VEGAN + VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY
This post is part of a series where I'll be sharing WHERE & WHAT TO EAT to enjoy delicious, well balanced, more nutritious plant-forward meals when eating out in Dubai.
The MAINE Land Brasserie is the newest of the three branches and certainly the most elegant and refined of the bunch. With a dedicated Plant Based section on the Menu, we had to investigate and have since been back several times because it is consistently an exceptional dining experience!
As you walk in, your attention is immediately drawn to the gorgeous crystal chandeliers that run along the sleek marble top bar. The huge lattice windows frame the restaurant, letting in loads of light during the day and provide an engaging backdrop at night.
The Plant Based Menu features a selection of eight starters and mains, each thoughtfully curated, using a variety of whole fresh foods and veggie friendly ingredients, prepared in unique and mouthwatering ways.
The Sides section has plenty of veggie options to choose from if you want to mix and match or enjoy with your mains. If you're vegan, check with the kitchen if they're using butter or oil to cook the veg.
At the bottom of the menu, I'm so pleased to find a list of all the locally sourced ingredients and their marvellous suppliers. From seafood to salad, it's brilliant to see the support for these local food heroes and the range that restaurants can now choose from. I feel better knowing that the team is reducing food miles and benefiting from the freshest local produce.
You can find the Plant Based Menu at all 3 of The Maine's branches / Business Bay, JBR and Studio City.
HERE ARE MY RECOMMENDATIONS
STARTERS
BEETROOT TARTARE / Avocado, tapioca chips, soy ginger dressing
LENTIL SALAD / Edamame, golden raisins, sundried tomato, maple balsamic vinaigrette
MY NOTES
The Beetroot Tartare and the Lentil Salad are a great combo and complement each other very well in texture and flavour. In addition, the lentils are an excellent source of protein and iron. Overall, the combo is jam-packed with nutrients, fibre, and healthy fats, which makes this a wonderful way to start the meal.
MAINS
CHARRED CAULIFLOWER STEAK / Almond puree, raisin chimichurri, dhukka crust
BUCKWHEAT PASTA / King oyster mushrooms, asparagus, green pesto, pickles shimeji
ROASTED EGGPLANT / Miso marinade, balsamic tofu, coconut aioli
MY NOTES
The cauliflower steak is by far the favourite. We really enjoyed eating it with the buckwheat pasta, which added body, and delicious earthy and fresh pesto flavours to the meal.
The Roasted Eggplant is creamy and packed with umami flavours. The dish is on the light side, so I recommend ordering some Broccolini and Wild Mushrooms to make it a wholesome meal.
RECOMMENDED SIDES
House Salad / Steamed Asparagus / Wild Mushrooms / Broccolini / Charred Brussel Sprouts / Burnt Pardon Peppers
THE MAINE LAND BRASSERIE's MENU
