Dubai is a destination that has always fascinated me with its excessive extravagance and glamour. Visiting Dubai doesn’t have to break the bank as shown in this guest post by traveller, Liza Wilson, who shares some great tips about where to find delicious and cheap food in Dubai.
Dubai Marina courtesy of Fabio Achilli, Travel Our Planet
Situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is a bustling metropolis and culturally rich destination that has been a firm tourist favourite for the past decade
Although the main lure for visitors has been luxurious holiday resorts, plentiful shopping opportunities as well as a diverse mix of ancient and modern attractions, Dubai has gained notoriety as one of the most affluent capitals of the world.
While some are led to believe that this has pushed up the price of flights, accommodation and activities, affordable Dubai holidays are still readily available. What’s more, dining out doesn’t have to cost a fortune either, as here are some of my favourite spots to eat in Dubai on a budget.
courtesy of Becca Kumar
2nd of December (formerly the Al Dhiyafah Road)
Location: in Satwa just off Jumeirah road
Al Dhiyafah road is where the local residents come to indulge in cheap cuisine. With eateries and restaurants spilling out on to the pavement, even tourists will enjoy the diverse range of food from Lebanon, Iran and India.
A selection of grilled meat, especially lamb, is on offer all along the road, but if you’re looking for a healthier bite to eat, tasty salads and couscous-based meals are also available.
If you want to go for a safe bet, my suggestion would be to try the fresh seafood from Pars Iranian Kitchen and the spicy curry dishes at the Pakistani Ravi Restaurant.
Recommended for you: Dubai Itinerary, how to spend 7 days in the UAE.
Afghan Kebab House
Location: behind Naif Mosque, off Deira St
Tel: 04 222 3292
Open: 11am to 1.00am
courtesy of Mario Gala
Another great way to find out what it is really like to be a Dubai citizen is to experience an authentic taste of the Middle East. Situated among the maze of Deira’s alleys, patrons at the Afghan Kebab House fill up a naan bread with chicken, lamb or beef and a selection of fresh salad, tomatoes, onion, cucumber and green leaves. If street food is your pick, remember to take some cash as cards are not accepted and be ready to wait among hungry residents looking to feast after a busy day at work.
Curry Leaf
Address: Mussalla Tower Mall, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Tel: 04 397 8940
Open: 8am to 11.30pm
Although diners can choose from a range of world cuisine, the quality of Sri Lankan restaurants is probably unmatched in Dubai: try the national dish of rice flour pancakes with a fried egg and chilli sambol known as hoppers. Even those with a sweet tooth are catered for thanks to the slightly odd but delicious dessert known as watalappan. Coconuts, jaggery, eggs, milk, cardamom and cinnamon are used to make a custard like pudding that is served with ice cream.
Fish Basket
Address: Oud Metha, Dubai
Tel: 04 336 7177
Open: 1pm to 1am
If you like seafood, you’ll love this Lebanese restaurant. Although the ambience and decor leaves a bit to be desired, the squid, hammour (grouper) and shrimp simply must be sampled.
Portion sizes are generous to say the least, so I guarantee you won’t be walking away with an empty stomach.
Author: Liza Wilson has been travelling around the world for the past few years discovering the finest local traditions and culinary delights. While waiting for a book about her adventures to be published later this year, she likes to share her discoveries with some delicious blogging.
Brought to you in association with Deal Checker.
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WONDERFUL INFORMATIONS HELPFUL
There are lots of places where you can eat for an affordable price in Dubai, Mandi places are a must, as these are very Gulf specific places where usually locals would go, as you would sit down on the carpets while eating and usually they don’t use cutlery! The food is delicious, especially the lamb! My fav spot was the creek, there is a lil restaurant by the water with Egyptian waiters! Oh, missing that atmosphere by sunset with lots of seagulls trying to steal your food!
Thanks for letting me know that Dubai can be such a great and affordable place for dining out. I would stick to farmer’s markets and local restaurants!
I’m going to Dubai this weekend and staying for 1 months with super tight budget. Could you tell me the price range of these restaurant. I think my budget would allow me maximum around 20$/day TT_TT .I have a friend who was there and he told me a meal is around 10 – 25 $ . We’ll be staying somewhere at Internet City or Media City or something. The names kinda confuse me =)))) Do you happen to know any cheap restaurant near there?
I would be eternal grateful 🙂
Hi Alice, I’m afraid this is a guest post so I can’t answer your queries but I’ ll pass them on to Liza and one of us wll get back to you. Kat
I’m going there with my 3 friends, I have kind of same budget as Alice mentioned, slightly more than that lets say $25 a day.
Please please please provide me more details on the daily expenses, If Dubai is expensive I would have to try some other country 🙁
Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Alice, Sorry I didn’t find anything more out for you but I’d love to hear how you got on. I wondered if you’d be able to help Aman out as he’s wondering how much he is likely to spend each day on expenses (see comment above). Thanks, Kat
I lived in Dubai for around 4 years and Al Dhiyafah Road (now called 2nd of December, I believe) was one of my fav places to go eat.. not only because of the variety of cuisines but also because they have a lot of restaurants open late at night and some even 24/7. Those late night shawarmas or kebab rolls were much better than any drive-thru, which would be the alternative in the odd hours of the night.
Thanks for the heads up on the name change. I’ll see if I can check that.
I went to Dubai last year and had some awesome food, especially in the old quarter. Stuffed my face silly for only around $5! Definitely worth checking out the food scene outside of the hotel!
Hi Anthony, Just found your comment in my spam folder! I do hope I get to go there one day myself – it sounds fantastic!
Not a bad list, although I think there are better places than the Afghan kebab house. I love Barracuda on the beach Rd in Umm Suqeim. There are also some gems in Karama like Pind da dhaba, Golden Fork and Ya Hala. And no budget list would be complete without Ravis in Satwa, where you can get a Chicken Kadai for 25aed that will blow your mind. For more around Bur Dubai and Deira, you must check out Arva’s blog at http://www.iliveinafryingpan.com/ – she also runs food tours in both areas.
Thanks Sarah – some really useful info here and I love this website. I’ve heard of these tours before – journalist, Matthew Teller, highly recommended them. I hope to make it to Dubai one day and I will definitely go on one of these tours.