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I was a bit overwhelmed when I first got to Dubai because it is widely considered a place for the rich and fancy. Modern architecture with large buildings like tall skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and international restaurants appeared to have become the order of the day. However, as soon as I started exploring the various districts of this large metropolis, it became clear that Dubai actually has a very dynamic and affordable food culture. Whether you are a local eater who decided not to spend much, or a tourist wishing to taste the fantastic local food without overpaying, Dubai has a lot of budget-friendly places to eat! The glamour of eating out is not only in fancy restaurants and posh hotels, but it is in the labyrinth of Al Satwa, the quaint lanes of Bur Dubai, and the obscure lanes of Jumeirah.
These places are not just about food-related experiences – they also involve understanding the history and culture of Dubai, as well as identifying the narratives behind different plates and learning how you can have the world on a platter without necessarily having to spend a fortune. Therefore, if you are ready to start your Dubai cuisine adventure and explore cheap and popular restaurants, keep on reading to find out where your next meal is hiding.
The Charm of Affordable Dinings in Dubai
What feels quite delightful is when you get to eat at a restaurant that does not offer much of the extras and only focuses on content. Such places are unpretentious with a causal and friendly atmosphere, which enables customers to have their meals in comfort while forgetting about the elegant trappings. The service is almost always pleasant and quick, and the food—let me tell you about the food! —is something that is usually cooked with love and respect towards the culinary culture behind it. In my experience, these kinds of places give a customer a true experience of the country’s taste whether Emirati, Indian, Filipino, or Lebanese. Eating out isn’t necessarily a costly experience in Dubai; in fact, some of the best meals I’ve had here were at affordable, wallet-friendly prices.
Top Affordable Restaurants in Dubai
Let’s check some of the most tasty and affordable plates and dining places in Dubai.
1. Ravi Restaurant
For lovers of authentic Pakistani food, Ravi Restaurant is a place you should try when visiting Dubai. Sitting in the middle of the energetic Al Satwa area, this classic restaurant has been feeding locals for years. There is no doubt both locals and tourists find it a favorite place, but what is their reason?
What Makes Ravi Special
Ravi has established itself as a plain canteen-like atmosphere with a singular purpose – to serve food. The list of foods in this restaurant is various, and there is a good selection of authentic Pakistani dishes like Butter Chicken, Daal Fry, and Mutton Korma. They offer fresh naan (bread) specially made to go with its hot and mouth-watering grainy curries with spices fragrant. Despite all its popularity, the prices have not shifted from the normal range and one can order a satisfying meal without overpaying.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Chicken Biryani: A delicious combination of aromatic basmati rice, juicy chicken, and spices that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- Karahi Gosht: A flavourful mutton stew that is prepared altogether infused with spices with an addition of vinegar.
- Roti: New and ideal for serving succulent curry dishes.
2. Al Ustad Special Kabab
Al Ustad Special Kabab, situated in the main area of Bur Dubai, is an Iranian restaurant owned by a family that has been operating the restaurant for more than 40 years now. This restaurant is popular for Persian Kebabs and smiling hosts, offering perfectly delicious Persian dishes at amazingly affordable prices.
What Makes Al Ustad Special
A restaurant’s interior is rather plain and even rustic; the walls are filled with photographs of happy and satisfied customers from different countries. The list of kebabs in Al Ustad is quite diverse, and all the offered meals are marinated and grilled on charcoal. The rice that accompanies the kebabs is soft and colored with saffron, which enhances the meal, giving it a pleasant smell.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Mixed Grill: A selection of various kebabs placed on a plate – chicken, lamb, and beef, all perfectly tender.
- Joojeh Kabab: Juicy and delicate chicken, seasoned with saffron and yogurt and roasted to a beautiful caramel-like color.
- Shirazi Salad: A sliced tomato, cucumber, and onion soaked in apple cider, dried mint, and olive oil, and served chilled.
read more: The 6 Best Iranian Restaurants in Dubai by Reviews
3. Bu Qtair
Seafood lovers will surely fall in love with the Bu Qtair restaurant located in Jumeirah. It has evolved from a small tent selling fresh fish and other seafood products to actual fishermen to being one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Dubai. Although the restaurant has expanded to a large establishment, it still keeps the emphasis on seafood products combined with Arabian spices at reasonable prices.
What Makes Bu Qtair Special
In one word, the beauty of Bu Qtair can be described by the word ‘simplicity’. They don’t have a menu; instead, they bring the choice for the day, which is the fresh fish and shrimp marinated in a blend of spices and then deep-fried in a crisp layer. While eating the excellent food, you get a glimpse of the fishing boats nearby that are merely floating in the water. Bu Qtair restaurant has a relaxed and friendly environment, which is ideal for a leisurely meal by the water.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Fried Fish: Fish fillets coated with spicy pastes then cooked until crispy brown.
- Prawn Fry: Tender and juicy prawns fried to crisp, spiced to perfection.
- Paratha: Soft, flaky layers of buttery dough that can soak up all the delicious sauces and gravies.
4. Zaroob
If you just feel like having some Levantine street food then consider heading to Zaroob. This restaurant is found on Sheikh Zayed Rd and offers an Arabic-theme food court that sells shawarma, manakeesh, and other meals at pocket-friendly prices.
What Makes Zaroob Special
The interior of Zaroob is vibrant and diverse with an open space kitchen where customers can witness the cooks preparing their meals. The menu is a tribute to Levantine cuisine, and all dishes are made with natural, healthy, and organic products. From shawarma and falafel to thicker and more satisfying meals, Zaroob’s friendly environment and satisfying food make it easy to recommend as a budget-friendly dining destination in Dubai.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Chicken Shawarma: Tender and juicy chicken wrapped in soft pita bread with delicious garlic sauce and pickles.
- Falafel Platter: Deep-fried plump balls made of chickpeas, garnished with hummus or tabbouleh, and accompanied by warm pita bread.
- Manakeesh Zaatar: A Lebanese type flat bread which is topped with thyme, sesame seeds, and olive oil.
5. Calicut Paragon
Whenever you crave some taste of South India, this place would be the best option for you in Dubai. Calicut Paragon restaurant located in Al Karama supplies Kerala-style foods and they have a vast variety of foods with moderate prices. Seafoods are more common in this restaurant though guests can also order vegetarian and meat meals.
What Makes Calicut Paragon Special
The environment at Calicut Paragon is pleasant and lively, with a high traffic of people, making the customers feel welcome and eager to taste the South Indian dishes. The food does taste good with intense flavors, which are prepared with spices and well-prepared cooking methods inherited from past generations. The serving sizes are large meaning it is perfect for individuals who are dining with friends or in large groups.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Fish Mango Curry: A curry dish prepared from fresh fish and raw mangoes which gives it a tanginess and spiciness.
- Malabar Chicken Biryani: Chicken and rice cooked with aromatic spices and crispy fried onions.
- Appam with Stew: Classic fluffy pancakes that can be served with a vegetable or chicken creamy sauce.
6. Mama’esh
Even with the various branches around the city, Mama’esh continues to sell foods that are reasonably priced, and that reflect the Palestinian traditional food. The restaurant targets traditional dishes with an emphasis on quality ingredients at comparatively low prices, which makes it attractive to customers not only in terms of taste but also affordability.
What Makes Mama’esh Special
Mama’esh is unique as it provides genuine Palestinian food made from fresh, quality ingredients, at budget-friendly prices. This is visible in every single dish starting from the crispy Manakeesh served right from the oven to the famous classic Musakhan. However, Mama’esh earned its popularity due to the quality, selected, and tasty meals everyone desires. Further, the friendly environment of the restaurant makes it a great place for customers to receive and enjoy perfectly cooked dishes that taste like home recipes.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Musakhan: A famous Palestinian dish consisting of roasted chicken, sweet-sour onions, and sumac, served on Arabic bread.
- Falafel Sandwich: A fried classic falafel with a crispy outer layer but soft inside served in a warm pita with tahini sauce and topped with fresh vegetables.
- Kunafa: A sweet, cheesy, and syrupy dessert perfect for those who love sweet foods and especially those who can’t get enough of cheese.
7. Project Chaiwala
If you are a tea lover, this is for you! Project Chaiwala in Alserkal Avenue is the perfect place to visit for anyone who is a fan of chai. This contemporary cafe in Dubai specializes in Indian tea, offering various traditional types of chai alongside spicy and tasty street-style snacks.
What Makes Project Chaiwala Special
The concept behind Project Chaiwala is simple: people gather in small groups and enjoy having a cup of chai while spending time together. This is a very casual and cozy place, which is ideal for people to chill and relax. For drinks, one can choose from a range of teas beginning with fulfilling Masala Chai to more novel ones; and for food, one can choose from snacks such as Samosas, Vada Pav, and Kebabs among others. Project Chaiwala is the perfect spot to have a couple of tasty snacks and a hot cup of tea for a reasonable price.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Masala Chai: A traditional Indian tea made from black tea leaves, milk, spices, and sugar that drunk very hot.
- Vada Pav: A well-known snack native to Mumbai that consists of a seasoned potato patty placed between two bread rolls.
- Chicken Kathi Roll: Soft chicken dipped in a paratha covered with chutney and spices.
8. Filful
Filful restaurant, which is located in Dubai Marina, provides the experience of Beirut in Dubai. This is a casual dining restaurant where you can find several Lebanese dishes that are both bright in taste and made of fresh products of high quality. Whenever you crave something small to snack on, or you just want a full meal, Filful Restaurant offers you a variety of options at a reasonable price.
What Makes Filful Special
The interior of Filful is colorful with a modern design that reflects the street food culture of Beirut city. Offering all the classics, the food ranges from appetizers like hummus and vegetable salad to main courses such as grilled meats and shawarma. The portions are fairly large, and the prices are pretty competitive as well, making it a perfect place for cheap eats in Dubai Marina.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Beef Shawarma Plate: Thin strips of meat cooked in spices to which rice, mixed greens, and a garlic sauce are added.
- Hummus Beiruti: A smooth spread made from cooked chickpeas with lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and olive oil, garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley.
- Mixed Grill: Barbecued meats such as kebabs, lamb chops, chicken, etc. served with garlic sauce and pita bread.
9. Al Mallah
Al Mallah is one of the famous restaurants in Dubai for authentic Lebanese street food. This restaurant was established at Al Dhiyafa Road and has been offering delicious, inexpensive meals for more than 40 years. So, if you feel like having a snack in the middle of the night or an elaborate dinner, Al Mallah is the right address.
What Makes Al Mallah Special
The ambiance of Al Mallah is rather busy, because the kitchen is visible, which allows customers to watch the preparation of their dishes. The menu offers numerous options of Lebanese cuisine including shawarma, falafel, grilled meats and vegetables, as well as fresh salads. The prices are very low and this is why both locals and tourists have become frequent visitors of this favorite spot.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Chicken Shawarma: Tender, grilled chicken, saturated with a special marinade, served in a pocket of warm pita bread accompanied with garlic sauce and pickles.
- Falafel Wrap: Delicious falafel, crunchy vegetables, and of course, a tasty tahini dressing, all enclosed in warm pita bread.
- Mixed Grill: A serving of grilled lamb, chicken, and kofta served alongside rice and garlic sauce.
10. Manoushe Street
Every time I crave the traditional Lebanese flatbreads in Dubai, I visit Manoushe Street. This fast-food chain specializes in Manakish, Lebanese flatbreads that can be filled with cheese, meat, or spinach at quite reasonable prices.
What Makes Manoushe Street Special
A quick look at Manoushe Street’s menu reveals that they specialize in the Manakish and there are many options of toppings that can be added. Whether you like your flatbreads cheesy, with zaatar bite, or spicy meats, this place will not make you disappointed. Due to the relaxed, friendly environment, it is perfect for grabbing a bite in the middle of the day or dining out with friends.
Must-Try Dishes and Offers
- Cheese Manakish: One of the most famous dishes, melted cheese on a flat and soft bread baked in an oven.
- Zaatar Manakish: A tasty Lebanese flatbread with a crisp texture, prepared from wheat flour, its toppings include thyme, sesame seeds, and olive oil.
- Spicy Chicken Manakish: An appetizing flatbread with marinated chicken, a spicy sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
FAQs
- How much could a customer expect to pay for a meal in these restaurants?
On average, the cost of a meal at these eateries ranges from AED 15 to AED 50 for a meal, depending on the particular meal or other offers.
- Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Of course, most of these restaurants are family-friendly offering special kids’ menus, and all the restaurants offer a variety of food for all ages and types of diets.
- Are there vegetarian or vegan dishes in these restaurants?
Most of the listed restaurants (like Zaroob and Mama’esh) have vegetarian and/or vegan choices available on their menu, including falafel, hummus, and several types of salads.
- Are reservations necessary when dining at these restaurants?
Most of these affordable restaurants will not require you to make a reservation in advance. However, some of the widely-known restaurants like Bu Qtair or Al Ustad Special Kabab can get quite crowded during the rush hours, thus it would be helpful to check if they take bookings or arrive earlier to get a table.
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