Cheap Eats In Dubai: Best Budget-Friendly Food Spots

Dubai may be known for its luxury lifestyle and glittering skyscrapers, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to eat well here. Whether you’re a tourist on a budget, an expat looking for affordable daily meals, or simply a foodie who loves a good deal, cheap eats in Dubai are everywhere—you just need to know where to look.

From hidden cafeterias serving spicy shawarmas to buzzing street corners dishing out authentic South Asian curries, Dubai is a treasure trove of budget friendly food. In this guide, we’ll take you on a flavorful journey through the city’s best wallet friendly eats.

Why Cheap Eats in Dubai Are Worth Exploring

Many people think of Dubai as a place of gold covered desserts and high end dining, but behind the scenes, the city thrives on its diverse working population, and that means plenty of cheap food options. The multicultural nature of Dubai has given birth to an incredible range of cuisines available at low prices.

Here’s what makes cheap eats in Dubai special

Diverse Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Lebanese, Iranian, Ethiopian, and more
Huge Portions: Most budget eateries offer generous servings
Late Night Options: Many cheap eats spots stay open past midnight
Authenticity: Small local joints often serve better food than luxury restaurants

Top 12 Cheap Eats in Dubai You Must Try

1. Al Mallah – Shawarma and Lebanese Street Food

Location: Al Dhiyafah Street, Satwa
Average price: AED 15 to 25

Al Mallah is a classic. Their garlic chicken shawarma is legendary, and the falafel sandwiches are both filling and flavorful. You can also get fresh juices and manakeesh here.

2. Ravi Restaurant – Pakistani Comfort Food

Location: Satwa, Dubai
Average price: AED 20 to 35

A true icon in Dubai’s cheap eats scene. From butter chicken to daal fry and mutton karahi, Ravi offers bold flavors without a hefty price tag. Go with friends and share a bunch of dishes.

3. Foul W Hummus – Lebanese Vegetarian Delights

Location: Al Qusais
Average price: AED 15 to 30

If you’re looking for tasty and filling vegetarian food, this humble eatery has you covered. Their foul, hummus, falafel, and hot bread make for a perfect budget friendly feast.

4. Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant – South Indian Thali

Location: Bur Dubai or Karama
Average price: AED 20 to 30

Dosa, idli, vada, sambar – all under one roof and all incredibly affordable. Their lunch thali is a must try and will keep you full for hours.

5. Calicut Paragon – Kerala Seafood at Low Prices

Location: Karama
Average price: AED 25 to 40

While slightly pricier than others on this list, Calicut Paragon offers great value. Try the fish mango curry, Kerala parotta, and prawn masala.

6. Al Ijaza Cafeteria – Fast Food, Dubai Style

Location: Jumeirah Road
Average price: AED 15 to 25

A local favorite for its quirky drink names and late night bites. Order a Zinker Club sandwich with a Power Horse or Avocado Shake and enjoy the people watching.

7. Manoushe Street – Lebanese Breakfast on the Go

Location: Multiple Locations
Average price: AED 10 to 20

Freshly made manakeesh (Lebanese flatbreads) with zaatar, cheese, or sujuk. These are tasty, portable, and super affordable.

8. Karachi Darbar – Affordable Desi Cuisine

Location: Deira, Karama, or Bur Dubai
Average price: AED 15 to 30

Karachi Darbar serves a hearty selection of biryanis, curries, and naans. Their chicken tikka and mutton biryani are crowd favorites.

9. Zaroob – Street Food with a Twist

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina
Average price: AED 20 to 35

Though designed for a more modern crowd, Zaroob still keeps its prices budget friendly. Their fatayer and saj wraps are perfect for a quick bite.

10. Chin Chin – Chinese Fast Food

Location: Across Dubai
Average price: AED 25 to 35

Chin Chin offers Indo Chinese flavors with options like Hakka noodles, Manchurian chicken, and fried rice combos.

11. Bait Al Mandi – Authentic Yemeni Cuisine

Location: Al Barsha or Deira
Average price: AED 25 to 40

Mandi is a rice dish topped with slow cooked meat and seasoned to perfection. One plate can easily feed two people.

12. Jollibee – Filipino Fast Food Favorite

Location: Mall of the Emirates or Karama
Average price: AED 20 to 30

Fried chicken, sweet style spaghetti, and burger steaks that bring the taste of the Philippines right to Dubai.

Best Areas in Dubai for Cheap Eats

If you want to go on a cheap eats Dubai food tour, head to these areas

Karama

Known for Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino food. The streets are full of hidden gems.

Bur Dubai

Old Dubai’s heart, home to family run eateries serving delicious curries, shawarmas, and more.

Deira

Great for affordable Arabic, African, and South Asian food.

Jumeirah

Although upscale, small cafeterias along Jumeirah Road serve surprisingly cheap and tasty sandwiches.

Tips for Eating Cheap in Dubai

Even though Dubai is filled with affordable eateries, a few tips can help you stretch your dirhams even further

Go for Combo Meals: Many places offer rice, curry, and bread sets
Lunchtime is Prime Time: Look out for lunch thalis or daily specials
Try Cafeterias Over Chains: Local cafeterias are often cheaper and more authentic
Use Food Apps: Apps like Zomato, Careem NOW, and Talabat often have discounts and user reviews
Drink Tap Water: Most restaurants provide filtered water on request to save on drinks

Must Try Dishes Under AED 20

Here’s a quick list of delicious dishes you can try for less than AED 20

Chicken Shawarma – AED 6 to 10
Masala Dosa – AED 12
Falafel Sandwich – AED 8
Chicken Biryani Half Plate – AED 18
Samosas (3 pcs) – AED 5
Manakeesh with Zaatar – AED 10
Veg Thali – AED 15 to 20
Mandi Rice – AED 20
Koshari (Egyptian dish) – AED 15
Filipino Spaghetti – AED 18

Cheap Eats for Every Cuisine

Whatever your food preference, there’s a budget friendly option waiting for you in Dubai

Indian: Sangeetha, Saravana Bhavan, Chaat Bazaar
Pakistani: Ravi, Karachi Darbar, Student Biryani
Filipino: Jollibee, Max’s, Kabayan
Lebanese: Al Mallah, Automatic, Zaroob
Chinese: Chin Chin, Beijing Express
Yemeni: Bait Al Mandi, Al Tawasol
Ethiopian: Al Habasha, Beteseb
Fast Food: Al Ijaza, Midnight Cafeterias, Local burger joints

Final Thoughts: Enjoy More, Spend Less

The idea that you need to spend big to eat well in Dubai is simply a myth. The city is filled with hidden gems and beloved local joints where you can enjoy hearty, delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of fine dining.

So, the next time hunger strikes, skip the fancy brunch and explore the diverse and delicious world of cheap eats in Dubai. You’ll not only save money but also experience a side of the city that’s rich in culture, flavor, and heart.

Remember: The best food isn’t always found in five star hotels. Sometimes, it’s in a small corner restaurant with plastic chairs and a loyal crowd. Sahtein

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