Here are our top picks from local eateries if you’re banishing meat and dairy from your diet.

Frankie’s risotto ai funghi

Frankie Dettori and Marco Pierre White’s Abu Dhabi outpost has a succinct but delicious vegan menu with starter, main and pudding options, and the standout for us is the risotto. Packed with black truffle, porcini and morel mushrooms and flavoured with garlic and parsley, you won’t miss the butter or cheese.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, daily noon until 3pm, 7pm to 12.30am. Tel: (02) 6543333. Taxi: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. fairmont.com

Firin Bakery’s featherlight vegan bread

When it comes to finding healthier bread alternatives we often find ourselves struggling – so many are too dense or too crumbly. This bakery’s gluten-, dairy-, egg- and sugar-free featherlight vegan bread, however, tastes like the real deal.

Firin Gluten Free Bakery, Al Rowdah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 7pm. Tel: (02) 2666100. Taxi: near Al Bateen Airport. firin.co

The Raw Place’s rawmisu

Eschewing all animal products needn’t mean saying no to dessert. This dairy-free take on the Italian classic features cashews and oats, as well as cacao and coffee for a flavour-packed sweet treat.

World Trade Centre Souk, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 7am to 11pm, Fri 10am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6334677. Taxi: WTC Souk. therawplace.com

The Third Place’s vegan salad

This neighbourhood café’s vegan salad is among the tastiest around, packed with superfood ingredients as well as flavour. Think quinoa, avocado, lentils, chickpeas, walnuts and a pile of veggies, all brought together with a pomegranate dressing.

Villa T3, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6811877. Taxi: The Third Place. thethirdplaceuae.com

Bloomsbury’s choco vegan cupcake

Described as “so chocolatey no one will be able to tell its vegan”, this sweet treat features a vegan chocolate sponge and mousse icing that’s every bit as delicious as the bakery’s dairy-laden treats. Be sure to order a day in advance to ensure it’s available.

Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 8am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 8am to 11.45pm. Tel: (02) 6438610. Taxi: Al Wadha Mall. ilovebloomsburys.com

Join the movement

The Abu Dhabi Vegetarian And Vegan Group is a local Meetup club that brings together non-meat eaters to discuss their experiences and learn more about food. The group currently has more than 90 members and does everything from organising social gatherings and swapping recipes to hosting blockbuster movie screenings.

meetup.com/Abu-Dhabi-Vegetarian-Vegan-Group

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Images: Supplied/Third Place image by Heather Bonker