Dubai’s food scene isn’t just about gold flaked steaks and celebrity chef restaurants. Behind the glittering skyline lies a treasure trove of cheap places to eat in Dubai where locals actually dine and where you can feast like royalty for the price of a coffee back home.
From hole in the wall shawarma joints in Deira to hidden South Asian canteens in Bur Dubai, this city serves up some of the world’s most delicious budget friendly restaurants.
In this guide:
- Authentic local spots tourists miss
- Meals under AED 30 (about $8 USD)
- Neighborhood breakdowns
- Insider tips from Dubai residents
Why Trust This Guide?
Our team has personally visited every restaurant on this list. We’ve stood in line at South Asian cafeterias during lunch rush, negotiated with Lebanese shawarma masters, and burned our tongues on authentic Yemeni mandi at family run spots.
These are real hidden gems we return to again and again because the food is that good and the prices are that reasonable.
What Does “Cheap” Mean in Dubai?
Cheap places to eat in Dubai are establishments where a full meal costs between AED 15 and AED 30 per person (roughly $4-8 USD). Some spots go even lower; you can eat well for AED 10-15 if you know where to go.
Price breakdown:
| Price Range | What You Get | Perfect For |
| AED 10-15 | Street food, small plates, shawarma | Quick bites, late-night cravings |
| AED 15-25 | Full meals with rice/bread, curries, grilled meats | Lunch and dinner |
| AED 25-30 | Generous portions, multiple items, drinks included | Group dining, food adventures |
Compare that to the AED 80-150 you’d spend at mid range restaurants, and you’ll see why knowing these spots is essential.
Top 5 Budget Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when it comes to food. Beyond the high end dining rooms and celebrity chef restaurants, the city is packed with incredible budget friendly spots that deliver big flavors at surprisingly small prices. From no frills cafeterias to local favorites loved by residents, affordable cheap places to eat in Dubai is not just possible, it’s deliciously rewarding.
In this guide to the Top 5 Budget Restaurants in Dubai, we spotlight places where taste, portion size, and value come together perfectly. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a traveler looking to eat smart without missing out on authentic flavors, these restaurants prove that great food in Dubai doesn’t need a luxury price tag.
1. Ravi Restaurant (Satwa)
Since 1978, this South Asian dhaba has fed everyone from construction workers to CEOs. Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay ate here, but more importantly, so do thousands of expats who demand authenticity.
The Vibe: Plastic chairs, fluorescent lighting, outdoor seating. Pure organized chaos with the sizzle of tandoor ovens and shouted orders in Urdu.
Must Try Dishes: Last Verified: January 2026
| Dish | Description | Price (AED) |
| Mutton Karahi | Tender goat simmered with tomatoes, ginger, and green chilies | 28-35 |
| Chicken Tikka | Charred edges, juicy meat, yogurt marinade | 22-28 |
| Dal Fry | Slow-cooked lentils with ghee, cumin, and garlic | 12-15 |
Budget breakdown:
- Solo: AED 20-25
- Couple: AED 40-50
- Family of four: AED 70-90
Pro Tips:
- Go after 11 PM to avoid crowds
- Cash only ATM nearby
- Mutton dishes beat chicken every time
2. Al Ustad Special Kabab (Bur Dubai)
Iranian restaurant operating since 1978 with family recipes that predate the Burj Khalifa. Located near the Bur Dubai textile souk with an open kitchen where kabab masters work their magic.
Must Try Dishes: Last Verified: January 2026
| Dish | Description | Price (AED) |
| Special Kabab | Ground lamb grilled until crispy outside, juicy inside | 30-38 |
| Joojeh Kabab | Saffron-marinated chicken with crispy golden edges | 28-35 |
| Iranian Rice with Tahdig | Crispy bottom crust mixed with butter and saffron | 18-22 |
Budget breakdown:
- Solo: AED 25-30
- Couple: AED 55-65
- Family of four: AED 100-120
Pro Tips:
- Arrive before 1 PM or 7 PM to avoid waits
- Ask for “tahdig” specifically for crispy rice bottom
- Try the salty mint yogurt drink (doogh)
3. Al Mallah (Satwa)
Started as a juice shop in 1979, now serving Dubai’s best shawarma. The original Satwa branch has been perfecting the art for 45 years.
Must Try Dishes: Last Verified: January 2026
| Dish | Description | Price (AED) |
| Chicken Shawarma | Crispy bits from the spit, garlic sauce, pickles, tahini | 12-15 |
| Falafel Sandwich | Crispy exterior, fluffy herb-flecked inside, fried to order | 10-12 |
| Fattoush Salad | Fresh vegetables, crispy pita chips, sumac | 18-22 |
Budget breakdown:
- Solo: AED 15-20
- Couple: AED 30-40
- Family of four: AED 60-80
Pro Tips:
- Order extra garlic sauce on the side
- Try mango or avocado juice
- Weekday lunch less crowded
4. Delhi Darbar (Al Karama)
The measuring stick for Indian food in Dubai since 1986. Multiple locations across the city, but Al Karama has old school charm.
Must Try Dishes: Last Verified: January 2026
| Dish | Description | Price (AED) |
| Butter Chicken | Tender chicken in tomato cream sauce with perfect balance | 32-38 |
| Mutton Rogan Josh | Lamb braised with Kashmiri chilies until fall-apart tender | 38-45 |
| Garlic Naan | Puffed, blistered, studded with roasted garlic | 8-10 |
Budget breakdown:
- Solo: AED 25-35
- Couple: AED 60-75
- Family of four: AED 120-150
Pro Tips:
- Weekday lunch buffet (AED 29) unlimited food, multiple curries
- Ask for “Indian medium” spice level, not “tourist medium”
- Sunday lunch gets packed book ahead
5. Bait Al Kabab (Deira)
Iraqi restaurant serving some of Dubai’s best grilled meats. Traditional decor with arched doorways, but prices remain firmly budget friendly.
Must Try Dishes: Last Verified: January 2026
| Dish | Description | Price (AED) |
| Quzi | Slow roasted lamb shoulder over spiced rice with raisins, almonds | 45-55 |
| Masgouf | Butterflied carp marinated with tamarind, slow-grilled | 50-65 |
| Kubba | Fried bulgur shells stuffed with spiced meat | 22-28 |
Budget breakdown:
- Solo: AED 30-40
- Couple: AED 70-90
- Family of four: AED 140-180
Pro Tips:
- Order Iraqi tea after your meal
- Weekday lunches are calmer
- Ask about daily specials not on the menu
Budget Eats in Modern Dubai
JLT, Dubai Marina, and Al Barsha prove cheap eats exist even in newer districts, though they require more hunting than traditional budget zones.
Allo Beirut (Barsha): Mixed grill platter (AED 35) with three meats, rice, hummus, salad, bread. Order garlic sauce on the side (free) and request it extra thick.
Operation: Falafel (JBR): Falafel sandwich (AED 18) in saj bread. “Breakfast falafel” before 11 AM adds scrambled eggs (not on menu ask for it).
Streetery Food Hall (JLT): Multiple vendors, shared seating, nothing over AED 45. Chicken adobo with rice (AED 28) from a Filipino stall. Go during lunch rush (1-2 PM) for freshest food.
The Local’s Secret: How to Eat for Pennies
Ever wondered how locals seem to eat like kings without emptying their wallets? While tourists flock to trendy cafés and pricey restaurants, residents have long known a different way, one that turns humble street stalls, hidden markets, and neighborhood favorites into a treasure trove of delicious, budget friendly meals. The Local’s Secret: How to Eat in cheap places to eat in Dubai Pennies is all about uncovering those everyday food gems, mastering smart shopping habits, and discovering how flavor and frugality can go hand in hand.
Whether you’re a curious traveler, a busy student, or anyone looking to stretch their food budget without sacrificing taste, this guide reveals the simple, satisfying strategies that keep locals well fed and wallets happy.
Cafeteria Culture: The 5-10 AED Miracle
Every neighborhood has South Asian cafeterias open 6 AM to midnight or later.
What to look for:
- Samosas and pakoras: AED 1-2 each
- Paratha rolls: AED 5-8
- Hassan Mattar sandwiches: AED 8-12
- Fresh juices: AED 5-10
Supermarket Delis: Hot Meals Under AED 20
Lulu and Carrefour have ready to eat sections tourists miss.
What to grab:
- Hot rotisserie chicken: AED 18-22 (feeds 2-3 people)
- Biryani and curry boxes: AED 12-18
- Fresh bread: AED 3-8
- Shawarma and falafel: AED 8-15
Pro strategy: Lulu restocks at 1 PM and 7 PM hit these times for freshest selection.
App Hacks
Smiles UAE: Buy one get one deals, 25-50% discounts at hundreds of restaurants. Browse offers before choosing where to eat.
Talabat: “Tatbeeq” subscription (AED 5.25/month) gives free delivery on orders over AED 25 plus exclusive discounts.
The Water Math
| Water Type | Price (AED) | Savings |
| Imported water | 8-12 | – |
| Local brands | 2-4 | 6-8 per bottle |
| Tap water | FREE | 8-12 per bottle |
A family of four saves AED 30+ per meal by choosing local or tap water.
Your Dubai Food Adventure Starts Here
The cheap places to eat in Dubai reputation as an expensive city is only half the story. Behind the glittering luxury malls, gold topped towers, and sky high brunches, there exists a parallel food universe one that locals, long term residents, and savvy expats have relied on for decades. This is the side of Dubai where flavor matters more than frills, where meals are judged by taste and portion size rather than table settings and views.
From humble cafeterias serving hearty meals for as little as AED 10 to full restaurant feasts around AED 30, eating well in Dubai doesn’t have to mean spending big. Tucked away in residential neighborhoods, older districts, and busy commercial areas are kitchens turning out authentic Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Arabic, Iranian, and African dishes that deliver serious value for money. These are the places where construction workers, office staff, taxi drivers, and families all line up because good food at fair prices never goes out of style.
FAQs: Your Budget Dining Questions Answered
Q: What is the cheapest meal in Dubai?
The cheapest meal in Dubai is cafeteria samosas at AED 1-2 each. For a full meal, expect AED 10-15 at South Asian cafeterias (rice, curry, bread). Supermarket deli boxes run AED 12-18.
Q: Is tap water free in restaurants?
Yes. Dubai tap water is safe and regulated. Most restaurants provide it free if you ask. Politely decline bottled water to avoid AED 8-12 charges.
Q: Where can I find 5-7 AED shawarma?
Small cafeterias in Deira, Bur Dubai, and Karama offer shawarma for AED 5-8. Al Reef Bakery and late night cafeterias near labor accommodations have the best prices. Avoid malls where prices jump to AED 15-20.
Q: Are budget restaurants in Dubai hygienic?
Absolutely. Dubai Municipality enforces strict food safety standards across ALL establishments. Every restaurant displays a hygiene rating (A, B, or C) near the entrance looking for A rated spots.
Q: What’s the best area for street food?
Satwa leads for variety and authenticity. Deira’s Al Rigga area excels for cheap late-night food (open until 2-3 AM). For best value, Bur Dubai near the textile souk wins.