Eating here comes with a sizeable feel-good factor.

This is Brambles at Metro Central Hotel in Barsha Heights, Dubai. 

The new healthy eating place in Dubai is serving up plenty of vegans and vegetarian-friendly food, bringing ‘Northern Californian’ cuisine to the area using fresh, local ingredients cooked simply and tastefully. As much attention is devoted to a well-prepared salad as to more intricate dishes.

The menu has a great mix of salads, sandwiches, breakfast bowls, juices and desserts, all with creative twists using local produce. Iranian-American chef and founder Mandana Shabani was raised in California and learnt cooking while spending time in the kitchen with her mom. She plans to change people’s misconceptions on healthy food and good taste with her fresh, tasty, wholesome food. This is where food is served to heal the body, mind and soul while satisfying the taste buds: combining choice with healthy eating.

Brambles showcases seasonal produce, and dishes on the menu include Shakshuka bites, avocado toast, kale and sweet potato frittata, quinoa moussaka and much more. There is a variety of breakfast bowls including acai, oats, granola and more along with egg dishes for the discerning eater.

There are a large number of vegan dishes, including an avocado pizza (Must- try) and a vegan glow bowl, packed with roast cabbage, sweet potato, broccoli, purple cabbage, goji berries, chickpeas and roasted garlic. The Kale brownies are a must-try! Warm out of the oven, rich, and chocolatey, you don’t realise that there is that green goodness in them!

The signature drinks include desert rose syrup for the hot summers, pretty in pink – vanilla rooibos, almond milk and honey and the dirty chai for the chai lovers. We loved the La Chupacabra – a delicious hot drink made with espresso, chocolate, chili, cinnamon and milk!

A bright cheerful ambience with that cosy feel, just what you need to be by yourself, start a conversation, scribble/doodle, read a book, or just chill. It’s your own all-time café.

Open daily 6.30am-7.30pm. Metro Central Hotel, Barsha Heights (04 452 9529).