Dubai is famous for its luxury, skyscrapers, and vibrant culture. However, when planning your trip, it’s essential to consider your daily food cost in Dubai. Knowing how much you might spend on food can help you budget better. This guide will break down food prices in Dubai, explore different dining options, and give you tips on enjoying delicious meals without overspending.
Overview of Food Costs in Dubai
Dubai offers a wide range of dining options, from high-end restaurants to local eateries. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
Dining Type | Average Cost (per meal) |
---|---|
Fast Food | 30 – 50 AED |
Casual Dining | 60 – 120 AED |
Mid-Range Restaurants | 150 – 300 AED |
Fine Dining | 400 AED and up |
Street Food | 15 – 40 AED |
Fast Food Options
If you’re looking for a quick meal, fast food is widely available in Dubai. Popular chains like McDonald’s, KFC, and Subway have multiple locations. Here’s what you might spend:
- Combo Meal: 30 – 50 AED
- Beverages: 5 – 15 AED
- Snacks: 10 – 25 AED
Casual Dining
For a more relaxed atmosphere, you can try casual dining restaurants. These places offer a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Lebanese, and Italian. Typical prices include:
- Main Course: 60 – 120 AED
- Desserts: 20 – 40 AED
- Drinks: 10 – 30 AED
Mid-Range Restaurants
If you want a nice dinner, mid-range restaurants offer great food without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Appetizers: 30 – 70 AED
- Main Courses: 150 – 300 AED
- Beverages: 20 – 50 AED
Fine Dining
For a luxurious experience, Dubai has many fine dining options featuring world-renowned chefs. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Tasting Menu: 400 AED and up
- Single Main Course: 200 – 400 AED
- Wine: 100 – 300 AED per glass
Street Food Experience
For budget travelers, street food is a great way to experience local flavors without spending much. Popular street food options include:
- Shawarma: 15 – 30 AED
- Falafel: 10 – 20 AED
- Samosas: 5 – 15 AED
Best Vegetarian Food in Dubai
If you prefer vegetarian options, Dubai offers an impressive array of restaurants. Here are some popular places for the best vegetarian food in Dubai:
- Wild & The Moon: Focuses on organic, plant-based meals.
- Govindas: Offers tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes.
- Rasa Sayang: Known for its flavorful vegetarian Malaysian cuisine.
Prices at these restaurants can range from 50 to 150 AED per meal, depending on the dish and ambiance.
Budgeting Your Food Costs
To manage your food costs in Dubai, consider the following tips:
- Eat Like a Local: Try local eateries for more affordable meals.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer lunch deals that are cheaper than dinner.
- Buy Snacks: Purchasing snacks from supermarkets can save money on small meals.
- Water Bottles: Buy a reusable water bottle; drinking tap water is generally safe in Dubai.
Daily Food Budget Example
Here’s a simple breakdown of what a daily food budget might look like:
Meal Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Breakfast | 30 – 50 AED |
Lunch | 60 – 120 AED |
Dinner | 150 – 300 AED |
Snacks & Drinks | 20 – 50 AED |
Total Daily Cost | 260 – 520 AED |
Continental food availability and price
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures where you can get a vast variety of foods and cuisines. Here many cafes and restaurants are based on a continental theme where you can taste several dishes from different corners of the world. Furthermore, some famous cafes and restaurants serve dishes belonging to specific countries. These foods and dishes cost different:
For Indian national Food Cost in Dubai
The average cost of Indian food in Dubai is 100-150 AED in case you are asking for basic cuisines.
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The most famous food of India is thali which costs around 50-130 AED or 14-35 USD. The exact amount depends on the variety you want on Indian Thali.
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Indian Thali comes both in veg as well as non-veg versions.
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Instead of picking Indian thali if you choose specific Indian cuisines then AED 50-80 will be enough for basic-level cafes and restaurants
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On the other hand, AED 150-200 will be required for fine dining restaurants for the same dishes.
Mexican
The cost of Mexican food in Dubai is around AED 150 for two under which you can fill your tummy.
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The most common Mexican food that you can find here is Ceviches, Tacos, Burritos, Food Bowls, and Quesadillas.
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The average cost of these popular dishes is AED 60-70 per serving in well-known luxury food eateries.
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If you want to have the affordable experience of food then Meshico, Tortuga, Luchador, and Jules should be on your list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the average daily food cost in Dubai?
The average daily food cost in Dubai can range from 260 to 520 AED, depending on where you choose to eat.
2. Are food prices in Dubai expensive?
Food prices in Dubai vary. You can find both affordable street food and high-end dining options.
3. Where can I find the best vegetarian food in Dubai?
Some great places for the best vegetarian food in Dubai include Wild & The Moon, Govindas, and Rasa Sayang.
4. Can I save money on food while in Dubai?
Yes! Eating at local restaurants, choosing lunch specials, and buying snacks from supermarkets can help you save money.
5. Is it easy to find halal food in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai is known for its halal food options, and most restaurants offer halal meals.
Conclusion
Understanding the daily food cost in Dubai can greatly enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a fine dining restaurant or grabbing a quick snack from a food stall, knowing what to expect will help you budget effectively. With a variety of options available, from affordable street food to luxurious dining, there is something for everyone in this amazing city.