With more and more of the world turning towards vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets, it's no wonder that Dubai also has a young, up-and-coming plant-based dining scene. Granted, it is still in it's early stages, but there's plenty to be excited about if you're vegan or vegetarian and living in Dubai. Case in point: Epitome - Dubai's first fully-license vegan and vegetarian restaurant - has announced a brand new menu that brings a host of new international vegan and veggie favourites into the spotlight.
So, what can diners expect from this exciting new selection? Veggie classics will be staying firmly put, alongside new and modern plates, which all retain Epitome's international feel. New appetizers will include silken tofu churros, served with Parmesan, truffle and truffle mushrooms on the side, brie and basil filo parcels, silken tofu cannelloni with pine nuts, Parmesan and truffle, and a dynamite cauliflower burger, with cauliflower florets, beetroot salsa and a spicy chipotle salsa served in a toasted bun.
Signature flat bread, sushi and dim sum menus remain, with a range of new additions. New to the sushi menu, for example, is the rainbow falky - a tight sushi roll of avocado, smoked peppers, pickled courgettes, cream cheese and tomato. If dim sum is more your style, the new crystal yellow dumpling combines pok choy with broccoli, asparagus, chestnuts and black bean chilli oil.
Intriguing flavour combinations aside, Epitome also likes to have some more theatrical items on the menu too. Take the smoking cigars - a collection of edible deep-fried puffs, of differing spice levels, served with chilli aioli sauce and with edible ash at the end.
There's also good reason to save room for dessert. Epitome is looking to establish itself as an even stronger competitor in Dubai's luxury food scene with the introduction of a vanilla cream mango cheesecake, dusted with 24 karat gold for an opulent finish to the meal. If that's not your cup of tea, there are plenty of others to keep you satisfied; red velvet toffee bar, strawberry cheesecake, and white chocolate with avocado mousse, to name a few.
Epitome is also well known for its stunning views of the Dubai skyline and classy late-night lounge vibes, with art deco interiors and Romanesque statues making this one of Dubai's most Instagrammable restaurants.
Want to discover some more local vegan and vegetarian spots? Check out our list of the 12 best vegan restaurants in Dubai.