It’s January, you’re on a health-kick and trying to stay strong. But boy oh boy can it get tough when you’re trying to stay strong but REALLLLY want to go out for food with friends. 

But fear not! You can be healthy and still enjoy dining out, or getting delivery for that matter, and you don’t have to eat cardboard whilst doing so. 

Here are some of Lovin Dubai’s absolute favourite healthy restaurants and cafes you need to try if you’re trying to stay away from the bad stuff. 

Recommended

Lovin’ Life With Farhana Bodi: It’s Time To Meet The Real Farhana5 Amazing Shows For The Musical Lover In You!Dubai After Dark: Must-Attend Nightlife Events Happening This Season!

10. Urth by Nabz, JLT 

This hipster little eatery is hidden away on the lake level of JLT and is serving up vegan, organic meals (and there are some non-vegan meals too). 

The food is good, the ambiance is beautiful, and the menu has something for everyone trying to be good – but it actually tastes delicious too. 

It’s on the Entertainer too so you can get a bargain. 

9. Stm’d, JLT

This place does exactly what it says on the tin; your food comes steamed with no frills attached (apart from the healthy dressing of your choice).

Their signature meals are worth a try, which are a various mix of different proteins and veggies, but they’ve also got steamed dim sum and a small range of desserts.

8. Taipei Dao, Downtown Dubai 

Taiwanese food at its finest, Taipei Dao serves up wholesome, hearty dishes without the added nasties. 

There are delicious Pho-style soups, the rice dishes are made with brown rice, and there are no preservatives or additives in the food. 

Image via: TripAdvisor

7. The Hippy Deli, JLT

The Hippy Deli is entirely plant-based food, so veggies and vegans you’re in for a treat.

The food is not boring, and they’ve got everything from seriously sweet breakfasts, (the banana oats vegan French toast is a must) to vegan burgers and warm salads. One of the Lovin crew reorders the Star Bowl each day without fail and she’ll vouch for this one.

6. Comptoir 102, Jumeirah

A healthy round up in Dubai is not complete without Comptoir. The Jumeirah located concept store and cafe will blow you away with the unique menu and ingredients, that you genuinely won’t find anywhere else in Dubai.

Word of warning: you will be tempted to blow your paycheck at the store on the way in.

5. Poke Poke, Jumeirah

Poke bowls were hands down the healthy food trend of 2017 that you could you could actually get behind and we have big love for the original Poke store.

This spot is not a slave to the poke however, you can also get acai bowls and ice cream there, the entire menu is gluten free and there are loads of vegan options too.

4. Life n One, Jumeirah

An unexpected retreat in Jumeriah this is as much an uber chill hang out as it is a healthy cafe.

Modelled as a wellness centre and cafe, Life n One is the ultimate proof healthy food is not boring. They avoid the use of microwaving (reheating is surprisingly common in restos) and they use the bare minimum of canned and frozen foods.

Brekkie recommendation? Try this chocolate porridge with all the extras.

3. Projeto Acai, Dubai Marina

This absolute gem in Dubai Marina is already known for their epic avocado toast, but the menu has so much more than that (and it’s been updated recently too). Try an acai bowl or the lentil mango salad, the perfect size for an office lunch.

2. Wild and the Moon, Al Quoz

Organic, cold-pressed, wild-crafted, plant-based, gluten-free, unpasteurized, zero additives…the intro to this hipster spot in Al Quoz is everything you’d like to nourish your body.

We love how the presentation of the dishes and this pic with everything they can do with the raw cacao bean shows you can maintain a healthy diet with some delish choccie nibbles.

And last but not least….

1. Pineapple Express

All the way from down under, Pineapple Express was welcomes with open arms when it first opened its doors in JLT last year.

And one look at the Instagram page and you’ll see why.

Whether it’s a hearty brekkie of smashed avo you’re after, a poke bowls, or a brilliant range of vegan desserts (we see you raw Snickers bars) Pineapple Express will sort you out.