The gastronomy of the United Arab Emirates (Arabic) is very diverse and is inspired by neighboring countries. Here you can find everything from Persian and Levantine dishes to Indian and even European dishes.
Although much of the food in the UAE is meat-based, there are many plant-based dishes you can find! Here are 10 vegetarian dishes in the UAE, especially in Dubai.
Baleelat
This dish is a staple of Emirati cuisine and it is usually served for breakfast. It is inspired by the famous Indian noodle dishes, namely Sheer Khurma. The sweet vermicelli is seasoned with hints of cinnamon, rose water, cardamom, black pepper and other spices, then topped with a saffron tortilla. The result is a sweet, savory and crunchy vegetarian dish in Dubai that can be eaten for breakfast or as a dessert.
Dango
Not to be confused with the Japanese sticky rice of the same name. Dango is an easy snack/meal that is both vegan and vegetarian friendly. The simplicity comes from the fact that it's just chickpeas and spices. The beans are boiled overnight to reduce cooking time, then boiled again in oil (sometimes butter) and seasoned with cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Fattoush
Fattoush is a staple in many cuisines throughout the Middle East and much of the Mediterranean. Simply put, fattoush is a healthy vegetable salad with khubz (bread) and lemon dressing. For a hearty taste of the Middle East, try this vegan dish in Dubai!
Shirin Polo
If you're looking for vegetarian dishes in Dubai, Shirin Polo is the right choice. This dish is sometimes called Persian honeymoon rice or Rosh Hashanah rice. From Persian cuisine, this rice dish is said to represent jewels and kings, easily recognized by the luxurious ingredients. The seven Persian spices sugar, saffron and orange are used to flavor basmati rice. The "jewels" of the dish are barberry, black currant, carrot, golden raisin and pistachio.
Fatteh
Fatteh is another adaptation of Persian and Levantine cuisine, although it is quite popular in the UAE. The original recipe consists of three layers. At the bottom are pieces of bread, soaked, grilled, fresh, fried or stale. The bread is then topped with salted chickpeas. The final layer is a thick layer of flavorful yoghurt mixed with lemon, cumin, coriander and pine nuts.
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Knafeh
Sometimes called Knafeh Wie the Arab version of cheesecake, knafeh is a sweet cheese with a stronger flavor than pizza. This dish starts with a cake called kataifi, which looks like baklava but twisted to give it a sticky texture. The dough is then dipped in a sweet sauce and topped with lots of cheese for a delicious dessert, unless you're lactose intolerant.
Falafel
Falafel is not a separate dish, but another Middle Eastern dish that is central to the vegetarian side of the culture. It looks like a meatball, but it's more of a crunchy, flavorful mix of chickpeas, lima beans, or both. You can eat it with rice or vegetables and find it as a vegan option at gyro stalls in Dubai.
Kousa Mahshi
If you want something healthy yet light, you should definitely try Kousa Mahshi. Made from zucchini stuffed with rice, these snacks are consistently ranked among the best dishes in Dubai. After being stuffed with rice, the courgettes are cooked in a strong tomato broth until soft and piping hot. Be careful if you want to eat vegetarian in Dubai as they are sometimes filled with meat (so don't hesitate to ask).
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Mujaddara
Give a bite into the mujaddara and you will enjoy the comfort food that many Arabs grew up eating. Made with seasoned lentils and basmati rice, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for vegetarian options in the UAE. It is topped with onions and sometimes other vegetables. Just a note: It might be hard to find this dish because it's a very "homemade" dish. But if you find it, it's definitely a must-have vegan dish!
Luqaimat
Luqaimat is one of the most popular sweets in Dubai and in many other Arab countries. These sweet balls are made with butter, flour, milk, sugar, saffron and cardamom. They almost look like donut holes but with more flavor. But be careful! One, two or ten can never be enough...
By SSP