Dubai, a city known for its luxurious lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and extravagant experiences, might seem like an expensive place to eat. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, there are plenty of hidden gems where you can enjoy delicious meals without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you’re a budget traveler, an expat, or just someone looking for affordable dining options, this guide will take you through the best budget-friendly eats in Dubai.
1. Ravi Restaurant – Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
Located in Satwa, Ravi Restaurant is a legendary spot for budget-conscious diners craving authentic Pakistani flavors. This no-frills eatery has been serving hearty meals for decades, attracting both locals and tourists. Signature dishes include butter chicken, dal fry, and mutton karahi, all served with freshly baked naan. A full meal here can cost as little as AED 20-30 per person.
Location: Satwa, Dubai
Must-try: Butter Chicken, Mutton Karahi, Dal Fry
Price Range: AED 20-30 per meal
2. Al Ustad Special Kabab – Traditional Iranian Kebabs
A true institution of Dubai, Al Ustad Special Kabab does some of the best Iranian kebabs available at really inexpensive prices. Restaurant hospitality, alongside the nostalgia within the air-conditioned room of the eatery, will captivate the essence of dining. Their succulent kebabs, perfectly marinated, will be accompanied with saffron rice and roasted tomatoes.
Location: Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai
Must-try: Kebab Koubideh, Chicken Tikka, Mutton Kebab
Price Range: AED 25-40 per meal
3. Zaroob – Levantine Street Food
If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern street food, Zaroob is a fantastic option. With its vibrant decor and lively atmosphere, Zaroob serves classic dishes such as shawarma, falafel, and manakish at wallet-friendly prices. Their wraps are filling and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a quick bite.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
Must-try: Chicken Shawarma, Falafel Sandwich, Cheese Manakish
Price Range: AED 20-35 per meal
4. Delhi Darbar – North Indian Delights
For all the Indian food lovers out there, Delhi Darbar is the best restaurant option for you. With numerous branches all around Dubai, it serves the most authentic North Indian delicacies at minimum prices. Their biryani is almost everyone’s favourite, and the butter chicken is rich and creamy when served along with garlic naan.
Location: Multiple locations across Dubai
Must try: Chicken Biryani, Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka
Price Range: AED 25-40 per meal
5. Bu Qtair – Fresh Seafood at its Best
Located close to the fishing harbor in Jumeirah, Bu Qtair is a must-go destination for seafood lovers. It started as a small shack, but now people have been loyal followers of fresh fish and shrimp marinated in a special spice mix and deep-fried to perfection. The paratha and curry sauce with which the meals are served provide a deliciously satisfying experience.
Location: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour
Must-try: Fried Fish, Spicy Shrimp, Paratha
Price Range: AED 30-50 per meal
6. Farzi Café – Fusion Flavors on a Budget
For something more contemporary Indian food, you might want to check out Farzi Café. The place is known for molecular gastronomy and has been dishing out its fusion flavors at pretty affordable lunch prices. Butter chicken bao and dal chawal arancini are great dishes to try here.
Location: City Walk, Dubai
Must-try: Butter Chicken Bao, Dal Chawal Arancini
Price Range: AED 30-50 per meal
7. Karachi Darbar – Hearty and Affordable Pakistani Food
Another fantastic budget-friendly Pakistani restaurant, Karachi Darbar has several locations across Dubai. Their menu features an array of flavorful dishes, including spicy karahis, kebabs, and delicious biryanis. The service is quick, and portions are generous.
Location: Multiple locations across Dubai
Must-try: Chicken Karahi, Seekh Kebabs, Biryani
Price Range: AED 20-35 per meal
8. Operation: Falafel – Budget-Friendly Arabic Bites
Operation: Falafel is a more modern version of traditional Arabic street food. Its menu offers crispy falafel platters, chicken shawarma, hummus bowls, and much more. Combo meals are offered in this place which will fill up your belly but not your pocket.
Location: Multiple locations across Dubai
Must-try: Falafel Wrap, Shawarma Bowl, Hummus & Pita
Price Range: AED 25-40 per meal
9. Aappa Kadai – South Indian Goodness
For South Indian food enthusiasts, Aappa Kadai is a great destination to enjoy authentic dosas, idlis, and biryanis without burning a hole in your pocket. The crispy dosas served with flavorful chutneys and sambar are a favorite among locals.
Location: Multiple locations across Dubai
Must try: Masala Dosa, Chicken Biryani, Idli Sambar
Price Range: AED 20-35 per meal
10. Café Isan – Authentic Thai Street Food
The casual comfort at which Café Isan serves all who love Thai food helps keep the cozy setting. Traditional Thai street food is available on their menu, such as pad Thai and green curry to spicy papaya salad. There is sure to be authentic flavor with prices that are very affordable.
Location: JLT, Dubai
Must-try: Pad Thai, Green Curry, Papaya Salad
Price Range: AED 30-45 per meal
Bonus Tips for Eating on a Budget in Dubai
- Street Food – Shawarma vendors and neighborhood cafes offer mouth-watering food at one-fourth the cost of upscale restaurants.
- Look for Meal Deals – Most restaurants have lunch specials or combo meals that are a good value.
- Dine at Food Courts – Deira City Centre, BurJuman, and Mall of the Emirates all have food courts with affordable and delicious choices.
- Use Food Apps – Zomato, Talabat, and The Entertainer apps offer discounts, deals, and cashback on restaurant orders.
- Takeaway – Some restaurants charge more for the dine-in service. Taking away saves a few extra dirhams.
Conclusion
Dining out in Dubai doesn’t need to be a costly affair. From deliciously spicy Pakistani Curries to sumptuous shawarmas and fresh seafood, there’s plenty to dig into for your pocket. For the budget traveler or local foodie, here is the lowdown on some of the budget-friendly dining experiences in Dubai, so you get to enjoy all that this fantastic city has to offer without going over the top. Enjoy your meal!
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