At sundown on the first Sunday of the month, the Muslim holy period of Ramadan kicked off and will continue until the evening of 4th June. Well-known for the fasting period, Ramadan is one of the holiest months for Muslims that commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad according to Islamic history.
The term Ramadan literally translates to scorching in Arabic. The idea behind 'fasting' is to emphasize on self-sacrifice and use the experience of hunger to grow in empathy with the hungry. Observing Muslims abstain from all food and even water from the crack of dawn until sunset, every day of this month. Not just this, Muslim communities around the world work together to raise money for the poor, donate clothes and food, and hold iftar dinners for the less fortunate for the complete period of Ramadan.
It is a month of giving, peace and introspection. Many Muslims across the world have started observing peace on their plate by shunning animal foods from their diet. While many others have adopted a plant-based diet for health reasons. Whatever the reason, owing to this "vegan iftar" is now a popular concept in Dubai and whether you are a Muslim or not, you can definitely try a sumptuous plant-based iftar during the month of Ramadan.
What is a vegan iftar? Iftar, the first main meal when Muslims come together as a community after breaking the fast, is usually a grand affair with large buffets. A vegan iftar is simply the meal after the call to prayer that those observing the fast eat and which includes no animal products including meat, fish, honey, and dairy.
So, whether you’re committed to a vegan diet, on the path to veganism, or just want a quick meal to break your fast on, I have rounded up some of the best vegan iftars in Dubai.
What to expect? Guests can explore a vegan version of lavish medleys of traditional Middle Eastern flavours in a five-course set menu that includes soup, salad, appetizer, main meal, and a dessert. Eat your way through the evening with handcrafted vegan kibbeh, fattet hummus (a favorite), tabbouleh twist and fattoush from the salads and starters, flavorful soups like butternut squash and lentil celery soup, and hearty mains including okra stew, stuffed baby marrow with vegan yogurt and finally no-sugar dairy-free desserts like raw carrot cake and chocolate chia mousse cake. Did I mention their vegan kunafah with matcha ice-cream is just amazing? Don't leave without trying this sumptuous dessert.
How much? Dhs 89 per person
When and where? Every evening during Ramadan at Lakeside, Cluster J, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).
What to expect? Guests will be able to get unlimited salads, starters and desserts, along with a choice of one main course and a live cooking station. The menu looks absolutely amazing, and you can expect dishes like vegan sushi, succulent kebabs, vegan burger, mango and tofu wrap for starters (total 11 options), kale tabbouleh and quinoa & red cabbage from the salad bar along with two more options. You get to choose one of the three dishes from the main course that includes tofu tikka masala and turmeric quinoa, and you can also create your own pasta from the live station.
Don't forget to save room for the vegan desserts. The expansive dessert menu has not just one, or two but 7 options along with assorted bread - and unlimited too at that. Think choco cheesecake, white brownie, apple raspberry cake, cassava cake and the traditional date rolls.
How much? Dhs 140 per person (you can get discount using Entertainer and Zomato Gold)
When and where? Upcoming ones are on the 16th, 23rd and 30th of May at Eat Well restaurant located inside Dubai Herbal And Treatment Centre in Zabeel.
What to expect? The iftar will start with a date medley, featuring natural water, dates stuffed with pistachio and a date with orange and pecan to break the fast. This will be followed by a “Fluid Replacement Course” consisting of soups, smoothies and nutritional drinks expertly crafted to break your fast in a healthy manner. The next course, and my favorite, will be a scrumptious salad buffet with items like pear and walnut salad, quinoa and roast vegetable, fresh fruits and more. The “Protein & Grains” course will feature vegan tzatziki, roasted tempeh with smoked barbecue sauce, jackfruit curry with millet and a host of side dishes. Finally, a delectable vegan dessert - refined sugar-free raw chocolate orange cake and fresh watermelon.
I am a big fan of Zendy, her food is not just a treat for the tummy but for the eyes too. And to that, everything is wholesome with no preservatives, junk or processed ingredients. Every item on the menu is prepared from scratch using the finest plant-based ingredients.
How much? Dhs99 for adults & Dhs49 for kids.
When and where? Sat May 25, 7pm at Rove Healthcare City, Oud Metha. Contact 04 561 9200 for bookings and details.
What to expect? You will experience a variety of ten dishes on a set-vegan menu with no strings attached on how much you can have. From their Asian-inspired menu indulge in savory dishes like teriyaki bowl, Japanese cucumber salad with ponzu dressing, soba noodle salad, pad thai with crispy tempeh along with yummy banana spring rolls & coconut to satisfy your sweet cravings. And for the Myocum style Australian fusion on 16th of May and 1st of June, you will be served a surprise vegan menu.
How much? Dhs110 per person, that excludes drink for which you have to pay separately. Everything else is included in the price.
When and where? On Saturdays, i.e. 18 May (Myocum Style), 25 May (Asian) & 1 June (Myocum Style) at Dar Wasl Mall, Al Safa.

Break your fast with a delicious contemporary Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu at veggie cafe Moreish located in Oud Metha. This charming vegetarian cafe with a super vegan-friendly menu is hosting a special vegan iftar on the last Saturday of this Ramadan, and its something you should not miss. I've already shared my review of this place in my Best Vegan Restaurants in Dubai guide earlier.
What to expect? They're very hush hush about the menu, but they promise it won't be the cliched salads and hummus that vegans are often served. Be prepared for an authentic Middle East feast set in a four-course menu.
How much? Dhs89 per person
When and where? On Saturday, 1st June at Shop 1, 8th Street, Behind Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai; 04 3961396
This holistic center with a yoga studio and a plant-based cafe is one of the best spots to break your fast. The center is nestled in a villa in Jumeirah, and the cafe is located at the backside with its own beautiful garden. The moment you will walk in, you will be transported to another world of calm and peace.
For this Ramadan, the cafe is hosting a special vegan iftar on the 16th May. However, if you missed this one, you can still plan your iftar at the cafe on any other day, during the holy month, and order from their a la carte menu.
What to expect? For the vegan iftar, they have an offering of a 4-course set menu made up of plant-based delicacies like watermelon gazpacho, lentil curry with spices and coconut milk for the first-course, earth beets for the second course, scrumptious pabellon with black beans for the third course and rice pudding ice cream, basbousa crumbles & rose tuile for the dessert. If you missed the vegan Iftar, don't worry as, during this month, the cafe has introduced Ramadan specials on the menu so you can have a special vegan iftar meal with your family and friends.
How much? It is the priciest vegan iftar on the list at Dhs 175 per person
When and where? Vegan iftar on the 16th May, while you can order from their a la carte menu every day from 11.30am-9pm. It is located at Street 27B, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road.
The brand new Thai bistro, located at Hilton JBR, recently introduced a vegan menu, which can be your perfect pick for Iftar.
What to expect? The cafe does not have a set vegan iftar menu, however, you can order a la carte from their special vegan menu. Their som tam corn, delish pineapple fried rice and green and jungle curries are a must-try. Other plant-based Thai specialties on the menu are satay tofu curry, okra fai daeng, and red curry lentil. No matter what you have, don't forget to finish off with classic Thai dessert - the sweet mango sticky rice.
How much? A starter, a main and a dessert from the a la carte menu, will set you off by ~Dhs135
When and where? Everyday at Hilton Hotel The Walk JBR
What to expect? From their four-course limited menu, you have the choice to pick one of the four starters, one soup or salad, one main course, one dessert, and one refresher. Choose from favorites like rice salad, summer spring rolls, quinoa falafel among the starters, pumpkin soup, tofu salad or crispy morning glory from their salad and soup selection, and for the main course you can pick from chili fried rice with tofu, pad thai, green curry, tofu-cashew nut, rainbow falafel bowl or wok-fried quinoa. Like Mango Tree Bistro, they also have the classic Thai mango sticky rice for dessert. Among the refresher take your pick from still water, rose lemonade or lemongrass iced tea.
How much? For Dhs85 per person
When and where? Every evening at all their locations - Tecom and Business Bay.
Tecom: Shop 4, Ground Floor, Two Towers, Barsha Heights, Dubai
Business Bay: Shop P-03, Plaza Level, Building 04, Bay Square, Business Bay
In addition to these, there are many other vegetarian vegan-friendly restaurants in Dubai, to have a hearty vegan iftar meal with your family and friends. Their a-la-carte vegan menu will leave you spoilt for choice. Get the list here.
The term Ramadan literally translates to scorching in Arabic. The idea behind 'fasting' is to emphasize on self-sacrifice and use the experience of hunger to grow in empathy with the hungry. Observing Muslims abstain from all food and even water from the crack of dawn until sunset, every day of this month. Not just this, Muslim communities around the world work together to raise money for the poor, donate clothes and food, and hold iftar dinners for the less fortunate for the complete period of Ramadan.
It is a month of giving, peace and introspection. Many Muslims across the world have started observing peace on their plate by shunning animal foods from their diet. While many others have adopted a plant-based diet for health reasons. Whatever the reason, owing to this "vegan iftar" is now a popular concept in Dubai and whether you are a Muslim or not, you can definitely try a sumptuous plant-based iftar during the month of Ramadan.
What is a vegan iftar? Iftar, the first main meal when Muslims come together as a community after breaking the fast, is usually a grand affair with large buffets. A vegan iftar is simply the meal after the call to prayer that those observing the fast eat and which includes no animal products including meat, fish, honey, and dairy.
So, whether you’re committed to a vegan diet, on the path to veganism, or just want a quick meal to break your fast on, I have rounded up some of the best vegan iftars in Dubai.
Little Erth by Nabz&G
This charming {almost vegan} cafe promises an evening of scrumptious Middle-Eastern style iftar with a healthy twist. Almost all items on their menu are vegan except a few that has salmon and fish. The owner duo Nabz and Ghalia have put together an exclusive five-course vegan iftar menu that also aims to bust the perception that healthy vegan food is boring. And they've successfully championed it!What to expect? Guests can explore a vegan version of lavish medleys of traditional Middle Eastern flavours in a five-course set menu that includes soup, salad, appetizer, main meal, and a dessert. Eat your way through the evening with handcrafted vegan kibbeh, fattet hummus (a favorite), tabbouleh twist and fattoush from the salads and starters, flavorful soups like butternut squash and lentil celery soup, and hearty mains including okra stew, stuffed baby marrow with vegan yogurt and finally no-sugar dairy-free desserts like raw carrot cake and chocolate chia mousse cake. Did I mention their vegan kunafah with matcha ice-cream is just amazing? Don't leave without trying this sumptuous dessert.
How much? Dhs 89 per person
When and where? Every evening during Ramadan at Lakeside, Cluster J, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).
Eat Well
Experience a delicious vegan iftar this year at city's well-known healthy restaurant located inside the Dubai Herbal And Treatment Centre every Thursday during Ramadan. Eat Well is offering a delightful healthy, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and plant-based four-course set menu that you cannot miss.What to expect? Guests will be able to get unlimited salads, starters and desserts, along with a choice of one main course and a live cooking station. The menu looks absolutely amazing, and you can expect dishes like vegan sushi, succulent kebabs, vegan burger, mango and tofu wrap for starters (total 11 options), kale tabbouleh and quinoa & red cabbage from the salad bar along with two more options. You get to choose one of the three dishes from the main course that includes tofu tikka masala and turmeric quinoa, and you can also create your own pasta from the live station.
Don't forget to save room for the vegan desserts. The expansive dessert menu has not just one, or two but 7 options along with assorted bread - and unlimited too at that. Think choco cheesecake, white brownie, apple raspberry cake, cassava cake and the traditional date rolls.
How much? Dhs 140 per person (you can get discount using Entertainer and Zomato Gold)
When and where? Upcoming ones are on the 16th, 23rd and 30th of May at Eat Well restaurant located inside Dubai Herbal And Treatment Centre in Zabeel.
Rove Healthcare City
The Rove Hotel in healthcare city hosts a vegan brunch on the first Saturday of each month, so its no surprise that they also have a special vegan iftar planned for this year's Ramadan. To be hosted on 25th May 2019, this one-off vegan iftar is the work of plant-based chef Zendy Marsam, who has put together a carefully curated sumptuous 5-course plant-based menu along with the Rove team.What to expect? The iftar will start with a date medley, featuring natural water, dates stuffed with pistachio and a date with orange and pecan to break the fast. This will be followed by a “Fluid Replacement Course” consisting of soups, smoothies and nutritional drinks expertly crafted to break your fast in a healthy manner. The next course, and my favorite, will be a scrumptious salad buffet with items like pear and walnut salad, quinoa and roast vegetable, fresh fruits and more. The “Protein & Grains” course will feature vegan tzatziki, roasted tempeh with smoked barbecue sauce, jackfruit curry with millet and a host of side dishes. Finally, a delectable vegan dessert - refined sugar-free raw chocolate orange cake and fresh watermelon.
I am a big fan of Zendy, her food is not just a treat for the tummy but for the eyes too. And to that, everything is wholesome with no preservatives, junk or processed ingredients. Every item on the menu is prepared from scratch using the finest plant-based ingredients.
How much? Dhs99 for adults & Dhs49 for kids.
When and where? Sat May 25, 7pm at Rove Healthcare City, Oud Metha. Contact 04 561 9200 for bookings and details.
Myocum Cafe
For a wholesome iftar that won't break your health, head to the Aussie inspired healthy cafe Myocum on Al Wasl. They are hosting four vegan iftars during Ramadan, featuring two different themes including the Asian-inspired vegan iftar menu, which steers away from the tradition; and that's why you must try it. What I love about this cafe is its ambiance that strikes just the right balance of laid-back and lively, and provides the perfect end to a day of fasting.
What to expect? You will experience a variety of ten dishes on a set-vegan menu with no strings attached on how much you can have. From their Asian-inspired menu indulge in savory dishes like teriyaki bowl, Japanese cucumber salad with ponzu dressing, soba noodle salad, pad thai with crispy tempeh along with yummy banana spring rolls & coconut to satisfy your sweet cravings. And for the Myocum style Australian fusion on 16th of May and 1st of June, you will be served a surprise vegan menu.
How much? Dhs110 per person, that excludes drink for which you have to pay separately. Everything else is included in the price.
When and where? On Saturdays, i.e. 18 May (Myocum Style), 25 May (Asian) & 1 June (Myocum Style) at Dar Wasl Mall, Al Safa.
Moreish

Break your fast with a delicious contemporary Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu at veggie cafe Moreish located in Oud Metha. This charming vegetarian cafe with a super vegan-friendly menu is hosting a special vegan iftar on the last Saturday of this Ramadan, and its something you should not miss. I've already shared my review of this place in my Best Vegan Restaurants in Dubai guide earlier.
What to expect? They're very hush hush about the menu, but they promise it won't be the cliched salads and hummus that vegans are often served. Be prepared for an authentic Middle East feast set in a four-course menu.
How much? Dhs89 per person
When and where? On Saturday, 1st June at Shop 1, 8th Street, Behind Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai; 04 3961396
Life N One

For this Ramadan, the cafe is hosting a special vegan iftar on the 16th May. However, if you missed this one, you can still plan your iftar at the cafe on any other day, during the holy month, and order from their a la carte menu.
What to expect? For the vegan iftar, they have an offering of a 4-course set menu made up of plant-based delicacies like watermelon gazpacho, lentil curry with spices and coconut milk for the first-course, earth beets for the second course, scrumptious pabellon with black beans for the third course and rice pudding ice cream, basbousa crumbles & rose tuile for the dessert. If you missed the vegan Iftar, don't worry as, during this month, the cafe has introduced Ramadan specials on the menu so you can have a special vegan iftar meal with your family and friends.
How much? It is the priciest vegan iftar on the list at Dhs 175 per person
When and where? Vegan iftar on the 16th May, while you can order from their a la carte menu every day from 11.30am-9pm. It is located at Street 27B, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road.
Mango Tree Thai Bistro
CourtesyThe brand new Thai bistro, located at Hilton JBR, recently introduced a vegan menu, which can be your perfect pick for Iftar.
What to expect? The cafe does not have a set vegan iftar menu, however, you can order a la carte from their special vegan menu. Their som tam corn, delish pineapple fried rice and green and jungle curries are a must-try. Other plant-based Thai specialties on the menu are satay tofu curry, okra fai daeng, and red curry lentil. No matter what you have, don't forget to finish off with classic Thai dessert - the sweet mango sticky rice.
How much? A starter, a main and a dessert from the a la carte menu, will set you off by ~Dhs135
When and where? Everyday at Hilton Hotel The Walk JBR
Fuschia
For this Ramadan, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to vegan Thai iftar. The newly opened Fuschia has launched a special vegan Ramadan menu for just Dhs85 per person and it is really worth trying.What to expect? From their four-course limited menu, you have the choice to pick one of the four starters, one soup or salad, one main course, one dessert, and one refresher. Choose from favorites like rice salad, summer spring rolls, quinoa falafel among the starters, pumpkin soup, tofu salad or crispy morning glory from their salad and soup selection, and for the main course you can pick from chili fried rice with tofu, pad thai, green curry, tofu-cashew nut, rainbow falafel bowl or wok-fried quinoa. Like Mango Tree Bistro, they also have the classic Thai mango sticky rice for dessert. Among the refresher take your pick from still water, rose lemonade or lemongrass iced tea.
How much? For Dhs85 per person
When and where? Every evening at all their locations - Tecom and Business Bay.
Tecom: Shop 4, Ground Floor, Two Towers, Barsha Heights, Dubai
Business Bay: Shop P-03, Plaza Level, Building 04, Bay Square, Business Bay
In addition to these, there are many other vegetarian vegan-friendly restaurants in Dubai, to have a hearty vegan iftar meal with your family and friends. Their a-la-carte vegan menu will leave you spoilt for choice. Get the list here.
No comments
Post a Comment
Leave your comments, would be happy to hear them!!!