The rise of Veganuary—the concept saw over 500,000 participants in 2021—has inspired restaurants across Dubai to come up with special menus, promotions, and dishes throughout the entirely meat-free month. In fact, it has resulted in the Middle East’s first-ever Vegan Food Festival.
The Vegan Food Festival is being hosted by Expo 2020 Dubai from January 14-30 as a way to shed light on sustainable eating and prove that vegan food goes way beyond just tofu and tempeh.
“The showcase will be bringing never-before-seen restaurants—including London’s Asian-inspired Holy Carrot and Brighton’s carbon-free Erpingham House—and putting the spotlight on local eateries too,” the festival explained in a statement. “The festival is not just focusing on food either and will have everything from ethical spas and an eco-marketplace with sustainable products, to talks by notable personalities and a line-up of DJs.”
The ten-day pop-up event will take place all across the Expo 2020 Dubai, from the Sustainability District to the Alkebulan African Dining Hall, where guests will find everything from Sticky No Chicken Bites to Red Green Red (a moreish take on black-eyed peas).
New vegan additions have also been added to the menus of Long Chim, Kutir, Mangrove Philippines Cuisine and The Local Aussie Grill among others. Celebrity Chef Matthew Kenney will also be serving vegan-friendly drinks and meals on the go throughout the event.
Veganuary has also influenced other hot spots in the city: Dubai locals and visitors can check out the new plant-based and sustainable offerings at the Atlantis, The Palm, where the brand is committed to sustainability by working with local farmers and native ingredients to cut down on their carbon footprint. The resort’s eateries are packed with over forty creative vegan offerings that are sure to satisfy plant-based eaters and curious omnivores alike.