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Healthy restaurants to try during Dubai Fitness Challenge
Mon, September 16, 2024
Join the city's annual initiative, offering lots of fun ideas to get fitter, and treat yourself to delicious and nutritious meals along the way.
Join the city's annual initiative, offering lots of fun ideas to get fitter, and treat yourself to delicious and nutritious meals along the way.
1
SEVA
A garden hideaway in the midst of Dubai’s upscale Jumeirah neighbourhood, SEVA is a holistic health and life-healing centre with its very own organic and vegan cafe. Walk through the stony pathway and settle on the grass or tree stumps in this all-natural retreat. Join one of the many wellness classes including yoga, reiki and Pilates.
What to try: Raw is the order of the day here. Try the superfood salad with ashwaganda and maqui berry or opt for the conscious nachos with maca for a guilt-free feast piled high with tangy pico de gallo. Sweet tooth? Dig into the raw Snickers pie, made of whole ingredients so delicious you'll forget it’s vegan.
Opening hours: 8am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 56 534 2899
2
Wild & The Moon
Born on the streets of Paris and branched out in Dubai, this 100 per cent organic eatery at Alserkal Avenue believes in the simple premise that “food should be good for you, good for the planet and above all delicious”. Whether you drop in for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner, you will always find Wild & The Moon humming with vibrant chat and cool sounds.
What to try: The Tiger, a cold-pressed juice that combines apple, orange, sweet potato, turmeric, black pepper and cardamom and packs a punch as strong as it sounds. Order the lentil bowl or try their bulletproof coffee. Their 'solar bars' are bestsellers too, boosting energy and metabolism naturally thanks to a mix of dates, spirulina, coconut oil and vanilla beans.
Opening hours: 9am to 8pm daily
Contact: +971 4 343 3392
3
The Cycle Bistro
Cycling is super popular in Dubai, with a host of purpose-built tracks always popping up around the city. The Cycle Bistro, found in Motor City and Jumeirah, combines healthy food and cycling in a laidback, sun-filled space, with plenty of open areas to relax and savour every bite. The duo behind this innovative concept are Emirati paleo enthusiast and cyclist Khalid Al Zarooni, along with the owner of Cycle Hub, Sam Sayadan.
What to try: Hire a bike from Cycle Hub to work up an appetite, then follow it up with gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free choices from their largely paleo menu. Some of the tasty nutrient-packed dishes include the spiced cauliflower soup, the bulgogi short ribs and the shrimp scampi pizza.
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm (Monday to Friday), 8am to 6pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 425 3000
4
Comptoir 102
Treat yourself to an early morning or late night stroll by J1 Beach. Next, stop off at the nearby Comptoir 102. After a wholesome meal, peruse beautiful goods lining the wall, because this part-café, part-homewares boutique is all about flaunting the beach vibes in style. Find a retail surprise at this picturesque dining spot known for its trendy concepts and innovative health smoothies.
What to try: If it’s breakfast time, try an Arabian favourite like the shakshuka, accompanied by a black lemonade with activated charcoal, lemon juice and maple syrup. Or you can sample the all-day menu with dishes such as the seaweed pesto, served with homemade guacamole and raw flaxseed crackers.
Opening hours: 8am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 4 385 4555
5
Plantoholic
As its name suggests, this kitchen and coffee bar on Palm Jumeirah's Golden Mile is 100 per cent plant-based. The eatery's extensive menu includes all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, sushi, burgers, pizzas, milkshakes, juices and smoothies. Caffeine lovers are in for a treat too, with delicious specialities including the mint coconut latte, the maple mocha and the iced oatccino. Stop by for a healthy meal or a quick pick-me-up that'll leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
What to try: Go for a clever take on a much-loved classic with the homemade shakshuka, made from chickpea eggs and served on sourdough bread. Elsewhere, the crispy tofu burger, the sweet potato guacamole and the truffle mushroom flatbread are all tempting picks, while those with a sweet tooth will love the orange truffle balls, the banana bread and the chocolate peanut butter milkshake.
Opening hours: 7am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 4 451 5992
6
One Life Kitchen & Cafe
One Life Kitchen & Café at Dubai Design District and Jumeirah Village Circle shows that being healthy does not mean compromising on delicious food. This independent eatery serves a range of international dishes made fresh on a daily basis, using only the most nutritious ingredients. Fuel up with healthy twists to your traditional breakfast routine and enjoy the comfortable, colourful and upbeat ambience.
What to try: Many of the dishes aim to feed the soul – so you’ll find plenty of hearty options like the popular 'shakshoumi', a halloumi shakshuka with pesto and gluten-free bread. Another winner is the stacked ‘bancakes’, guilt-free banana pancakes with fresh fruit, mint and almond flakes. Try the Bircher oats, soaked overnight in Greek yoghurt, topped with caramelised walnuts, cinnamon, honey and apple carpacci.
Opening hours: 8am to 11pm daily
Contact: +971 4 513 4727
7
XVA Café
One of the most interesting areas in Dubai is Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, located at the centre of Bur Dubai, the oldest neighbourhood in the city. Tucked away among the maze of winding lanes is XVA Hotel, boasting the XVA Gallery and Café. Admire local art, cultural aesthetics and olden-day architecture, as you settle for a healthy meal at this cosy green-clad eatery.
What to try: Set in a leafy green courtyard, this serene spot offers healthy vegetarian cuisine that is fast, delicious and affordable. Try the eggplant with feta cheese and tomato puree, or the creamed chickpea curry with caramelised onion rice. Don't leave without sipping on a satisfying cup of Turkish coffee. If you would like to go for something cooler, order a refreshing mint lemonade instead.
Opening hours: 7am to 7pm (Tuesday to Thursday), 7am to 9pm (Friday to Monday)
Contact: +971 4 353 5383
8
Harvest & Co.
Ensconced in the leafy oasis of Dubai Garden Centre, the farm-to-table Harvest & Co. is a rustic-meets-modern ‘greenhouse’ restaurant, contrasting the industrial palette of its Al Quoz surroundings with a homely vibe. The bright and airy spot features contemporary furnishings around a lively farm-style open kitchen, where the multicoloured hues of the day’s fresh produce steal the show.
What to try: The restaurant is also known for its carefully-composed comfort eats like wholesome scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs and served on sourdough toast, or the rich chocolate porridge which indulgently pairs dark Valrhona with black cherries, whipped bananas and vanilla cream. Complete the meal experience with a boost juice, soulful smoothie or signature roast, sourced from the homegrown Encounter Coffee Roasters.
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm daily
Contact: +971 56 219 7745
9
Vietnamese Foodies
There are few places more authentic than Vietnamese Foodies. Dishes are fresh, light and super delicious with this foodie favourite serving up zingy salads and fresh summer rolls that are light on calories and packed with nutrition. Chef Lily Hoa Nguyen is behind every masterpiece, regularly adding new seasonal favourites.
What to try: The restaurant's menu celebrates fresh vegetables, lean meat and 14-hour bone broth, including gluten-free options. The pho soup is one of the best in the city, and the beef brisket version is exceptional with spice levels that can be entirely customised. Vegetarians can enjoy the lotus root, mushroom and tofu variation.
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm (Sunday to Thursday), 11am to 12am (Friday and Saturday)
Contact: +971 4 565 6088
10
Bounty Beets
Bounty Beets, situated at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, is a popular spot for breakfast in Dubai thanks to its extensive selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and pale pink aesthetic with lots of quirky catchphrases at every turn. Each wall in their indoor section has unique murals that make an excellent photo backdrop. What's more, dogs are welcome at the outdoor terrace seating, so your four-legged friends can also enjoy the experience.
What to try: Don't skip their moreish breakfast menu, with guilt-free caramelised banana and sweet potato pancakes topped with berries to start your day off in the sweetest way possible.
Opening hours: 8am to 7pm daily
Contact: +971 4 511 7373
11
Myocum
There’s a dedication to serving good coffee – sourced from homegrown roasters RAW – at this trendy eatery in Dar Wasl Mall that has garnered lots of fans. The fact that surrounding residents have adopted Myocum as their regular spot speaks volumes about its quality. With an emphasis on slow-cooking and quality ingredients, health-conscious diners will find plenty of salads and bowls filled to the brim with nourishing vegan and vegetarian eats.
What to try: For vegans or the vegan-curious, the 'I can't believe it's not chicken sando' is sure to be a winner. The burger is made with vegan Myocum chicken and tonkatsu sauce, topped with vegan aioli and pickled cucumber in a brioche bread served with potato wedges, Asian salad and sesame dressing.
Opening hours: 7am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 50 486 4277
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