Swadist - Dubai

Dubai is filled with unassuming, vegetarian Indian restaurants, and Swadist is right in the midst of them. This restaurant is completely vegetarian, but vegans should be cautious of dishes containing ghee (butter), cream, and cheese. The staff was not very clear on which items on the very affordable buffet contained these ingredients, so I played it safe and avoided a few dishes. The lunch buffet is the main draw here, attracting many local workers who come to enjoy the variety of breads, entrees, and desserts offered for only AED 12 (approximately $3.25). The restaurant is small, with a few steps leading up to a dozen or so tables in a windowless and unremarkable space. The buffet is available from around 11am until it runs out. The food was decent overall, with no particularly stand-out dishes. The highlight for me was a spicy cauliflower dish with a hint of sweetness. There are no restrooms, only a hand wash basin. This is not a place for a fancy dinner, but it is a good spot for a satisfying meal. HappyCow lists its location accurately on 4c Street, just south of Kuwait Street. Look for Sunrise Super Market and head south, the restaurant is about six shops down on the left/east side of the road, next to Karama Optic.

We were initially excited to try this restaurant, but our enthusiasm waned when we arrived. The appearance of the place was not very appealing. The prices were reasonable, but the staff did not speak English well and did not seem to understand vegan dietary restrictions. I asked for three lentil-based meals without any milk, cheese, or butter, but despite the waiter's assurance that they understood, one meal came with cheese and two with butter. This was disappointing for a vegan like myself. It seemed that the restaurant catered more to vegetarians as it was often busy with Indian families and workers.

Dubai is filled with unassuming vegetarian Indian restaurants, and Swadist falls right in the middle. It is completely vegetarian, but vegans should be aware that ghee (butter, cream, and cheese) are used in some dishes. The staff was not very clear about which items on the buffet may contain these ingredients, so I played it safe and skipped a couple of dishes. The lunch buffet is the main draw here, and you will see many local guest workers coming in to enjoy the spread. For AED 12 (approximately USD $3.25), you can fill up on various breads, entrees, and sweet dessert porridge items. The small takeout counter downstairs leads you to a plain dining area upstairs with a dozen or so tables. The buffet is typically available from around 11 am, and the food will keep coming until... The taste was decent overall, with a standout hot cabbage dish with vegetables. There are no bathrooms, only a handwashing sink. Swadist is not a place for a fancy dinner, but it is a reliable spot for a satisfying meal. You can find it on 4C Street, just south of Kuwait Street. Look for Sunrise Supermarket and walk down the street until you see it about six storefronts south, next to Karama Optic.

We were initially excited to visit this restaurant, but upon arrival, we were a bit hesitant. The appearance of the place was not well-maintained. The prices were reasonable, however, the staff did not speak English very well and did not understand veganism. I ordered three vegetable and lentil dishes without milk, cheese, or butter, but unfortunately, the waiter brought me one dish with cheese and two dishes with cream. As a vegan, this was a disappointing experience. If you are a vegetarian, you may enjoy dining here. The restaurant is always busy, with Indian families and workers frequenting the place.