People love sandwiches because of their convenience and versatility. Dubai’s food industry has changed a lot in terms of food choices. In the 90s people were obsessed with creamy chicken sandwiches or falafel sandwiches. Now the city already has some plant-based foods in its traditional cuisine, like falafel and hummus. These familiar foods helped make the switch to more vegan options easier for many people.
Before the Covid 19 pandemic, finding a vegan sandwich option was harder than climbing Everest. Moreover it was either too pricey or not available in most stores. It was difficult to find a cheap vegan sandwich. Now, more restaurants offer sandwiches made entirely from plants – no meat, eggs, or dairy.
This change happened because of many factors:
- People became more health-conscious
- Dubai’s international residents brought new food ideas
- Local restaurants started experimenting vegan versions of popular sandwiches
The city already had some plant-based foods in its traditional cuisine, like falafel and hummus. These familiar foods helped make the switch to more vegan options easier for many people.
What are vegan sandwiches ?
A vegan sandwich is basically any sandwich made without any animal products – so no meat, eggs, dairy, or honey. Instead, it uses plant-based ingredients like:
- Vegetables
- Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils)
- Plant-based proteins (like tofu or tempeh)
- Vegan spreads (hummus, avocado, plant-based mayo)
Dubai’s residents have become increasingly health-conscious especially after Covid 19 which has compromised the immunity of the entire world. Even the remote working style has led to lifestyle diseases so more people look for lighter, more nutritious options. Also, the UAE government’s push towards reducing carbon footprint
The result – many restaurants are expanding their plant-based offerings.
Social media has played its major role too. Food influencers are promoting easy vegan sandwich fillings in sandwiches on Instagram and TikTok and it is vigorously getting all the attention. So much that even die-hard meat lovers cannot resist giving them a try. Plus, the many tourists seek plant-based options.Thus the growing demand.
Breaking Down Bread
Can vegan people consume bread?
Vegans can eat bread and sandwiches, but they need to check the ingredients first. Most basic breads are vegan-friendly since they’re made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt. However, some breads contain animal products like milk, eggs, butter, or honey, so vegans need to read labels carefully.
Regular sandwich bread from the store is usually vegan, but it’s best to double-check the ingredients list. Making sandwiches is easy for vegans – they can use ingredients like hummus, peanut butter, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and other vegetables. Instead of meat, they can add tofu, tempeh, or other plant-based proteins. For spreads, vegans can use mustard, vegan mayo, or mashed avocado.
Many stores now sell special vegan breads and meat alternatives specifically made for sandwiches. Even regular bakeries often have vegan options available.
Making Sandwiches at Home
Vegans just need to make sure their bread is vegan and then add their favorite plant-based fillings. Popular vegan sandwiches for parties include hummus and vegetable sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly, or grilled vegetables with vegan cheese. With so many options available today, vegans can enjoy tasty and filling sandwiches just like anyone else.
Price-wise, you might be pleasantly surprised. While some highly exotic ingredient sandwiches can be premium-priced, most plant-based options are on par with their meaty counterparts. Many eating spots offer lunch deals that make them even more accessible.
Why You Should Jump on the latest trend
First of all, the winning health benefits. In Dubai’s scorching summer months, plant-based sandwiches are lighter and easier to digest than heavy meat options. They’re packed with fiber and nutrients, helping you stay energized despite the heat.
Environmental impact? Massive. In a desert city where most ingredients are imported, choosing plant-based options significantly reduces your carbon footprint. Many local restaurants are now sourcing ingredients from UAE’s growing number of vertical farms, making their sandwiches even more sustainable.
The best reason to try them is that they’re absolutely delicious! The variety is mind-boggling. From continental grilled vegetable sandwiches to Asian-fusion, there’s something for everyone.
The Future is Green
Looking ahead, Dubai’s plant-based sandwich scene is only getting started. Word on the street is that several international vegan chains are eyeing the market, and local entrepreneurs are experimenting with innovative concepts like sandwich-only cloud kitchens and DIY plant-based sandwich bars.
We’re also seeing more restaurants incorporating local ingredients like date syrup and desert truffles into their plant-based creations. It’s exciting to watch Dubai put its own unique stamp on this global trend.
Going by the recent trend it is expected that by 2026, plant-based sandwiches will be part of Dubai’s culinary delights just as shawarma and falafel. And honestly? We are all waiting for it.
Dubai’s restaurants cater to everyone, from committed vegans to food lovers of all kinds.
At Picnic Basket we are experimenting with more varieties to create the best vegan sandwich recipes. We source crisp Persian cucumbers from local UAE farms. Our tomatoes are picked at peak ripeness, bringing bursts of fresh flavor with every bite.
Paired with the delicate leaves of butter lettuce, it creates a harmony of textures that our customers have come to love.
When customers ask for options, we developed our own plant-based mayo but our best seller is spicy potato sandwich and spinach corn sandwich.
At Picnic Basket Sandwich Store, we’re more than just a sandwich shop – we are a living proof that fast food can be fresh, nutritious, and deeply satisfying. Every ingredient in our signature sandwich reflects our journey from a home kitchen experiment to a beloved Sandwich store. We’re proud to serve food that’s not just good for the body, but good for the soul.
Join us in our mission to create one mindfully crafted sandwich at a time. Because at Picnic Basket Project §we believe every bite should tell a story of quality, care, and the pure joy of real food.