Dubai, a city synonymous with luxury and innovation, also offers a diverse and evolving culinary scene. With an estimated 7,000-8,000 restaurants, both residents and visitors enjoy exploring the city's gastronomic landscape. A significant 94% of both Emiratis and expatriates express enthusiasm for trying new restaurants and foods, highlighting Dubai's openness to culinary exploration. This article explores the healthy food options available in Dubai, drawing upon local culinary traditions, international influences, and the growing demand for nutritious choices.
Emirati Cuisine and Healthy Eating
The cuisine of the United Arab Emirates reflects its Arabian heritage and exposure to diverse cultures. Traditional Emirati dishes often feature meat, seafood, and rice. While lamb and mutton are preferred, goat, cow, and even camel meat are also consumed. To maintain a balanced diet, it's important to incorporate healthy options from the local cuisine.
Nutrient-Rich Staples
Several staples of the Emirati diet offer significant nutritional benefits:
- Nuts, Pulses, and Grains: These are excellent sources of protein and are nutrient-dense. Almonds, in particular, are a great source of nutrients.
- Dry Fruits: These are healthy and convenient snacks, providing protein and carbohydrates. Dried apricots are a nutritious addition to any diet.
- Lentils: Abundant in fiber, magnesium, and potassium, lentils are a valuable source of nutrients.
Embracing Fruits, Vegetables, and Berries
Incorporating fruits, vegetables, and berries into your diet is a simple way to enhance your health. Dubai offers a wide variety of fresh produce, making it easy to meet your nutritional needs.
Powerhouse Produce
- Broccoli: This vegetable is rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, folate, and phytonutrients.
- Apples: High in antioxidants, apples help combat harmful free radicals produced by the body.
- Kale: This lush green vegetable is packed with vitamins C and K, as well as other essential nutrients.
- Blueberries: These berries are high in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, which contribute to overall health.
- Avocados: Despite their high-fat content, avocados are rich in healthy fats, B vitamins, vitamin K, and vitamin E.
Healthy Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai boasts a growing number of restaurants that cater to health-conscious diners. These establishments offer a variety of cuisines and dietary options, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Wild & the Moon
This 100% organic, vegan eatery in Alserkal Avenue focuses on providing food that is "good for you, good for the planet, and above all delicious." Wild & the Moon offers dairy-free ice creams, cold-pressed juices, and nourishing bowls in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Comptoir 102
This organic concept store features a café that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and caters to various dietary needs, including raw, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu changes daily based on the availability of fresh produce from local farms. Comptoir 102 offers a rejuvenating experience for both the body and mind, serving concentrated juices, smoothies, salads, and other healthy dishes in a bohemian and cozy setting.
Krave
Krave aims to dispel the myth that healthy food is bland by offering reasonably priced, light, nutritious, and delicious meals. The menu includes macronutrient and calorie information, empowering diners to make informed choices.
Bounty Beets
With its gorgeous pink interior and lush garden, Bounty Beets provides a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for enjoying nutritious meals. The menu is packed with healthy options, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch or supper, as well as a nutritious weekend brunch with friends.
Other notable restaurants
- Coya: This Peruvian restaurant is known for its ceviche and surprisingly high number of vegetarian dishes.
- Pantry: This home-grown small chain of restaurants offers super fresh, organic choices for brunch and other meals.
- Baker and Spice: Located across from the Burj Khalifa, this organic restaurant is a great spot for lunch, offering dishes like spinach falafel in beetroot hummus.
Organic Food Stores
For those who prefer to prepare their own meals, Dubai offers several organic food stores where you can find a wide variety of healthy ingredients.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Organic Foods & Cafe
This chain of natural food stores offers a wide assortment of natural foods, similar to what you would find in the United States. They carry many different brands, mostly European and Australian, for packaged foods. Organic Foods & Cafe offers a diverse selection of products, including jarred beans and coconut yogurt and ice cream.
Kcal: A Meal Plan Service for Healthy Living
Kcal is a meal plan service that delivers healthy, made-to-order meals to your doorstep. Many customers have praised the service for its variety, taste, and convenience. Kcal aims to make healthy eating easy and enjoyable, helping individuals achieve their weight loss and wellness goals.
Customer Testimonials
- Rime Metawihe: "I was skeptical in the beginning bcoz i had this idea that healthy food is mostly bland and not tasty at all. But i am very pleased with the Kcal services right from their delivery of the box completely packed and delivered to your doorstep along with different menu with tasty food each day. Its a great thing to start if you want a healthy lifestyle with good and tasty food."
- Jean Paul Boyadjian: "I have been subscribed to Kcal plan for the 3rd month now and the results i am having compared to my objectives are up to my expectations. Quality of the food is very good and tasty. Delivery service punctual. I don’t have to think what to eat anymore , kcal has it planned."
- Alessia Elizabeth Austria: "I love KCal! I normally have a hard time eating healthy foods but with KCal’s menu everything is delicious without compromising the taste and the ingredients. Perfect for those people like me who do not appreciate greens!"
- Dahlia Haleem: "Delicious food and so convenient. Really great variety. Their delivery service is impeccable. I leave my house for work at 6am and my food is already here and I’ve packed brekkie and lunch and snacks into my lunchbox and am out the door in minutes. Also really satisfying meals. I got the lowest calorie option and am not hungry or having any cravings - they balance the sweet and salt so well that I still feel like I’m having a little treat for my afternoon snack with a cup of tea (brownies, little chocolate bites, etc). Will definitely extend the service for another month at least 👍🏼"
- H m: "I’ve been with kcal for almost 3-4 years. I have reached my desired weight a while back, however they are great for anyone who doesn’t have time to cook and wants to remain healthy. A lot of variety and you never get bored of the food! Highly recommended"
- Mille Fleurs: "Been with Kcal on & off for 5 years almost. And can’t say enough good stuff about them from the quality of their meals, their zest for continued excellence in providing motivation to us through their meal plans & also great support system like Sheryl who has been looking after me & not just that she has been one of the key factors in my road to a healthy better me. I can’t thank Kcal or Sheryl enough for being that light. I guess a little motivation and cheer goes a long way."
- Yaser Alhosani: "Meals are so tasty, convenient, and although the portions sometimes look small, it always fills me up. Everything is customised based on what I like and dislike. Daily delivery at the same time, even during quarantine, as promised."
- Ahmed Khasem: "I always say that Kcal is the best and I wouldn't even try anything else to compare because I am sure no one can compete with them. You can easily spot that from there reviews. I have been with them for around 6 month and I will continue to be with them,Never bored,lot of varaieties and very helpful account managers(Anju in my case).I have lost around 13 kgs without doing any sports."
- Mak Youseff: "Been enrolled in customised plan for nearly a month.. Right from the kickoff, their wellness advisor Ms Omnia was absolutely professional, customer service oriented, patient and attentive to all my queries. Operation and delivery side Mr Helmy is spot on at his tuen. Last but not leas, food quality, packaging, macros labeling hygiene and diversity of meals are all top class ticked all boxes until now. More than happy with Kcal Extra, achieving my transformation target day in and day out with their service."
- Andrew Wright: "From the start had nothing but awesome support. The food is really tasty and fills you up. There is a great variation to the menu, but if you get something you don’t like then you simply tell your advisor and it’s taken off. I’m 4 weeks in, don’t feel hungry, it’s too easy, and weight is coming off. Have only positives to say about all at kcal, but especially Salwa who has been pivotal to me. 5 stars easy."
- Assaad Hobeika: "Best experience. Price is worth the professional service(support, hygiene, delivery , variety, packaging , awareness ….etc). Beside all these, my priority was to loose weight, and I did with zero effort . I have lost 5kgs in one month (92 to 87 ) and insisting to reach my target(82) soon. I feel healthy dynamic and I am happy eating everyday a new international meal and healthy sweets."
Staying Active in Dubai
In addition to healthy eating, staying active is essential for overall well-being. Dubai offers a variety of activities to help you stay fit and healthy.
Outdoor Activities
- Swim in the Arabian Sea: Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea. When visiting public beaches, be respectful of local customs and wear appropriate swimwear. Bikinis are acceptable at private or hotel beaches.
- Walk along the Dubai Marina or around the Canal: Explore the picturesque walking paths along the Dubai Marina or around the Canal. Dubai's unique architecture provides a stimulating backdrop for your walk.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution