Hello and happy Friday!

I was in Dubai recently for a relaxing beach holiday with my sister. We had an amazing time soaking up the sun and stunning views, exploring some of Downtown Dubai and eating good food. It’s an incredible place and I’d love to go back again to discover more!

While we spent most of the time at the beach, enjoying the warmth and working on our tan (a wishful endeavor in my case – still pale), I do have a few recommendations I’d like to share with you.

Fairmont the Palm

First off, the hotel we stayed at was truly amazing. Fairmont the Palm is perfectly situated on the stem of the Palm Jumeirah, providing incredible views of the city. In terms of the food I honestly wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’d inquired ahead of time about vegan options and had been assured that wouldn’t be a problem. And indeed, I was spoiled for choice at the Flow Kitchen buffet – from the creamiest hummus, moutabel (eggplant dip) and my favorite ‘burghul bi banadoura‘ (tomato bulgur) to cold soba noodle salad, veggie sushi, fresh and cooked vegetables, sweet potato mash and tofu curry, there were all kinds of wonderful things. Most of our meals were at the hotel, but we never got tired of them, as there were always new options alongside some yummy staples (hummus all day every day 😉 ). Breakfast left me with slightly less choice than my sister, but the choice I did have was delicious. I always went for the same: fresh fruit with amazing homemade granola topped with berry compote, nuts and soy milk. (I’d sometimes have some whole wheat toast and jam after). The only caveat is that vegan options are not specifically labeled, but, for me, there were enough obviously plant-based dishes so that I didn’t have to inquire about everything.

The hotel also has other places to eat, our favorite being Little Miss India – an Indian (no surprise there) restaurant with a wonderfully eclectic feel to it. The staff immediately asked about intolerances/special dietary requirements, and were quick to help me find dairy-free options. Both times there I went for turmeric & ginger cauliflower with saffron rice, which I’d have again and again! Absolutely incredible flavor.

Common Grounds

This cute little place in the Mall of the Emirates has lots of lovely options – not all vegan, but they do have really nice breakfast things (including buckwheat pancakes), as well as an all-day açai bowl and lattes – my kind of place 😉 It also feels quite relaxed and bright.

Super Natural Kitchen

We almost didn’t find this place, as it wasn’t listed in the Dubai Mall directory – but that’s only because it’s located in the Galleries Lafayette (2nd floor). This little raw vegan place is an absolute gem! Just looking at the menu filled me with joy.  I went for the banana pancakes, açai bowl and matcha frappe – all of which I totally recommend! The only thing I didn’t quite like was the açai bowl topping (basically just a lot of pistachios and other nuts, versus granola). Definitely one not to miss in my opinion!

That’s it for this trip – I’d love to go back someday and try more of what Dubai has to offer!

Have a great weekend 🙂