In recent years, the plant-based lifestyle has grown beyond a trend into a conscious way of living—and the UAE is not lagging behind. With a diverse population, a vibrant culinary scene, and an increasing demand for healthy and sustainable eating, the Emirates has become a hotspot for innovative vegan chefs. These culinary artists are not just cooking; they are leading a movement, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi and beyond, plant-based chefs are transforming how people think about vegan food. It’s no longer just about salads and smoothies—think gourmet mushroom steaks, vegan biryani, dairy-free desserts, and everything in between. If you’re in the UAE and want to explore the plant-based revolution, these are the chefs you should have on your radar.
Why Plant-Based Chefs Matter Today
The rise of plant-based diets isn’t only a health trend—it’s a lifestyle that promotes sustainability, animal welfare, and better food choices. In the UAE, where food is deeply tied to hospitality and culture, plant-based chefs are proving that you don’t need meat or dairy to create satisfying, gourmet experiences.
These chefs are reshaping menus, hosting pop-ups, and even consulting for major restaurants to make vegan food more accessible. Their presence is encouraging restaurants, hotels, and even traditional kitchens to rethink what a plate of food can be.
Top Plant-Based Chefs Making a Difference in the UAE
1. Chef Priyanka Naik
An Indian-American TV chef and self-taught culinary expert, Priyanka Naik is a voice for sustainable cooking. She brings the flavors of India into the vegan spotlight and has hosted plant-based pop-ups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Known for her colorful dishes and zero-waste philosophy, Chef Priyanka mixes tradition with innovation. Her recipes are deeply personal and globally inspired, making her a must-follow figure in the UAE’s plant-based community.
2. Chef Luca Matteo
A rising name in Dubai’s vegan dining scene, Chef Luca Matteo combines Italian heritage with modern vegan techniques. His handcrafted plant-based cheese, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal pasta dishes have earned him a devoted following. Passionate about local ingredients, Chef Luca focuses on small-scale farming and sustainability. He’s currently heading the kitchen at a boutique vegan restaurant in Jumeirah and regularly shares behind-the-scenes kitchen stories on social media.
3. Chef Neha Jamani
A homegrown talent from the UAE, Chef Neha Jamani is the creative mind behind one of Dubai’s first vegan bakeries. Her transition from traditional baking to fully plant-based creations has inspired many. Known for her innovative takes on classic desserts—like vegan kunafa and cruelty-free cheesecake—she’s a trailblazer in making vegan sweets mainstream. Chef Neha also runs community events that promote wellness, sustainability, and ethical eating.
4. Chef Khaled Al Saadi
Blending traditional Emirati flavors with plant-based ingredients, Chef Khaled Al Saadi is on a mission to redefine local cuisine. His passion lies in preserving UAE food heritage while adapting it to today’s health-conscious needs. From vegan harees to dairy-free balaleet, Chef Khaled is bringing cultural pride into the plant-based conversation. He regularly appears at food festivals and collaborates with Emirati chefs to introduce plant-based alternatives in traditional kitchens.
5. Chef Yasmin Khan
A British-Iranian chef with a strong following in the UAE, Yasmin Khan’s plant-forward cooking is rooted in Middle Eastern comfort food. While not exclusively vegan, her plant-based creations showcase the richness of flavor without using animal products. Her mezze platters, lentil stews, and tahini-based desserts have made her a favorite among food lovers in Abu Dhabi and beyond. Yasmin is also a food writer, and her books include recipes and stories that celebrate diversity, compassion, and health.
The Impact of Social Media and Food Content
Social media has played a key role in the rise of plant-based chefs. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow chefs to showcase their creations, connect with followers, and educate the public on plant-based living. For UAE-based audiences, this digital access is changing how they see and approach food.
These chefs use storytelling, short videos, and behind-the-scenes clips to make vegan food fun, approachable, and crave-worthy. Their content goes beyond recipes—it’s about community, culture, and conscious living.
UAE’s Culinary Scene Is Ready for Change
Restaurants and hotels in the UAE are embracing the plant-based shift. Menus are expanding to include vegan-friendly dishes, chefs are undergoing plant-based training, and events like vegan food festivals are gaining traction. Some of the region’s luxury hotels now offer dedicated plant-based menus crafted in collaboration with leading chefs.
What’s driving this change? A combination of health awareness, environmental responsibility, and curiosity. UAE residents and tourists alike are seeking out cleaner, more sustainable food options without compromising on flavor. Plant-based chefs are leading this charge by offering delicious solutions and elevating plant-based food to fine-dining status.
How to Support and Stay Connected
Supporting these chefs means more than just following them online. Attend their pop-ups, try their recipes, visit the restaurants they work with, and spread the word about plant-based living. Every like, comment, or recommendation helps grow a more sustainable food culture in the UAE.
You can also stay connected by joining vegan food communities across the Emirates, subscribing to plant-based newsletters, and participating in local food events where these chefs are featured.
A Tasty Future Ahead
As more people embrace a plant-based lifestyle, the future of food in the UAE looks greener and more exciting. Thanks to passionate, talented chefs who are breaking culinary boundaries, plant-based food has never looked—or tasted—better.
These chefs are not just trendsetters; they’re changemakers. Whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious foodie, or someone looking to eat more mindfully, the UAE’s plant-based culinary stars are here to inspire, educate, and delight your taste buds.
