Chickpea burgers, cauliflower pizza, vegan meatballs and more.
The New Year brings around a lot of promise but it also sees the arrival of Veganuary in Abu Dhabi.
Green and plant-based options take over our plates as we go on a gourmet adventure for the 31 days of the month and the capital has some mouthwatering vegan dishes that will win over even the most-staunch carnivore.
Here are some of the best places to experience Veganuary in Abu Dhabi.
Pizza di Rocco
Arguably the best pizza in Abu Dhabi according to the team members of Team Yalla, Pizza Di Rocco has one of the largest selections of vegan pizzas for your green friends to grab a slice. Tempt yourself to Vegan Funghi crafted with tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella, fresh mushroom, fresh basil and EVOO or spice up dinner time with the Beyond Baja, loaded with tomato sauce, Beyond Meat mince, vegan mozzarella, sundried tomato, sliced onion, sweetcorn, guacamole and chili flakes. To order visit Pizza Di Rocco
Café 302
This chic venue is asking you to pledge to the green with its purely vegan menu for the month of January. Highlights of Veganuary menu include Beyond Chicken Fajita Wrap and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup for starters, Cauliflower Steak with Arugula Pesto and Spaghetti and Vegan Meat Balls for mains and a sweet ending with Pumpkin Cheesecake. There is even a vegan drink to wash it all down with the Virgin Mulled Grape. For reservations, call 02 610 6688
Jones the Grocer
One of Abu Dhabi’s favourite places for a bite to eat, Jones the Grocer is as popular with vegans as it is with our capital’s carnivores. The Aussie café has released a new menu for January bursting with palate pleasing plant-based options alongside its Body and Soul magazine where you can read more about the scrumptious dishes and even replicate them in your own kitchen. But we have it on good authority that Mrs. Jones’ favourites bites are the Chocolate Fondant and the Vegan Sublime so that’s what we would plump for. For more information, visit Jones the Grocer
Beach House
Watching the sun go down over Saadiyat Beach from the comfort of the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi’s Beach House should be on every person’s bucket list when they come to the capital. For vegans, the charcoal grilled leeks with smoked almonds and sauce Romescu should be on your plate. For more information, visit Beach House
Alkalime
A gorgeous café on the beautiful Mamsha Al Saadiyat strip, Alkalime is worth the visit for its beautiful interiors alone. But the kitchen serves up some classic green dishes including the much beloved CauliPizza, the No Regret chocolate cake and Pecan Pie. Just remember to bring your phone fully charged as you will want to take some pictures for your Instagram. For more information, visit Alkalime
Nolu’s Restaurant
Combining the vibes of California with the tastes of a Kabul kitchen, this Abu Dhabi establishment is all about healthy Afghani eating with a modern twist. For vegans, the Nolu’s Salad of mixed greens, corn, beets, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers flaxseeds, hearts of palm, sugar snap peas, sunflower seeds tomatoes and pomegranate is the top dish. For more information, visit Nolu’s Restaurant
BLOOM Vegan Kitchen
If it isn’t green, it won’t be scene at Abu Dhabi’s only fully vegan restaurant. Only available for delivery, you can enjoy the tasty goodness of BLOOM’s dishes from the comfort of your own sofa with quinoa bowls, hummus veggie toast and mushroom burgers just some of the dishes you can sample. For more information, visit BLOOM Vegan Kitchen
Wild & The Moon
When it’s time to take a break from exploring Qasr Al Hosn and some of the wonderful exhibits at the Cultural Foundation – Experience Mars and Al Mujamma showcasings are Team Yalla’s recommendations – head to Wild & The Moon where you can enjoy vegan friendly, gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free fare in stylish surrounds. For more information, visit Wild & The Moon
Wagamama
A place where Team Yalla frequents when we need to refuel for lunch, Wagamama dishes out a fine array of plant-based options in which vegans can indulge. The Yasai Katsu Curry (pictured) contains sweet potato, aubergine and butternut squash coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, covered in an aromatic curry sauce served with sticky rice and a side salad and is the perfect pick-me up for the afternoon’s work schedule. For more information, visit Wagamama
Fa’e Café
A super trendy café on the Abu Dhabi Corniche that was Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life’s Hidden Gem for February, Fa’e Café has gone green with all minced meat dishes being replaced with plant-based substitutes. You can sample a juicy burger or a delicious bowl of vegan meatball pasta. For more information, visit Fa’e Café
The Raw Place
An arena of healthy living, The Raw Place believes in a lifestyle of staying strong on natural and organic foods which in turn, helps the body stay strong. Tuck into appetising bowls like Paleo, Acai, Peanut Butter Protein and more this Veganuary with the help of The Raw Place. For more information, visit The Raw Place
Salam Bombay
A place where you can discover the real taste of Mumbai, the Abu Dhabi institution can be found throughout the capital and is a popular spot for those looking for a vegan plate that is sprinkled with sumptuous sub-continental flavours. For more information, visit Salam Bombay
Brooklyn Creamery
Who said being vegan doesn’t mean you can’t be indulgent? Brooklyn Creamery stops any quivering from your sweet tooth with its range of moreish vegan ice cream. Help yourself to a scoop of chocolate and coconut, triple berry, French vanilla and bean or why not all three this Veganuary. For more information, visit Brooklyn Creamery
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