Travelling as a pure vegetarian who does not even consume eggs can be challenging simply because the definition of vegetarian changes from country to country. I distinctly remember how on a trip to South Africa, I requested vegetarian chips and they served me beef chips with tomato flavour instead. According to them, the tomato bit in the chips was fulfilling the vegetarian option, since a dish only needs to have just one vegetable element to qualify as vegetarian!
The definition of vegetarian changes from country to country, posing many issues for vegetarian travellers like myself. On my recent trip to Abu Dhabi, I had a strange experience trying to explain what vegetarian means to everyone despite the UAE having a significant Indian population. For everyone who is vegetarian, be relieved, I have compiled a list of restaurants serving cuisines ranging from Emirati, Indian, Turkish and Italian for your next Abu Dhabi trip. These restaurants will take you on a spectacular culinary journey, which you will remember for a lifetime.
Al Fanar, Yas Mall (Emirati cuisine)
Some of the vegetarian delicacies on offer at Al Fanar
Al Fanar in Yas Mall is the counterpart of Al Fanar in Dubai, which has a Michelin star. The interiors resemble the Abu Dhabi of the 1960s. The decor is simplistic in white, with lights and lamps surrounding the walls. The cakes in the glass bakery are perhaps the only modern element in the restaurant. A camel adorns the entrance, taking us back to pre-oil UAE. The Emirati cuisine here is quite similar to traditional Indian cuisine, but with more smoky flavours. To start with, I had Laban, which is the local buttermilk of Abu Dhabi. I particularly enjoyed the biryani, Paneer Makhani and the Tandoori Roti. They also had an eggless date cake, which was delicious because dates are grown locally in Abu Dhabi. I would recommend Indian travellers to visit Al Fanar for the unique ambience and date cake specifically.
Verso, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi (Italian cuisine)
Verso is a great Italian restaurant with delicious food ranging from pizza, pasta and bruschetta to burrata salad, risotto and ravioli, all with top-notch ingredients. The pizza will not taste the same as the one we get in India, since the cheese used here is directly imported from Italy. The ambience of Verso is an alluring mixture of modern and classic. They could have played around with the interiors a little more, though. However, the overall food experience was worth it. I particularly enjoyed the basil margarita pizza, truffle mushroom risotto and the gazpacho soup. They have plenty of options for vegetarians and the chef is also willing to customise vegetarian food options. Verso is also only a short walk away from the Abu Dhabi beach.
Garage, W Abu Dhabi (Multicuisine)
Garage has one of the stunning views from any restaurant you will find in Abu Dhabi
If you want to dine with views overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit (the Formula One race track), then Garage at W Abu Dhabi is the place to be. The interiors at Garage are stunning, designed in the classic W style, a combination of quirkiness and modern art everywhere. Every corner is picturesque and extremely Instagrammable. Hookah is also available in the outdoor dining area and is served in various unique flavours. Garage has plenty of vegetarian options, from Yuzu lime sushi to corn on the cob with Parmesan cheese. I also enjoyed the classic edamame pods with chilli. Despite having wonderful vegetarian food, Garage sadly did not have any vegetarian dessert options. I would highly recommend going to Garage to enjoy their ambience, novelty of dining by the F1 race track and the vegetarian food experience.
Mado, Galleria (Turkish cuisine)
Mado combines the simple pleasures of Turkish cuisine with robotic service, quite literally!
At the onset, Mado seems to be a simple Turkish restaurant offering a wide range of baklavas, Turkish ice creams, kunafas, turkish coffee, pide, mezze platter and other Turkish delicacies. However, after ordering, little does one expect that robots will be serving the food on the table. The concept is mind-boggling, something one would definitely not have the chance to experience often in India. Apart from this technological theatre, the ambience at Mado is simple and the view is only that of the street below. I particularly enjoyed the avocado smoothie, mezze platter and pide here. I picked up a kunafa for takeaway and got it back all the way to India, as I enjoyed it so much. I would also highly recommend the eggless ice creams at the futuristic Mado.
The Lodge, Snow Park (Mediterranean cuisine)
Do you want to dine with views of a snow park where people are rolling down in zorbs, sliding, crashing cars, ziplining and having the time of their lives? You will be transported to Finland or Alaska while dining at The Lodge, which serves Mediterranean. The interiors of The Lodge are made entirely of wood and feel earthy. To enter the restaurant, you need to enter the snow park first. Hence, you will be wearing a snowsuit and gloves while dining here! I personally enjoyed the overall experience and the food was a cherry on the cake. Falafel salad bowl, avocado toast, sourdough bread and French fries were some of my favourite dishes on their vast menu. They also had a mezze platter, hummus and various other Mediterranean options. I would also highly recommend The Lodge for their hot chocolate, which seemed to be present on every other table.
