We all know that Dubai is famous for luxury hotels and high-end dining. Well, this isn’t all. Do you know Dubai also has an under-the-radar world of affordable and delicious eateries?
This means you can eat really well there without spending a fortune.
If you are looking for affordable dining Dubai options, we are here to help you. This guide aims to help you discover the places, neighbourhoods, and tips that the Dubai locals use every day. So, let’s explore the city the way locals do!
Some parts of the city are really good for budget dining. You can head to these areas, and you’ll find the kinds of places locals recommend.
This area is a goldmine for inexpensive meals. Here you should try the shawarmas, thali canteens, bakeries, and more. According to locals, Karama is packed with hidden gems.
No doubt that the best eats in Dubai are always just off the tourist path. You can visit here yourself to see that street food, wrap joints, and small restaurants all cluster here.
If you want to explore Indian, Pakistani, and Middle-Eastern food at a good value, then this place is a perfect option for you.
Here, you can also explore bakeries and snack spots. You will definitely find the cost for different eatables far less than in tourist-area restaurants.
Do you love to have seafood? If yes, then at Umm Suqeim you can peacefully enjoy seafood by the sea. This place is a little different; it offers simple, fresh seafood rather than luxury resort fare. Here you will find great budget options too.
Here we are providing rough price ranges and dish ideas for you. This way, you will know what “cheap” means in this city.
So yes, you can eat well on a budget in Dubai if you pick wisely.
Now we will highlight those places that locals and frequent visitors keep recommending. Here you will get good food as well as good value:
Al Mallah is a Lebanese-style street food spot that has been around for decades. Locals often cite this place for its value and flavour. They say that you can enjoy a full meal for two people for around AED 60.
Visitors especially praise the taste of chicken shawarma, mixed grill platter, and cheese manakish served here!
It is a no-frills institution that offers Pakistani cuisine in generous portions with great value. Reviewers have highlighted that you can eat like royalty here for next to nothing.
So, it’s an authentic spot without any luxury décor, but food and value are what make this place a wonderful spot. If you visit there, then you must try their mutton handi, chicken curry, and daal fry.
For seafood lovers who look for budget eats by the sea, this one comes up often. Locals say the more straightforward the setup, the better value they get here.
Visitors often face long queues here, so early arrival will help. Plus, don’t forget to carry cash while you visit here. Here, you will get fresh grilled fish/seafood, rice, or paratha along with a sea breeze.
We suggest you avoid tourist traps; instead, you should carefully use these practical signals and tips.
A bonus tip is that the best eats in Dubai are always just off the tourist path. So, that too are worth exploring!
What if you eat vegetarian, have a family to feed, or it’s late and you’re hungry? Well, don’t worry, we still have budget options for you:
However, it is essential to travel safely with family and experience the ultimate comfort. Here’s where an SUV like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan or the Lamborghini Urus would serve the purpose well. They are affordable to rent in Dubai due to competitive pricing and lower fuel rates.
You can take just a few quick notes to make sure you are eating safely and respectfully.
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We have prepared a simple plan to help you eat well for two days. This way, you won’t be spending too much.
If you follow this plan, your total approximate spend would be around ~AED 150-200 for 2 days (per person) if you pick wisely. These savings can be perfectly utilized to explore the city in a luxury car.
So yes, affordable dining in Dubai is absolutely possible. Following the locals’ lead will help a lot here. You just need to stick to local neighbourhood areas like Satwa, Karama, and Deira. Also, try choosing busy “locals’ places and not the touristy fine-dining.
If you are in Dubai with your family or friends, then you can share plates or thali to reduce your cost. Evaluating the menu and checking the reviews, plus reddit hints regarding the place before you walk in, will always help in making the right decision.
Furthermore, always carry some cash with you. This way you can enjoy the food while focusing on flavour and value!
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