Top Tips for Workplace Safety on Wold Day For Safety and Health At Work

World Day for Safety & Health at Work: What’s at Stake & Why it Matters

Every year on 28th April, the International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency commemorates World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This year, ILO has published a report ahead of 28th April, “Safety and Health at the heart of the Future of Work: Building on 100 years of experience”. This is to focus attention on the need for coordinated action by stakeholders to deal with the emerging health and safety issues at work. The report argues that the world of work is changing significantly. Demographic, technological and environmental conditions are transforming working environments, leading to new occupational health and safety (OSH) issues. The ILO estimates that:

  Image Credit: International Labour Organization

“Stress, excessively-long working hours and disease, contribute to the deaths of nearly 2.8 million workers every year, while an additional 374 million people get injured or fall ill because of their jobs. “ [1]

Commenting on this, Manal Azzi, ILO Technical Specialist on Occupational Safety and Health has stated that:

“As well as more effective prevention for established risks, we are seeing profound changes in our places and ways of working. We need safety and health structures that reflect this, alongside a general culture of prevention that creates shared responsibility”. [2]

Office workers are more likely to face psychosocial risks, work-related stress and non-communicable diseases such as circulatory and respiratory illness and cancers than workers in other sectors. We have discussed previously the importance of integrating employee happiness and well-being into office fit-out and working practices. Numerous studies have shown the link between employee health and wellness, and business productivity. Workplace happiness, and employee wellness depend on many of the same conditions required for OSH, such as safety, health and comfort.

Workplace Safety: Awareness, Culture, Processes & Practices

Office environments can seem intrinsically safe, compared to high risk locations like oil fields or construction sites. While office workers are at lower risk of workplace injuries than workers engaged in physical labour, it is vital not to under estimate the risks they face. In the worst-case scenarios, office employees may be exposed to life threatening situations. At the very least, some office risks can significantly decrease the quality of life of affected workers.

A safe working environment is a prerequisite to employee well-being. What is needed is to create a culture, shared by employees and management alike, where concerns and standards related to safety and health can be shared; and where people are aware that they are responsible for adhering to and improving upon OSH standards in their workplace.

This working environment is built upon the initial set up of the office, fit out, furnishing, materials, equipment and layout. This is the essential first step that provides the necessary conditions for health and safety. The next step is to create systems and policies for health and safety. Employees have a key role to play in identifying potential safety issues and helping to act on them. For workplace safety to be effective, employees must be aware of unsafe behaviours so that they can avoid them.

Summertown’s Top Tips to Improve Office Safety

2019’s World Day for Safety and Health theme is all about fostering a safe and healthy culture at work. This will help to prevent accidents and avoid work-related injuries. Here are some of our top tips for employees and employers alike.

What Employers Should Do

1.   Implementing High Quality Interior Fit Out

Employers should make every effort to provide a safe working space by undertaking proper interior fit out, or retro-fit, complying with all relevant country regulations and accepted industry best practices, including:

• Level flooring and non-slip surfaces to reduce accidents and falls
• Non-VoC materials and furnishings cutting down on toxic and allergic reactions
• Flame retardant flooring, wall coverings
• Proper indoor ventilation systems to reduce air-borne illnesses
• Workstation audit to ensure that equipment, seating and desks are ergonomically designed and safe for long-term use
• Assigned areas for office machinery
• Assigned areas for cooking, coffee or tea making
• Safety-aware layout including readily accessible and labelled emergency exits and fire doors
• High quality electrical cabling and wiring which are not accessible to employees
• High quality plumbing work to avoid leaks and drips that can lead to mould
• Fire alarms and automated sprinkler systems, where possible

2.   Workplace Safety Culture and Policies

Employers should work on communicating a safety awareness culture in the office. This can include clearly communicated safety procedures such as:

• Safety procedures manual accessible to all employees
• Main safety regulations posted at key locations
• Office tidiness culture – ensuring files, boxes and materials are put away and stored to cut down on clutter
• First Aid training for employees
• Emergency Evacuation Drills
• Fire Safety Awareness training
• Accessible fire equipment such as fire blankets and fire extinguishers
• Routine safety checks to ensure exits are unimpeded and equipment is maintained
• Encouraging employee engagement, including assigning evacuation officers, first responders, and more
• Instituting well-known safety issue reporting channels or processes
• Undertaking regular risk analysis and updating crisis management procedures in case of different possible scenarios such as fire, power outage, and so on

3.   Reducing Workplace Stressors

We’ve discussed the various initiatives that companies can take to create a healthier working environment and to promote wellness and well-being among their employees. Many of these initiatives also contribute to a safer office, including:

• Wellness programs and campaigns including medical checks, information about better nutrition and incentives to undertake regular exercise
• Reducing noise
• Providing good lighting and ventilation
• Providing employees with customisable comfort controls for lighting and temperature
• Creating privacy zones for concentrated work and break out areas for collaborating
• Setting aside space for refreshment and relaxation, and encouraging employees to take regular breaks
• Developing policies to encourage healthier work/life balance including remote working arrangements
• Using technology to cut down on routine tasks and to facilitate productivity
• Discourage unwell employees from coming to the office, because of risk of spreading cold or flu germs and viruses

What Employees Should Know and Do

A great deal of the responsibility of maintaining health and safety in the office environment falls on the shoulders of employees. Here are some of the main things employees should be aware of and some of the main attitudes they should adopt to safeguard their own safety and that of their colleagues.

• Be aware of your surroundings – slips and falls are some of the most frequent causes of injury in offices. People working in an office may be twice as likely to be injured by falling than workers in other environments. Being alert and planning can help to avoid these kinds of risk. [3]
• Take care of your body.
  • Ensure that working areas allow one to maintain proper posture and avoid repetitive strain injuries from keystroking or eyestrain.
  • Be aware of how you are sitting and make sure that you are sitting in a way to minimise back strain, by keeping both feet on the floor, back supported.
  • Avoid heavy lifting of files, boxes and so on. When it is necessary to move equipment or materials, use an office trolley
• Take regular breaks – many workplace accidents take place when an employee is tired or distracted. Taking regular breaks helps one stay fresh and alert.
• Maintain an upbeat demeanour and try to cut down on stress which is one of the main causes of office employees’ health issues.
• Use office machinery according to instructions and take reasonable precautions.
• Treat electricity with respect. Refer changes to wiring or electrical connections to those responsible. Never plug in multiple devices into one outlet.
• Be responsible in kitchen or pantry areas especially when dealing with stoves, hot plates, microwaves, coffee machines and boilers.
• Keep emergency exits and fire door access open and unimpeded by plants, file cabinets or furniture.
• Participate in all safety drills, and first aid trainings to be prepared in case of any emergency.
• Take the time to know your office emergency procedures: Make sure you know what to do in the event of a fire, storm, violent intruder, medical problem or other emergency situations.
• Report unsafe conditions or potential risks to those responsible in the office and follow up if no action is taken.

Summertown’s Commitment to Improving Safety and Health for Employees Everywhere

 Summertown supports the World Day for Safety and Health at Work because of its determined commitment to all initiatives that improve employee health and well-being, and benefit environmental sustainability. We practice what we preach, by beginning our advocacy and efforts at home.

The Health and Safety of all our employees is of the utmost importance to us at Summertown. We take a proactive approach to ensuring the work environment safe including monthly machine routine maintenance, monitoring and recording safety observations and near misses, providing appropriate personal protection equipment and empowering staff through training.

Central to our approach to health, safety and the environment (HSE) is our Summertown HSE Committee; this comprises eight representatives from senior management and project teams.

The HSE committee is responsible for:

• Managing and controlling the procedures and policies to ensure site safety throughout Summertown’s sites
• Reviewing current practices and providing feedback to inform future H&S decision-making
• Monthly meetings to review or update any regulations or procedures as required by UAE Construction HSE Laws
• Monthly reporting to the Summertown Corporate Team [4]1

In April 2019, we attained ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems certification – the highest internationally recognised occupational health and safety standard.

“The standard was developed by a committee of occupational health and safety experts and follows other generic management system approaches such as ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. It will take into account other International Standards in this area such as OHSAS 18001, the International Labour Organization’s ILO-OSH Guidelines, various national standards and the ILO’s international labour standards and conventions.”[5]

 Summertown Interiors has already in place a quality management system and is certified for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. The addition of the ISO 45001:2018 standard will also ensure we have the systems in place to maintain our exemplary health and safety record.

We are proud to be one of the first UAE-based companies to be awarded this certification, which stresses on the importance of creating a safety culture at work and engaging employees in creating a better working environment for everyone.

Check in with us today to discuss how we can help you plan for an office where all employees are happy, productive and safe.

Article originally published by Summertown. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2WgqCyH

4 Ways Plants Can Improve your Office Environment

Plants give us a boost by keeping stress levels low and morale 

high. They’re healthy, they improve air quality, and they look good 

too, so they make a great addition to any office’s décor. 

Here are some of the most common reasons why offices 

(like our Areaworks coworking spaces) use plants to create a 

fresher, more efficient environment — and how this can impact 

the quality of the work you do.

They’re a good antidote to 

technology

The average office worker spends almost 1,700 hours a year in 

front of a computer, causing 37% of them to suffer from headaches

 and nausea as a result (Independent). Vivid plants like ferns 

and bamboo, mixed with exotic succulents and caladiums, 

can give you something else to look at besides the blue light 

of your screen, encouraging you to take a break from your 

projects every now and then. Studies have shown they can 

even reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue 

(University of Technology).

They allow you to bring 

nature indoors

Getting out into nature can have an immensely positive impact 

on your physical health and wellbeing. It can even reduce the 

risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood 

pressure, according to research by the University of East Anglia. 

But, with deadlines and other work commitments, it can be tricky 

to get outside as often as we’d like. Good offices take this into 

account by making sure there are plenty of potted plants and 

trees dotted around; they help to brighten things up a bit 

by adding a pop of colour, and we get all the benefits of their 

healing powers without leaving our desks.

They can improve your 

office’s air quality

Poor air quality can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, 

skin dryness, irritability, and difficulty breathing, all of which 

negatively affect your ability to concentrate 

(Royal Horticultural Society). Spider plants, as well as English ivy, 

were found to be among the best at removing toxins from the air 

in a study by scientists at NASA. Both plants will do wonders 

for the atmosphere in a stuffy office — plus, they trap dust, 

is great news for allergy sufferers. However, most plants will 

improve air quality in one way or another, allowing you to keep 

a clear mind when you’re hard at work.

They boost your productivity

As part of a study conducted by the University of Exeter, 

a sparsely decorated office introduced plants to its design. 

The results illustrated how the overall mood was increased 

and staff productivity rose by 15%. This mood elevation and 

heightened enthusiasm are why the best offices pack in as many 

plants as possible.

Big standing plants like palms or miniature trees can have a big 

impact on your productivity as soon as you walk in the door, and 

keeping smaller potted plants like cactuses or bonsai on your 

desk within your line of sight allows you to make the most of their 

productivity-boosting power.

These are just some of the reasons why the best offices 

incorporate plants into their décor: they’re air-purifying, pretty to 

look at, and can do a lot for your mental and physical wellbeing. 

Join one of our Areaworks spaces to benefit from the many plants 

we have dotted around. Book a tour to come and see them for 

yourself! 

Article originally published by Areaworks. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2J2y3Wo

Japanese Food is All About Sushi (Or Not!)

What is Japanese Food?

This is the question on the lips of anyone looking for a Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Well, there is sushi which is one of the most loved foods in the world. However, Japan’s great cuisine does not start and end with sushi.

There is much more to Japanese food than just sushi, although it is the first thing that will come to most people’s mind when they hear the term ‘Japanese Food’. There are actually a fair few options to choose from in this cuisine. Japanese food is basically any ‘regional and traditional foods of Japan’. The way in which Japan has changed over the years has all gone to help shape the Japanese cuisine. 

Many factors have had direct effects on not only the food that was eaten but the way that it was both cooked and served. Some of these factors were social and others tended to be more economical. It was one of these economical changes that led to the birth of that food that the Japanese are now known for all over the world – sushi. Now, Japanese restaurants Abu Dhabi and Dubai wide will be able to serve you up some great sushi or you can even enjoy the sushi Dubai delivery services will bring right to your door. 
Before sushi shot to fame on menus across the globe, the Japanese diet had once consisted almost exclusively of vegetables and rice or soup dishes. Meat was a later addition to the Japanese dinner table as their earlier food choices were far more in line with seasonal produce and side dishes comprising of fish and vegetables that have been cooked in a broth.

It was with the modernisation of Japan in the 1880’s when meat first began to regularly appear on the Japanese menu. Since then, dishes based on meat such as Tonkatsu or Yakiniki have become favoured amongst Japanese diners. Other similar dishes are now found on the menu of any authentic Japanese restaurant Dubai has to offer. Even more recently, Japanese chefs have turned their hands to a number of other cuisines from across the world which can now be readily found in the streets of Japan. Now that Japan has a taste for other cuisines, they have also taken the lead away from France in the list of who has the most Michelin-starred restaurants.

What’s with the Sushi?

Well if there are so many different types of food on offer in the Japanese cuisine, why is it that we instantly think of Sushi and no other dish? Well there is a simple answer for this. To the Japanese, their cuisine was from the beginning based around the combination of a staple food such as rice which would then be coupled with various side or main dishes. At times, rice would be substituted for Udon noodles or another staple food but this was how the Japanese cuisine was made up. This was how they got all the necessary elements into their diet, the basics and the proteins.

It was this simple addition of protein to rice that gave the world what we would come to know and love as sushi. When the poorer working classes of an industrial Japan required a nutritious lunch that could be eaten on the go, street vendors in Edo Japan began to sell the perfect solution. A small piece of what was the cheapest form of protein available at the time (Fish) was rolled in a rice that had been soaked in vinegar and the whole thing was wrapped in seaweed and sliced into individual pieces. Elsewhere in Japan, the fish was placed atop a chunk of rice to be served as Sashimi. These dishes are served in the best Japanese restaurant in Dubai and the whole UAE.

Although it took a while for sushi to become a much-loved cuisine across the world, by the time the western world took notice of sushi, it became almost all that they saw when it came to Japanese cuisine. Born as a street food for the poor working classes of Japan, sushi soon became a standard fare for the rich and famous. Rarely has a food ever made such a jump in the social class that it was enjoyed by.

When it comes to sushi, Dubai is amongst one of the highest climbing cities in regards to popularity. One of the main reasons for this is that the Japanese cuisine is still fairly new in the UAE and this means that many are still yet to find out the many wonders of traditional Japanese food outside of sushi.

According to CNN, Sushi is ‘almost poetic in its simplicity. Good sushi relies on two things: the freshness of the ingredients and the knife skills of the chef.’ So it is easy then to see why it has caught on as a food type and why Sushi Counter supplies some of the best sushi in Dubai.

A Wealth of Other Foods

Okay, enough about Sushi for a moment. If Japanese food is so much more than just sushi, what else is there on offer? Well, if you head down to a Japanese restaurant Dubai Mall has to offer, then as long as it is an authentic Japanese restaurant (Dubai are known for having a fair few of these now), then you will find a lot more than just sushi on their menu. However, if you only know sushi then, the other choices may be fairly daunting and you might feel like just going for what you already know. Well don’t worry. Below is a list of some of the delicious choices on offer from an authentic Japanese menu and they are all described so you know what sounds perfect for you.

1. Spring and Summer Rolls

Okay let’s start off easy with some other Japanese street food. This way, the concept behind the dish is not too dissimilar to that of sushi. The idea behind spring and summer rolls is pretty much the same as sushi with just a few small differences. Technically, they are still classed as sushi and you will no doubt find them placed at the bottom of the sushi section in one of the many Japanese restaurants Abu Dhabi and Dubai are now known for. This is a good move though if you want to branch out into the other sections of Japanese cuisine but don’t want to go too crazy. 

The humble Summer Roll is basically a combination between the Vietnamese summer roll and Japanese sushi. It is made using fresh vegetables and crab meat or shrimp, but instead of rice and seaweed, it is wrapped in thin rice paper. Try Sushi Counter's Salmon Spicy Summer Roll which is made using salmon, spicy miso sauce, cool iceberg lettuce and cucumber wrapped in rice paper.

The spring roll on the other hand or harumaki as the Japanese might call them, are a crunchy rice paper wrapped around various vegetable and meat fillings. One great example is the vegetable rice spring roll from Sushi Counter. It contains carrots, lettuce, avocado, capsicum, blue flowers, takuan and white radish. 

2. Sushi Burrito

Still easing you in to the world of Japanese foods outside of sushi, here is a new Japanese twist on a Mexican classic. Generally, the street food angle is where sushi gained its popularity at first and this is why sushi lends itself so well to fusion with other street food types. One such fusion is the sushi burrito which takes all the ‘good food on the go’ of both sushi and burritos and mashes them together in one dish. The sushi burrito carries on the long standing legacy attached to sushi itself and allows for yet another super tasty piece of Japanese street food.

For a great Sushi Burrito, try the chicken sushi burrito from Sushi Counter which wraps torikatsu, Japanese mayo and chicken in a thin layer of rice and seaweed to create a burrito like no other.

3. Sushi Burger

This is another sushi-cross dish but remember that this fusion between sushi and other world cuisine definitely deserves a mention as it is not sushi in the traditional sense. In fact, sushi burger is far from it. It happens when you take a great filling and like a burger, you sandwich it between two buns. The buns in this case though are actually made from sushi rice dusted with crumbs. This new twist on the all-American classic takes the best of both worlds and serves it up in one glorious dish. Although the sushi burger may be a newer item on the Japanese menu, it seems to be one that is picking up the pace and will be here for a long time yet.

Taste the Tuna Burger at Sushi Counter if you want to see what can be done when you take fresh tuna, lettuce, Hijiki salad and put it between two mix rice buns dusted with Japanese seven spice to see for yourself how well the two go together.

4. Poke Bowls

Now we are starting to move further away from the type of Japanese foods that most sushi lovers will know. The poke bowl is a healthy alternative to some of the other take away foods on offer out there. Poke bowls were traditionally served as a form of healthy salad at the beginning of a meal but have since changed to become an adaptable dish that can be served for almost all occasions. Consisting of a wide variety of fillings, a poke bowl is generally a salad type mix of vegetables and proteins.

An amazing poke bowl example is the tuna poke from Sushi Counter which has edamame beans, pickled ginger, almond flakes, cucumber, black and white sesame seeds, tosazu, white radish, avocado, palm hearts, tempura flakes and cherry tomato in it.

5. Ceviche

Although the classic dish known as Ceviche will be most widely known by diners from Latin American countries, the dish has managed to find its way onto the Japanese menu. This is no doubt due to the large number of Japanese that live in Brazil amongst other countries. The fusion of Japanese flavours and ingredients and the type of cooking required to make Ceviche have resulted in an amazing dish. 

Ceviche, which is Peru’s national dish is made using fresh raw fish which is cured using lemon or lime juice. The dish is then spiced using various peppers. This is the original Peruvian recipe but it has since had somewhat of a facelift. And now, examples of the Japanese influence can be seen in dishes like the Sushi Counter Sea Food Ceviche which brings together shrimp, octopus, scallop, cucumber, cherry tomato, onion, lime, mango, coriander leaves, and their special ceviche sauce.

6. Katsu Curry

Just like when we think of Japanese food, we think of sushi. When we think of curry we generally think of Indian food. Well, Indian cuisine is not the only one with a great curry and this is the best Japan has to offer when it comes to curried dishes. This great dish combines rice with a curried sauce and the famed Tonkatsu or Chicken Katsu where it gets its name. The Katsu Curry has become a favourite amongst high street vendors and if it is made well, then it tastes amazing.

This dish is made using breaded chicken cutlets which are commonly referred to as Tonkatsu which can also be bought and enjoyed on their own as a side dish. There are only a few affordable Japanese restaurants Dubai can be proud of and one serves a great Katsu Curry. Sushi Counter’s katsu chicken curry is made using fresh coriander, panko, chicken breast, potato, carrot, spices, black and white sesame seeds.

7. Miso

Here is an item that not all Sushi lovers will have heard of as it is almost an entirely different way to eat. The Miso soup is one of the earlier and more traditional type of Japanese food. Its origins lay in those first broths filled with vegetables and the occasional piece of protein or later on, meat. This broth is flavourful and is authentically served with a thin noodle and vegetable mix and even an egg which is sliced and served in the broth.

The freshness of the vegetables and noodles served in a miso soup are what make it the amazing dish that it is. Try the Chicken Noodle Miso Soup from Sushi Counter to have a taste of this dish’ goodness.

8. Meshi Box

The Meshi Box as it has become known is a great way to eat on the go. This box of brown rice is served with a number of delicious toppings. This mix of rice and salad is a traditional street food from Japan. 

A great Meshi Box to try out is the Beef Meshi Box from Sushi Counter with Beef Brisket, Hijiki Salad, Edamame beans and Brown rice.

9. Edamame Beans

These delicious beans are not merely an ingredient in many of the different Japanese dishes that we have mentioned; they are also a star in their own right. These immature soybeans are prepared in the pod. They are boiled or steamed until they are soft and then served in salt.

Edamame beans are traditionally ordered as a type of palate cleanser or aperitif.

10. Chirashi

Traditionally known as Chirashizushi or ‘scattered sushi’ by the Japanese, this dish is a way of serving the same ingredients that are found in most sushi dishes but in a whole new way. Basically rice is served in a bowl and topped with various fresh raw ingredients. There are different types of chirashi served in different parts of Japan and some see the ingredients mixed into the rice. Other places choose to serve the uncooked ingredients in a beautiful arrangement thus giving it the name scattered sushi. 

One amazingly ingenious way that Chirashi has been served is the way that Sushi Counter serves it. With layers of fresh ingredients between layers of rice, the Chirashi from Sushi Counter is something to write home about. Try their Salmon Chirashi which sees Salmon Sashimi and nori served on a bed of Japanese rice.

There you have it then, a list of just some of the great options that Japanese cuisine has to offer that are not Sushi.
Now you know what to get, where should you get it from?

Knowing who to trust with your Japanese food experience is an important point. You should be sure to get your Japanese food from a traditional and authentic Japanese restaurant in Dubai. From someone who takes their work seriously and is passionate about using the freshest available ingredients in order to make the most authentic Japanese dishes and all for an affordable price. Not many of the Japanese restaurants Dubai have will serve all of the dishes above and even fewer will make them properly.

There is then only one clear choice for the best Japanese restaurant Dubai has to offer and that is Sushi Counter. Why not place an order today and discover the other sides of Japanese cuisine for yourself.


Article originally published by Sushi Counter. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2W7SoO0

Sushi Dilemma: Seafood vs Meat vs Vegan

Sushi Evolution

When most people hear the word ‘Sushi’ they will no doubt imagine the classic fish or seafood based Japanese dish. This would not be a mistake as Sushi began life as a quick yet protein filled snack served up by street vendors in Edo Japan. The original dish being fresh fish or seafood is served atop vinegared rice. But oh how times have changed.



The new breed of Sushi has taken that simplistic original idea apart and put it back together in a wide variety of ways. Sushi’s popularity has risen rapidly in the years since it first made its way over from Japan. In that time, there have been various other food ‘revolutions’ that have all at one time or another crossed paths with Sushi, and in doing so have changed the ingredients used. 

One of the biggest shifts in the world of Sushi has come about due to a new focus on dietary requirements. People are now looking much closely at what they eat, which means that in order to enjoy certain types of food, some ingredients may need to be substituted or removed completely. This is not a bad thing though as the outcome has been a fresh and innovative way of creating the same dishes for a new market. 

So Sushi, which was once solely a seafood and fish based dish has become so much more. The variations of classic Sushi recipes now include those that use meat as the protein base as well as the even newer vegetarian and vegan sushi Dubai restaurants now serve.

But why so many sushi varieties?

The traditional Sushi as we know served up in Sushi restaurants Abu Dhabi wide, catered to those who loved seafood or fish in one of its purest forms. As the popularity of the cuisine grew, it began to include these different variations in order to cater to the growing number of Sushi lovers who either do not or cannot eat seafood due to dietary requirements. For some, the ability to enjoy a favourite food of so many came in the form of meat-based substitutes. The Sushi restaurants Dubai diners flocked to now offer Sushi with fish, seafood or meat varieties. This new way of serving Sushi using Chicken or Beef in the place of the original seafood or fish in the recipe allowed for more people to enjoy this quintessential Japanese cuisine. 

Vegetarian Sushi has been available for quite some time as it is often as simple as removing the fish or seafood from the recipe. Sushi minus the seafood or fish is a perfect meal choice for the vegetarian diner as its rice base is a good source of much needed protein. As more and more vegetarians became lovers of Sushi, the vegetarian Sushi menu grew to include more tailored vegetarian substitutes. This shift and variation of styles of Sushi was not finished yet though as there was still one type of diner that hadn’t been taken into account; the Vegan Sushi lover. One of the largest emerging ‘foodie’ markets to date though would have to be the Vegan food lover. Being Vegan means that a person chooses not to use any type of animal product, and this choice becomes strongly focussed on when it comes to diet. The average Vegan diner is no stranger to being denied foods or cuisines that they love due to ingredients that don’t suit their requirements. And whereas the Vegetarian diner is generally catered for in most restaurants nowadays, the same could not be said for the Vegan diner. 

While Vegetarians have been able to enjoy Sushi for some time, before the recent appearance of Vegan Sushi, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh diners would have been out of luck. This has meant that in order to cater to a Vegan market, the Sushi restaurants Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are becoming famous for, now even offers Vegan Sushi. Now, the choices are almost endless.

Seafood vs Meat vs Vegan or Vegetarian Sushi

With there now being such a wide choice available when it comes to Sushi, it can be hard to see the Vegan Sashimi from the Chicken California Roll. That is why we have put together a list of some of the Vegan Sushi Dubai’s Japanese restaurants are now offering their diners. In this list, we will be looking at the original Seafood Sushi dish and then see what Meat, Vegan and Vegetarian options are now available. 

Let’s look at some of the Sushi dishes available at Sushi Counter today:

Hand Rolls

Seafood Option:

Panko Shrimp Avocado Hand Roll

The ingredients: Panko shrimp, avocado, creamy spicy sauce and white sesame seeds (Wrapped in Seaweed) 

This traditional hand rolled Sushi (also known as Tamaki Sushi) is made using a cone of seaweed which is rolled around rice and the various fillings. Hand rolls can be found in most of the Sushi restaurants Abu Dhabi is now famed for. In the Panko Shrimp Avocado Hand Roll, the ingredients are a classic mix of seafood (in this case shrimp), avocado which is a great source of healthy fats, rice and a creamy spicy sauce. The added sesame seeds create a slight crunch for some added texture. Altogether, the effect is a smooth taste and great mix of flavours and textures.

Vegan or Vegetarian Option:

Vegetable Hand Roll

The ingredients: Carrots, cucumber, avocado and bell pepper with or without rice (Wrapped in Seaweed)

Sushi Counter has managed to recreate a classic with this Vegan and Vegetarian friendly version of the Hand Roll. Much like the Seafood alternatives, this hand roll uses simple ingredients to put across a full flavour and great taste. With the cucumber serving as the cooling alternative to the creamy sauce and the carrot substituting the shrimp, you still get the good fats from the avocado and a smooth yet crunchy bite. This is a great option for those diners who want all the filling freshness of a hand roll with no seafood. Proof that the Vegan Sushi Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh is becoming well-known for is far from boring.

Meat Option:

Chicken Sushi Burger

The ingredients: Slow cooked chicken breast, lettuce, Hijiki salad, tempura crisps, guacamole, Anticucho mayo, mix sesame seeds and Cheetos crackers 

Okay, so this meat option is not a hand roll so to speak but it does offer a similar sensation of taste and texture as well as a similar mix of ingredients. The Sushi burger is fairly new to the market and capitalises on a more healthy way of looking at the classic burger. With rice patties instead of buns and added Cheetos crackers for crunch, the Chicken Sushi burger sees avocado guacamole add good fats to the chicken’s protein. The salad and tempura crisps add an extra crunch and the mayo finishes it all off.  

Summer Rolls

Seafood Option:

Thai Crab Summer Roll

The ingredients: Fresh Crab Meat, avocado, black sesame seeds, creamy spicy sauce and iceberg lettuce

The summer roll has been a main feature on any Sushi menu since the very beginning. This traditional seafood variety uses fresh crab meat as the source of its protein. We again see avocado appearing as a means of adding good fats to the dish. Black sesame seeds and iceberg lettuce add crunch and altogether, it creates a classic dish that encapsulates the Sushi experience.

Vegetarian Option:

Vegetarian Summer Roll

The ingredients: Avocado, bell pepper, cucumber, omelette and iceberg lettuce.

This option is a great example of the difference between Vegetarian and Vegan dietary requirements. The Omelette used in the Vegetarian Summer Roll serves as a great source of Protein. But it is this omelette that makes this unsuitable for a Vegan diner. Vegetarians though can enjoy the smooth creamy texture of the omelette and avocado with the crisp crunch of the iceberg lettuce and the bell pepper, with cucumber for added coolness.

Vegan Option:

Moutabel & Cucumber Summer Roll

The ingredients: Moutebal mix, cucumber, black sesame seeds, blue flowers and iceberg lettuce

Here we see a truly Vegan variation of the classic Summer Roll. Instead of seafood or omelette, Sushi Counter has used Moutebal as the main protein source. Moutebal is a hummus like dip that is made using eggplant (aubergine) and it is not only great tasting but an excellent source of nutrition for a Vegan diner. Although Moutebal may be available as a side or a dip in some restaurants, it can also be added in your favourite Vegan Sushi.

Meat Option:

Chicken Avocado Summer Roll

The ingredients: Chicken, avocado, creamy spicy sauce and iceberg lettuce

Using just four simple and fresh ingredients, Sushi Counter offers a great meat alternative to the seafood and Vegan or Vegetarian Summer Roll. The high protein levels of Chicken are again in this recipe added to the healthy fats of avocado and the cool taste of cucumber. Some added flavour here coming from the creamy spicy sauce.

California Rolls

Seafood Option:

Salmon Mustard Miso California Roll

The ingredients: Salmon, green apple, spicy miso sauce, wholegrain mustard and white sesame seeds

A great variation on the classic California roll sees Salmon take pride of place instead of the original crab. This Sushi Counter exclusive also uses green apple for a tart crunch and wholegrain mustard and spicy miso sauce for extra bite. The flavours and textures of this California Roll may echo the original but give it a whole new twist.

Vegan Options:

Black Veggie California Roll

The ingredients: Avocado, carrots, cucumber and black rice mix

The Black Veggie California Roll has just four simple and fresh ingredients which come together to create a great Vegetarian choice which is perfect for Vegan diners as well. The good fats from the avocado and the protein from the rice are accompanied by the crunch of the carrot and the cool of the cucumber. 

Sweet Garden California Roll

The ingredients: Avocado, carrot, cucumber, crispy onion and sweet chilli sauce

Another great California Roll that shows how much exciting the Vegan Sushi Abu Dhabi restaurants are offering can be is the Sweet Garden California Roll. This twist on the classic California Roll has a filling of avocado, carrot and sweet chili sauce and is topped with sliced cucumber and crispy onion. Texture and taste come together to create something new and amazing.

Mango Chutney California Roll

The Ingredients: Mango chutney, pistachio, almond, cucumber, mango and sushi rice.

One last Vegan variety of the California Roll shows just how passionate Sushi Counter is about their Sushi. This Vegan California Roll makes great use of the taste of mango chutney and the textures offered by a mix of almonds and pistachio. And the whole roll is then wrapped in mango Sushi rice. These fresh flavours and the subtle crunch of nuts make for an amazing Sushi experience. This is a great option for anyone considering Vegan Sushi in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Vegetarian Options:

Spicy Veggie California Roll with Dal

The Ingredients: Avocado, cucumber, carrots, Dal, fried onion, chilli sauce, chilli powder and black rice mix.

With a flavour base of Dal and chilli, this Vegetarian California Roll is the product of a fusion of Asian cuisines. The carrots, cucumber and avocado will be familiar to those familiar with the California Roll but the fried onion and the chilli are brand new additions, giving it a fresh new take on this much loved classic.

Black Garden California Roll

The ingredients: Black rice, avocado, asparagus, carrot, cucumber and creamy spicy sauce

Black rice gives this California Roll a whole different look and taste. Though the familiar ingredients such as avocado and carrot will mellow the taste, the addition of asparagus brings it to a whole new level. The creamy spicy sauce is what puts this California Roll in the Vegetarian options instead of the Vegan but even if you love meat or fish, this is still a must try for any California Roll enthusiast.

Meat Option:

Chicken California Roll 

The ingredients: Chicken, cucumber, creamy spicy sauce and white sesame seeds

The classic California Roll sees Chicken take the place of Crab and a creamy spicy sauce replace avocado to create a similar balance of tastes and textures. This meat version of the California Roll utilises chicken for protein and sesame seeds for crunch. A great choice for those who are looking for a meat alternative to the seafood version.

Classic Sushi Rolls 

Seafood Option:

Salmon Sweet Spicy Roll

The ingredients: Salmon and spicy miso

A blissfully simple ingredients list is one of the things that make this traditional Sushi Roll stand out. The addition of a spicy miso to the fresh tuna in the recipe makes the filling of this roll both intense and interesting. If you are a lover of seafood Sushi dishes, then this is a must try. Why not add some spicy Togarachi Powder for an extra kick?  

Vegetarian Option:

Cucumber Yoghurt Roll

The ingredients: Cucumber, mint, yoghurt, chilli powder and Sushi rice

A great Vegetarian version of the traditional roll is the Cucumber Yoghurt Roll. The pairing of cucumber and yoghurt has long been used in cooking all over the world as seen in dishes such as the Indian Raita. Here we see it wrapped in Sushi rice and Seaweed then served with chilli powder for a touch of spice which is perfect alongside the cool cucumber and creamy yoghurt.

Vegan Option:

Sweet and Spicy Veggie Hijiki Roll

The ingredients: Hijiki mix, avocado, cucumber, carrot, crispy onion and sweet chili sauce

Wrapped in a delicious Hijiki mix, this roll is not exactly the classic or traditional Roll and is in fact much more similar to a California Roll. The mix of tastes and textures though makes it a great Vegan option for those wanting a crunchy and full flavoured dish. Avocado provides good fats and the protein comes from the Hijiki mix while the familiar taste of cucumber and carrot serve as a great foundation – a favourite of those ordering Vegan Sushi in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. 

Hummus and Cucumber Roll

The ingredients: Hummus, cucumber, coriander leaves and yuzu juice

One of the most simple lists of ingredients when it comes to traditional rolls, yet what Sushi Counter have accomplished with the Hummus and Cucumber Roll is nothing short of amazing. The Chickpea based Hummus serves as the source for protein as well as healthy fats, plus the Cucumber and coriander leaves for a full hit of flavour. The use of Yuzu juice in this recipe is truly inspired as the taste of this Japanese citrus fruit is powerfully subtle. 

Black Veggie Roll

The ingredients: Avocado, carrots, cucumber and black rice mix

With a mix of black rice wrapped around the classic carrot, cucumber and avocado combination, it is no wonder that this roll has become a favourite amongst sushi lovers. Simple yet elegant and filling at the same time.

Meat Option:

Chicken Poke

The ingredients: Rice, ginger, edamame, almond flakes, chicken, cucumber, carrot, black and white sesame seeds, avocado, tonkatsu sauce, white radish, palm hearts, tempura flakes and cherry tomato

Okay, so this meat option is not a Traditional Roll so to speak since the Chicken poke is more like a full flavoured salad in a bowl. It does however, borrow some of its flavour combinations from traditional rolls and hand rolls. The rice and chicken serve as the protein base and the carrot, cucumber and avocado remind almost of a California Roll. The entire dish is brimming with subtle spices and hints of herb.

Other Vegan or Vegetarian Sushi Options

Baby Eggplant Sushi Square

The ingredients: Baby eggplant, donburi mix, blue flowers, basil and black and white sesame seeds One of the more decadent options for Vegan Sushi Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh restaurants are now serving are sushi squares. The Baby Eggplant Sushi Square is a particular favourite amongst Vegetarian and Vegan diners due to its complex taste and distinct lack of meat or seafood in the recipe.

Avocado Sushi

The ingredients: Avocado and Sushi rice

This dish is as vegan as they come and is a great choice for any diner, not just those who cannot eat seafood or meat. Using the tried and tested composition of Sashimi but replacing the fresh fish with avocado atop a block of rice makes Avocado Sushi perfect for any diner and any meal.

Ordering your Favourite Sushi

Sushi Counter has managed to create Vegan or Vegetarian versions of your favourite Sushi dishes in many possible ways.   

Remember that the Vegan Sushi Dubai restaurants are becoming famous for is not just for those who do not eat meat. Vegan Sushi is a great option for when you are having a gathering of any type. When throwing parties or events you will no doubt have guests with all manner of dietary requirements. You can now even opt for vegan sushi catering in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh so nobody will be left out and everyone is able to enjoy this amazing food.

So, if you are planning a Sushi feast, why not stop by Sushi Counter where you can enjoy our amazing menu. Or if you don’t feel like leaving home, why not order online and have it delivered to your door. If you want to enjoy some of the best Vegan Sushi Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh has to offer, then call us to enquire about our Vegan options today.


Article originally published by Sushi Counter. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2W3NK3c