Myths associated with a vegan diet are being dispelled by a growing number of Middle Eastern food bloggers.

Despite Middle Eastern cuisine being inherently rich in fresh produce, embracing a fully vegan or plant-based diet is often viewed as radical and unconventional across the region. Food holds immense cultural significance for many Middle Eastern people, serving as a cornerstone of family life and a connection to heritage. Even in immigrant families, traditional recipes symbolize religious and cultural celebrations, fostering a sense of belonging.

This mindset, attributed frequently to cultural norms, gets passed down through generations. For individuals who've opted for a vegan lifestyle, navigating acceptance within their homes and communities can be challenging.

However, a burgeoning group of Middle Eastern food bloggers is changing the narrative by adapting traditional dishes to suit vegan preferences. They're not only advocating for the benefits of a vegan diet online but also within their communities.

For Sarah Guita, a vegan blogger in Marseille, preserving cultural ties while adhering to a vegan diet meant veganizing traditional dishes. She recognized the importance of integrating both aspects of her identity.

Despite the growing popularity of the plant-based diet, the representation of veganism remains predominantly white. However, influencers like Leila Hannoun, known for her Lebanese heritage and protein-rich recipes, are challenging this narrative.

Personal experiences of individuals like Leila and Luna Issa, a Scottish-Iraqi blogger, offer solace to those navigating similar paths. By sharing vegan adaptations of traditional dishes, they're fostering community and showcasing the diversity within the vegan movement.

Mennar Saleh, the founder of Earth Brgr, an all-vegan fast-food eatery in London, shares his journey. "With a Syrian mom and an Iraqi dad, I knew convincing my family wouldn't be easy," he says. Initially met with resistance, especially from male relatives, Mennar faced comments like "That's not how men eat."

Heba, the creator behind the blog and Palestinian supper club Gae's Pan, echoes similar sentiments. Rejecting meat often led to discomfort during dinner conversations, as it was sometimes interpreted as a rejection of hospitality and cultural identity.

Despite these challenges, neither Mennar nor Heba allowed initial pushback to deter them. They forged ahead to establish successful vegan dining ventures, proving that one can embrace Arab heritage and a vegan lifestyle.

Contrary to popular belief, plant-based diets aren't novel in the Middle Eastern context. Historical figures like the Syrian poet Abu al-Alaa al-Ma’arri followed a plant-based diet centuries ago.