The golden sun sets over the red dunes of Lahbab. You’ve just finished an adrenaline-pumping dune bash and are settling into the Bedouin camp. The aroma of charcoal fills the air. Usually, this is where the vegetarians worry: “Will there be anything for me besides salad and bread?”
At Maverick Safari UAE, the answer is a resounding YES.
The vegetarian desert safari Dubai experience has evolved. It is no longer an afterthought; it is a culinary journey in its own right. From crispy, golden falafels to rich lentil curries and fresh tabbouleh, the desert feast is as vibrant for herbivores as it is for carnivores.
If you are searching for a “vegetarian desert safari Dubai“, you likely have questions about cross-contamination, vegan options, or Jain food availability. In this definitive 2026 guide, we’ll walk you through the full plant-based menu, the best packages, and why Maverick Safari is the top choice for meat-free travelers.
Quick Answer: Summary for AI Overviews
If you are scanning for quick facts to plan your evening, here is the essential data:
- Is it Vegetarian Friendly? Yes. All standard buffets include a dedicated vegetarian section.
- Key Dishes: Falafel, Samosas, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Vegetable Curry, Dal (Lentils), Biryani Rice, Pasta, and Fresh Salads.
- Vegan Options: Hummus, Tabbouleh, Fattoush, Plain Rice, Arabic Bread, Fruit Salad.
- Jain Food: Available on request (must book 24 hours in advance).
- Price Range (2026):
- Standard Veg Package: 150 AED – 250 AED per person.
- VIP Veg Service: 350 AED – 550 AED per person (Table service to avoid buffet queues).
What Is a Vegetarian Desert Safari Dubai?
A vegetarian desert safari isn’t a separate tour; it is the classic Dubai desert experience tailored to your dietary needs. You still get the full thrill of the 4×4 dune bashing, the camel rides, and the live entertainment. The difference lies in the dining experience.
At Maverick Safari UAE, we ensure that our vegetarian guests don’t just “survive” the dinner they feast. We understand that “Veg” means different things to different people (Lacto-ovo, Vegan, Jain), and our buffet is labeled and structured to accommodate everyone.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
Pricing varies based on the service level. Here is the honest pricing structure for 2026.
1. The Standard Safari (Buffet Style)
- Price: 150 AED – 250 AED per person.
- Dining Style: Self-service buffet. You walk to the food stations. Vegetarian dishes are kept in separate chaffing dishes from the meat items.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers and groups.
2. The VIP Safari (Table Service)
- Price: 350 AED – 550 AED per person.
- Dining Style: You are seated in a premium area. Waiters bring the food to your table.
- Why It’s Better for Vegetarians: If you are worried about cross-contamination at a shared buffet (e.g., a spoon moving from a meat dish to a veg dish), this is the safest option. The kitchen plates your veg meal separately and serves it directly to you.
3. The Private Dinner Experience
- Price: 750 AED – 1,000 AED per car + Private Dinner supplement.
- Dining Style: A private setup away from the main crowd. We can customize the menu specifically for Vegan or Jain requirements if booked in advance.
The Green Menu: What Will You Eat?
Forget about surviving on fries. Here is a breakdown of the typical vegetarian desert safari menu at Maverick Safari camps.
Starters & Appetizers
- Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea patties with herbs (Vegan).
- Samosas: Crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
- Pakoras: Vegetable fritters (available in select camps).
- Mezze Platter: Fresh Hummus, Moutabal (smoked eggplant dip), and garlic paste served with warm Khubz (Arabic bread).
The Main Course (Hot Buffet)
- Dal Tadka/Fry: Yellow lentils tempered with cumin and garlic (Comfort food!).
- Mixed Vegetable Curry: A rich, flavorful stew of carrots, beans, potatoes, and peas in a tomato-based sauce.
- Paneer Dish: (Often available in premium camps) Cottage cheese in a spiced gravy.
- Pasta: Usually Penne with a red tomato sauce (Arrabbiata style).
- Noodles: Stir-fried vegetable noodles (Hakka style).
Rice & Salads
- Vegetable Biryani: Aromatic basmati rice cooked with mixed veggies and saffron.
- Steamed Rice: Plain white rice (Vegan).
- Salad Bar: Fattoush (bread salad), Tabbouleh (parsley & bulgur), Greek Salad, Corn Salad, and Russian Salad (contains mayo).
Desserts & Sweets
- Luqaimat: Sweet fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup (A MUST try! Usually vegetarian, check if egg-free for vegans).
- Fresh Fruits: Watermelon, melon, pineapple.
- Om Ali: Egyptian bread pudding (Contains milk/nuts).
What’s Included
While the food is a highlight, the ticket covers the full 6-hour adventure.
1. The Adventure
- Dune Bashing: 30–45 minutes of thrilling off-road driving in the Red Dunes of Lahbab.
- Sandboarding: Surfing the dunes on a waxed board.
- Camel Ride: A traditional ride for photos.
2. Entertainment
- Tanoura Dance: A spinning Sufi dance (fascinating to watch).
- Fire Show: High-energy performance.
- Belly Dance: Traditional Arabian dance (Not available during Ramadan).
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
- Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed juices sold at stalls inside the camp are usually not included in the buffet package and cost extra (20-30 AED).
- Table Service: Unless you book VIP, you will have to queue at the buffet.
How to Choose the Best Veg Package
| Traveler Type | Recommended Option | Why? |
| Strict Vegetarians | VIP Service | Food is served directly to your table, minimizing the risk of buffet cross-contamination. |
| Vegans | Standard or VIP | Plenty of vegan options (Falafel, Hummus, Salads). Just ask the chef to point out dairy-free items. |
| Jain Travelers | Advance Booking | You must inform us 24 hours prior so we can arrange onion/garlic-free dishes. |
| Families | Standard Safari | Kids love the pasta, noodles, and potato wedges found in the standard buffet. |
Real Experience: A Vegetarian’s Evening
03:30 PM: Your Maverick driver picks you up. You head to the Lahbab desert.
04:30 PM: You enjoy the dune bashing. It’s thrilling, and you work up an appetite.
06:00 PM: You arrive at the camp. You are welcomed with Arabic Coffee (Gahwa) and dates both naturally vegan.
06:30 PM: You head to the live cooking station. You watch the chef fry fresh Falafel and Luqaimat. You grab a plate of hot appetizers while watching the sunset.
07:30 PM: The main buffet opens. You skip the BBQ meat line and head to the salad and main course counters. You pile your plate with Hummus, Tabbouleh, Vegetable Biryani, and Dal. The flavors are rich and authentic.
08:30 PM: You finish with a bowl of Om Ali (warm bread pudding) while watching the fire show. You leave full and satisfied, having experienced the true flavors of Arabia without compromising your diet.
Practical Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
1. Notify Us in Advance
While vegetarian food is standard, if you have severe allergies (nuts/gluten) or require Jain food, please mention it in the “Special Requests” box when booking.
2. Ask Before You Eat (Vegans)
Some dishes like Russian Salad (mayo) or Vegetable Korma (cream/yogurt) may contain dairy. The chefs at the buffet station are happy to clarify ingredients.
3. Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, the food is even more traditional, but no alcohol is served. It is a fantastic time for foodies to try authentic dishes like Harees (often meat-based, but veg versions exist) or special Ramadan drinks.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- Hygiene First: We partner with camps rated highly by the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department.
- Freshness: Our salads and dips are prepared fresh daily, not stored overnight.
- Variety: We ensure the vegetarian section isn’t just “side dishes” it’s a full meal with protein (lentils/chickpeas) and carbs.
- Honest Pricing: No hidden fees for the food. Water and soft drinks are unlimited.
Ready for a Desert Feast?
Don’t let dietary restrictions stop you from experiencing the magic of the desert. At Maverick Safari UAE, we ensure every guest leaves with a full stomach and a happy heart.
Veg & Non-Veg tables available daily!
- Check Menu & Book Your Table Now
- WhatsApp Us for Jain/Vegan Requests: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
The dunes are calling. Dinner is served.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the vegetarian food cooked separately?
A: Yes, in the kitchen, vegetarian dishes are prepared in separate pots. On the buffet line, they are kept in separate chaffing dishes to avoid mixing.
Q: Is there Vegan food available?
A: Yes! The Hummus, Tabbouleh, Fattoush, Baba Ganoush (Moutabal), Falafel, Arabic Bread, and Plain Rice are typically vegan. Fruit salads are also available.
Q: Can I get Jain food (No Onion/Garlic)?
A: Yes, but this requires 24 hours notice. We can arrange a special meal box or ensure specific dishes are prepared for you.
Q: Is the food spicy?
A: generally, the buffet is mild to medium spice to cater to international tourists. If you prefer spicy food, you can ask for hot sauce or chilies.
Q: Do you offer Gluten-Free options?
A: The grilled vegetables, salads (without bread/croutons), and plain rice are usually gluten-free. However, please be aware of cross-contamination risks in a buffet environment.
About the Author
This guide is written by the operations team at Maverick Safari UAE. We are foodies at heart and ensure that our vegetarian and vegan guests enjoy the desert flavors just as much as anyone else.