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Iluustration by Al Yazia Alblooshi

AD Secrets: Vegan and Vegetarian Spots

Calling all vegans, vegetarians and everyone in between! Tired of having to eat from D2’s vegan counter for lunch every day? Do you find yourself always having the same salad in order to keep things safe? Here are six solutions to your problems.

Circle Cafe
Located a few minutes away from campus by taxi, Circle Cafe, with its wide range of vegan and vegetarian options, is the perfect place for anyone to study, hang out with friends or simply enjoy a plant-based meal. The restaurant boasts a healthy vegan section ranging from breakfast, small plates, salads, sandwiches and more. They also provide milk alternatives for their freshly made smoothies and rich coffee options. Whether indulging in their hearty super bowl salad or savory vegan sandwich, Circle’s variety of vegan and vegetarian options are sure to please! Delivery to campus is available.
Taqado Mexican Kitchen
Taqado has been a staple for every Mexican food lover out there since it first opened in Abu Dhabi. Yet, their newly developed vegan menu is a delight for vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. What they call their “Go Vegan Menu” consists of an array of 100 percent vegan tacos, quesadillas and burritos — all accompanied by a generous serving of vegan cheese. With outlets in Galleria Mall, Yas Mall and World Trade Center, Taqado is both accessible and delicious! Delivery to campus is available.
BareBurger
BareBurger is no stranger to the Abu Dhabi vegan community. The restaurant, located in Marina Mall, previously hosted numerous vegan dishes — the most popular being their famous “Beyond Meat” patties. However, in November of last year, BareBurger introduced a fully vegan menu to their chains. The menu features plant-based variations of different shares, burgers, greens, shakes, sides and much more. BareBurger ensures that vegans have an experience equally enjoyable as the meat eaters’, with the new fully plant-based “BeMyBurger” section allowing you to design and build your own burger!
Guilt-Free Cafe
Located in the middle of Umm Al Emarat park’s beautiful scenery, the 100 percent vegan and organic cafe prides itself with being a sustainable and animal-friendly establishment. With a variety of healthy wraps, salads, bowls and scrumptious desserts, the cafe is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to experience a delicious plant-based meal. Whether you're there for their mexican hotdog, beetroot risotto and popcorn chicken or simply to indulge in their chocolate & hazelnut brownies, Guilt-Free is sure to satisfy your planet-friendly cravings on a day out in the park!
P.S. Don’t miss out on their array of luxurious coffees, hot chocolates and organic smoothies.
Freedom Pizza
Looking for hearty, delicious and fully vegan pizza options? Check out Freedom Pizza! Not only does Freedom Pizza have their own vegan cheese, but they also offer a variety of different toppings like Beyond Meat, vegan sausage and vegan meatloaf! Their vegan options are clearly labeled with a green “V” that accentuates the accessibility of their menu. Followers of a plant-based diet can get at least one option from every category. Freedom Pizza doesn’t only provide vegan pizza and side options; they have three vegan dessert items on the menu as well. Check out some tasty “coco yogo vegan balls”, ice cream sandwiches or cheesecakes to satisfy your sweet tooth! Delivery to campus is available.
Wild & The Moon
Looking for the perfect study location that is able to cater to your vegan needs? Pay a visit to this Parisian chain cafe at the Cultural Foundation! The fully vegan food and juice bar offer a wide range of cold-pressed juices, nut milks, smoothies, salads, soups, desserts and snacks. The cafe, which prides itself as a lifestyle movement, uses only wild, local, gluten-free, ethically sourced and plant-based ingredients. Not only is it conveniently located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural emblem, it also provides the perfect atmosphere for an all-around exquisite plant-based experience.
Meitha AlZadjali and Al Reem Al Neaimi are Staff Writers. Email them at feedback@thegazelle.org.
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