Al Safadi and Switch Foods: Pioneering Plant-Based Lebanese Cuisine for a Sustainable Culinary Experience

Al Safadi, the renowned Lebanese restaurant chain in the UAE, has joined forces with Switch Foods, a pioneering UAE-based FoodTech start-up to introduce plant-based meat alternatives to its menu. This collaboration brings forth four innovative plant-based dishes: fried kibbeh, kabab khashkash, lahm beajin, and hummus with meat and fries.

The CEO of Al Safadi Restaurants, Fadi Safadi, discussed the importance of this collaboration with Caterer Middle East, stating, "This initiative marks a pivotal milestone in our journey toward fostering a more environmentally conscious brand." It underscores our dedication to culinary innovation as we collaboratively venture into integrating plant-based meat alternatives into traditional Lebanese cuisines."

Switch Foods specializes in providing 100 percent clean-label meat alternatives.

Edward Hamod, the founder and CEO of Switch Foods, highlighted, "This partnership not only establishes a new standard for sustainability in the UAE dining scene but also serves as an inspiring example, encouraging other establishments to join us in this initiative and contribute to positive change."

Fadi Safadi, Al Safadi COO, emphasized, "Many Lebanese dishes traditionally center around meat, and we acknowledge the growing populace embracing a meat-free lifestyle. Teaming up with Switch Foods, our goal is to reintroduce the local cuisines' essence, in a manner that is both plant-based and familiar. This translates to expanded choices for our diners, who increasingly view sustainability as an essential aspect of their dining experience."

The four groundbreaking plant-based dishes exemplify an innovative approach to traditional Lebanese cuisine. Al Safadi responsibly sources its plant-based meat locally from Switch Foods' production facility in KEZAD, thereby contributing to a reduction in the restaurant's carbon footprint.

The collaboration between Al Safadi and Switch Foods underscores the surging popularity of plant-based food in the UAE and the broader region's commitment to sustainability. It also signals a wave of culinary innovation in the UAE as restaurants experiment with inventive ways to incorporate plant-based ingredients into traditional dishes.