrangements.

The cafe tends to attract trendy young Emiratis who love to take photos of some of the most instagrammable dishes in town.

Location: Marsa, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi

Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Thursday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Contacts: +971 2 666 9792

Vegan Local Delicacies

Vegans visiting Abu Dhabi might be wondering what local dishes to try and will be happy to know there are quite a few!

Fortunately, there are several local dishes naturally vegan and packed with healthy ingredients.

One popular dish is Mujaddara, which is a rice and lentil dish seasoned with cumin and served with caramelized onions. It’s high in protein and fibre, making it a filling and nutritious meal.

Another popular dish is Fattoush, a salad made with chopped vegetables, herbs, and toasted bread. Fattoush is a personal favourite and is widely available pretty much on every menu.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

It’s typically dressed with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac, which provides a tangy flavour. Fattoush is delicious with hummus and fresh Arabic bread.

Another vegan local dish is baba ganoush, which is a dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, and lemon juice. It’s a healthy and flavorful alternative to hummus and can be served with pita bread or raw vegetables.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

Another dip to try is muhammara, a spicy red pepper dip made with walnuts, bread crumbs, and pomegranate molasses. It’s high in healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any vegan meal.

For a heartier meal, try stuffed grape leaves, also known as dolma. It’s a dish stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.

It’s typically served with a side of yoghurt sauce, so request it to be served vegan without the yoghurt.

For something a little sweeter, one such dish is the balaleet, a traditional Emirati breakfast dish made from vermicelli noodles, saffron, and cardamom. It is usually sweetened with date syrup, nuts and raisins.

Another popular sweet treat is the luqaimat, deep-fried dough balls, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are often served drizzled with date syrup or sweetened condensed milk, but can be made vegan by omitting the toppings.

Lastly, don’t forget to try the local date varieties, such as the khidri and the ajwa, which are not only a great source of natural sweetness but also rich in fibre and nutrients.

The vegan-friendly treats are widely available in local markets and supermarkets throughout Abu Dhabi.

Overall, there are several vegan local dishes in Abu Dhabi that are can be healthy or naughty and delicious.

Grocery Stores With Vegan Products

Waitrose is one of the most popular grocery stores in Abu Dhabi, as it offers a wide range of vegan-friendly products.

The range is extensive, including plant-based milk, yoghurts, cheese, meat alternatives, tofu, tempeh, seitan, vegan desserts, and snacks.

Not to mention vegan staples, such as grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Not to mention condiments like vegan mayonnaise and dressings, as well as vegan-friendly chocolates and sweets.

Vegan food in Abu Dhabi

In addition to Waitrose, there are other grocery stores in Abu Dhabi with vegan products.

Carrefour, Spinneys, and Lulu Hypermarket do not have as much variety as Waitrose. However, there are plant-based milk, occasionally vegan cheese, vegan meat alternatives, and vegan desserts.

There are a few health food stores specialising in vegan and vegetarian products.

Organic Foods and Cafes offer a range of organic and vegan products, including plant-based milk, vegan cheese, meat alternatives, and vegan desserts.

Other health food stores include The Superfood Grocer, The Raw Place, and Holland & Barrett.

Vegan Takeaway

Deliveroo and Talabat are two of the most popular platforms when it comes to takeout. There are plenty of both healthy and naughty options for vegans.

Just Salad: On offer is vegan caesar salad and Mediterranean salad. Not to mention vegan dressings and toppings like chickpeas, avocado, and roasted vegetables.

The Clean Living Company: Offers a variety of vegan meals, including salads, wraps, and bowls.

The Raw Place: A plant-based cafe offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, and bowls.

The Daily Kitchen: A health-focused cafe offering a variety of vegan dishes, including salads, bowls, and wraps.

Manoushe Street: A Lebanese street food restaurant offering vegan options like the Zaatar Mamnoushe and falafel wrap.

Carluccio’s: An Italian restaurant offering vegan pasta dishes, salads, and sides.

It’s important to keep in mind while many restaurants offer healthy vegan options, it’s always a good idea to check the nutrition information and ingredients list before ordering.

Vegan Meal Plans In Abu Dhabi

Another option for healthy vegan food in Abu Dhabi is a meal plan. There are a number of vegan meal plan options to maintain a healthy plant-based diet:

Right Bite

Right Bite vegan meal plan includes three meals and two snacks per day. The meals are designed to be balanced and nutrient-rich.

Right Bite offers a variety of dishes, from vegan burgers to roasted vegetable quinoa bowls.

Detox Delight

Detox Delight offers a variety of plant-based meal plans and includes a range of dishes such as vegan sushi rolls, quinoa and vegetable salads, and vegan curries.

Fuel-Up by Kcal

Fuel-Up by Kcal offers a range of meal plans, including a vegan option. The vegan meal plan includes three meals and two snacks per day and is designed to be high in protein and low in carbs.

The menu includes a range of vegan dishes, from tofu scrambles to lentil and vegetable stews.

Raw by Nolu’s

Raw by Nolu’s is a raw vegan meal delivery service offering a range of plant-based meal plans. As mentioned above, they also have restaurants across Abu Dhabi.

The meal plans include a variety of raw vegan dishes, such as raw pad thai, raw lasagna, and raw chocolate mousse.

Essentially

Essentially is a meal delivery service offering a variety of healthy meal plans, including a vegan option.

The vegan meal plan includes three meals and two snacks per day and has dishes such as vegan black bean chilli, lentil and vegetable soup, and roasted vegetable bowls.

Overall, there are a number of restaurants, takeaways, grocery stores and meal plans available with delicious vegan food in Abu Dhabi.

Whilst some restaurants understand the concept of veganism, there is still quite a few who don’t!

You may also like:

Best sushi in Abu Dhabi

The best Italian in Abu Dhabi

Delicious pizza in Abu Dhabi

Shawarma in Abu Dhabi

Great Turkish food in Abu Dhabi

Scrumptious Thai food in Abu Dhabi

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, by using them, it will not cost you any extra. We will receive a small commission to keep us writing.