Where to sample some local creative vegetarian cooking

From sweet and tender, charred eggplant to umami-laden seared mushrooms, and savoury slow-roasted cauliflower steaks, if you are keen to sample the rising stars of the capital’s growing culinary veggie scene, here’s a list of four to try.

Ravioli di Mamma Egi. Circo restaurant’s signature vegetarian dish.

Mushroom Khichdi. This Indian-inspired risotto is cooked with five varieties of mushrooms and garnished with a homemade blackberry achaar, mushroom croquettes, and crispies. Dh82. Tamba, World Trade Center Mall, Al Markaziyah; Open Sun-Wed noon-1am; Thu-Sat noon-2am. For reservations, call 02 672 8888

Ravioli di Mamma Egi. Circo restaurant’s signature vegetarian dish. The dish is comprised of fresh homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach and then sautéed with butter and parmesan, and topped with savoury sage sauce. Dh69. Circo, InterContinental Abu Dhabi; open daily from noon to 4pm and from 7pm to midnight. For reservations, call 02 666 6888.

Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Brown Butter, Sage, Asparagus, and Parmesan. This exceptional dish is the solution to the seemingly intractable problem of finding a vegetarian dish in a steakhouse. Dh135. Butcher & Still, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island; Open daily from 6pm-12am. For reservations, call 02 333 2444.

BeetPica Tartare This starter has been tantalizing local omnivore’s taste buds since 2013. Much better than they may sound, these delectable beet tacos provide the umami bomb that vegetarians yearn for with their elusive balance of salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. The tacos are aesthetically pleasing and offer power packed nutrition.  Dh55. Asia de Cuba, Nation Riviera Beach Club; open daily from 12pm-2am. For reservations, call 02 699 3333.