Once upon a time Veganuary used to be regarded as a niche, even arguably boring, challenge primarily embraced by a small community of plant-based eaters. Fast forward to 2025, and movement has completely transformed. What was once seen as plain and restrictive is now an exciting commitment taken on by millions – 25 million to be precise – worldwide.
From kitchens to restaurants, plant-based eating has slowly but surely been taking center stage, and trust us, it’s far from boring. In fact, Veganuary has now gained major traction in fine dining, with top-tier restaurants around the globe, including in the UAE, offering vibrant plant-based menus.
Thankfully the stigma around veganism is fading, and in its place is a world of dishes that cater to food lovers of all kinds. Here are some of our top picks to enjoy haute-cuisine for Veganuary 2025.
SUSHISAMBA
This month SUSHISAMBA Dubai is offering a vegan menu that is as vibrant as it’s atmosphere. Start with exciting entrées like smoky shishito peppers or tangy guacamole with crispy corn tortillas. For a true taste of Peru, try the Peruvian Corn Salad or the zesty Tofu Seviche, marinated in sweet potato leche de tigre. On the grill side, the smoky Eggplant Anticuchos and Grilled Palm Heart with yuzu kosho dressing are must-tries. Sushi – fish and plant – lovers will fall for the SAMBAZONIA rolls with piquillo peppers and palm heart leche de tigre.
Finish off with desserts like the Coconut Tapioca Panna Cotta, topped with mango compote, or the playful Samba Pops with chicha morada sorbet and crispy raspberry. Veganuary has never tasted this good, and as it’s SUSHISAMBA – you know you can come for the plants, stay for the party!
Available from January 9th. @sushisambadubai
Attiko
This January, ATTIKO Dubai is serving up a special vegan set dinner menu to kickstart your year . Begin with refreshing appetisers like the Asian Caesar Salad, featuring pomegranate, lotus root, and a Parmesan-style topping or try the Mushroom & Truffle Gyoza. For mains, choose between Charred Cabbage & Truffle with crispy rice and yuzu dressing or a smoky Eggplant Miso Yaki, served with rice noodles. Finish your meal with ATTIKO’s delicious dessert platter, featuring a selection of mochi, yuzu cheesecake, dark chocolate banana almond cake, coconut mango tart, ice cream, and seasonal fruits. Waistbands at the ready!
Available from January 6th to 28th, priced at AED 325 per person. @attikodubai
Punjab Grill
For Veganuary, why not treat yourself to a five star Michelin vegan experience? At Punjab Grill, the 2025 vegan menu offers a fresh take on Indian dishes made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Start your meal with the refreshing Banana Stem Salad, where crunchy banana stem, cucumber, and carrot balance with spicy chutney. Next, try the Kidney Beans & Herb Skewer Phulka Tacos charred in the tandoor, and served on soft flatbread with a green chili chutney.
For something a little different, try the Wild Mushroom Pani Puri – puffed wheat crisps filled with masala wild mushrooms and served with a rich tamarind sauce. For the main dish, the Tofu Tikka Masala with Lacchedar Paratha brings smoky tandoori tofu in a rich onion and bell pepper curry, served with a soft, flaky paratha that’s perfect for dipping. Finish it all off with a Carrot Cake Crumble, topped with coconut ice cream and a drizzle of orange butterscotch sauce. Yum.
Annual vegan set menu – AED 275. @punjabgrilldubai
Signor Sassi
Signor Sassi Dubai is kicking off Veganuary with an elegant Italian set menu. Nestled in the gorgeous St. Regis Gardens on Palm Jumeirah, this three-course plant-based dining experience offers the beautiful simplicity of Italian cuisine – minus the meat.
Start with a refreshing artichokes & rocket salad or a colourful beetroot & asparagus carpaccio with tofu. For pizza lovers, the Pizzetta alla Marinara offers a classic taste with a plant-based twist. For your main opt for a classic rich rigatoni alla norma, classic spaghetti al pomodoro, or cauliflower with toasted seeds. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Strawberry Pannacotta is the perfect finish to your meal. Buon Appetito!
Mott32, Dubai
When it comes to great food, the planet deserves a seat at the table too and Mott 32 Dubai offers this all year round. Led by the activist and documentary maker (The Last Glaciers) Malcolm Woods, this multi-award winning restaurant on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, JBR is all about delivering seriously delicious dishes from Shanghai to Beijing. At the same time, they’re committed to using responsibly sourced ingredients, minimising waste, and supporting the planet. Win-Win.
This veganuary, enjoy appetisers like the Smoked Peking ‘Duck’ Bean Curd Roll filled with shiitake mushrooms and wood ear fungus, or go for the crispy Shiake Mushroom Tempura with string beans. For mains, the Crispy Vegan ‘Chicken’ with Szechuan red peppercorns and cashews is a must-have, or try the Braised Tofu with Morels and Broccoli. With Malcolm Woods’ passion for sustainability sprinkled over every dish, this is Chinese fine dining you can feel good about.
