Expo 2020 Dubai will be home to the Middle East’s first Vegan Food Festival this January, presenting flavours from around the world with a game-changing culinary experience in association with Veganuary and Vegan Days.
Taking place over three weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from 14 to 30 January at Expo 2020’s Festival Garden, the food fest will bring together the greatest plant-based food the region has to offer, giving visitors the chance to sample nutritious vegan bites with a side of music, courtesy of a diverse line-up of DJs.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy an eco-marketplace filled with sustainable stalls, a vegan and organic spa, entertainment, and chef talks, making Expo 2020’s Vegan Food Festival a fun and informative day out for friends and families alike.
International F&B brands joining the Vegan Food Festival include:
Chuck Chick – Vegan Burgers
Inspired by 50s Americana, Chuck Chick combines the youthful creativity of diner classics with the modern need for a greener planet. Sink your teeth into a classic cheeseburger, a southern-fried chick burger, classic dogs or loaded fries.
Erpingham House
The UK plant-based restaurant makes its Dubai debut at Expo serving tacos, baos (steamed buns), burgers and salads. it’s the brainchild of Loui Blake, a vegan entrepreneur who is passionate about sharing healthy, delicious food and drinks that are as good for the planet as they taste. The Erpingham House ethos is built on celebrating eating food that has been ethically produced, while promoting the idea that being a vegan can be fun because it feels great to be part of a quest for a kinder, more sustainable world.
Vegan Dough Co
Vegan Dough Co, which was created in London and has locations across the UK, is on a mission to show the world how delicious vegan pizza can be, with its innovative and indulgent food designed to help people fall in love with plant-based cuisine.
Floozie Cookies
Created by pastry chef Kimberly Lin, Floozie Cookies offers signature “stuffed cookies” in five flavours and a seasonally changing sixth option. The UK-based brand has two locations at Expo 2020, selling its decidedly moreish freshly baked cookies.
Papa Burty’s
Created by TV presenter Layne Redman, Papa Burty’s serves tasty flaky Jamaican patties, originating from the humble British Cornish pasty. Papa Burty’s has “done its ting”, Jamaican style, adding scotch bonnet and other flavours and ingredients to spice them up.
Holy Carrot
Holy Carrot is a UK plant-based restaurant serving Asian-inspired dishes with an international influence, using natural ingredients only – the focus is on ethically sourced seasonal produce, prepared in a mindful manner. Holy Carrot cares about what you consume and prides itself on gluten-free, sugar-free and preservative-free dishes.
Evergreen Organics
Qatar’s first fully vegan café makes its way to Expo 2020, presenting its conscious community and laidback vibes. Evergreen Organics has garnered a reputation for its avocado toast, delicious burgers, smoothies, nutritious bowls and cold-pressed juices.
Mylk
A 100-per-cent vegan chocolate and ice cream concept store based in Doha, Mylk offers healthier, all-natural alternatives, with handcrafted ice creams and chocolates free from preservatives, additives, stabilisers, sweeteners, soy and gluten.
Veg’d by Matthew Kenney
Veg’d promises delicious, satisfying food that’s full of flavour via its nourishing, on-the-go, plant-based dishes – the brainchild of world renowned plant-based celebrity chef Matthew Kenney, who is as passionate about healthy living as he is about protecting the health of the planet.
Not Just For Vegans
On the 29 and 30 January, Not Just For Vegans, the region’s largest vegan pop-up market, will take place in the Festival Garden, with more than 60 homegrown ethical brands selling everything from fashion to jewellery, accessories, handcrafted luxury items and everyday essentials.
Restaurants across the Expo 2020 site will also be participating in Veganuary. Diners will be spoilt for choice, from Alkebulan, which will be home to a 10-day pop up from Chef Glory Kabe, to Bread Ahead who are hosting vegan baking classes for the month of January, plus vegan options at Adrift Burger Bar, Kutir, Long Chim, Café Milano, The Local Aussie Grill, Mangrove Philippines Cuisine, Melbourne Lane, Sky Market and XYST.
Veganuary is a non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to go vegan during January – and beyond. During the 2021 campaign, more than 500,000 people took the pledge to try a vegan diet, with about 825 new vegan products and menu options launched around the world. It’s free to take part in Veganuary and everyone who signs up at Veganuary.com will receive all the tools and advice for an easy, delicious vegan lifestyle. Dubai Vegan Days (DXBvegandays) are events designed to bring the vegan community in the UAE together.
Visit the Vegan Food Festival at Expo 2020 Dubai every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 14 and 30 January from 1200 to 0200 GST. Entry is free as part of an Expo ticket, no booking required. The festival takes place at Festival Garden, Wadi Avenue, Jubilee Park, near the Malaysia Pavilion.
