Daily Food Cost in Dubai: Discover The Best Food Option

What do you like the most about Dubai? Is it places, activities or food? Well, for me Dubai’s food is the major attraction of the city. Here you can get food options inspired by diverse cultures from traditional Arabic food to international cultures. If you are also a food lover like me then you must want to know what you will get in Dubai and at what price.

However, it is assumed that the cost of food in Dubai is usually high compared to many countries but it is nothing like that. The cost of food depends on where you eat and what you eat. Dubai has multiple places and restaurants that offer you endless options to eat at a bit higher prices but there are many other options available that allow you to control your food cost in Dubai while traveling to Dubai so make sure to apply Dubai Visa for Indians to make your trip hassle free.

If you are also planning for a Dubai trip, do not forget to plan your food trip in advance for a hassle-free trip. This write-up would help you get an understanding of the types of dishes available, the cost of meals, where to eat cheap food, expensive food,  and the average cost of food in Dubai. 

Dubai currency and value Of Package

To calculate the cost of UAE currency, first, we need to understand the value of UAE currency and its value against other major currencies. To make your Dubai Tour Packages complete, currency is a major part and if you have booked your trip in AED, then, you need to pay in AED or USD with better conversion rates with your forex Agent.

In the UAE, you need to carry your own currency for payments and bills. However, if you belong to the nation of which currency is accepted in Dubai then you can carry the other currency as well. The currency of the UAE is AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). 

• 1 AED = 0.27 USD or 1 USD= 3.673 AED

• 1 AED = 22.86 INR or 1 INR= 0.044 AED

Basic food prices 

In order to calculate the food prices, first we need to understand the prices of basic food items that are available in UAE or Dubai. Food prices in Dubai can be different based on things like the type of place and how good the food actually is. Compared to other cities, eating out in Dubai can be more expensive. Here are Dubai food price list that tells us how much regular food costs in Dubai:

This food gives you calories of 2400 which covers the daily requirements for people in Dubai. If you are planning for a long stay in Dubai then these basic items are the best options to rely on. 

Quality of food

Dubai offers high-quality ingredients for food and as a result, UAE ranks 23rd in food safety. Dubai focuses on maintaining the hygiene of the food in cafes, restaurants and even street stalls. They ensure that all the food safety rules are being complied by food stores. Thus, quality does not affect the prices much as you will get average quality everywhere mainly in raw ingredients. 

Vegetarian Food In Dubai Cost

The availability of vegetarian food in Dubai is limitless and its cost directly depends on the location of the restaurant or the quality of food provided.

• For frequent vegetarian travelers who often visit Dubai, the best and nearest location to fill their tummy is no other than metro stations which comes in handy for every traveler. For instance, you can visit the Old Dubai metro station and enjoy your vegetarian thali for just 30 AED and if you are in Umm Hurair station, you can have your stomach filled for 50-100 AED at Pure Veg. Gold Icon. If you are looking to savor some Indian vegetarian food in Dubai, you must definitely visit Govinda's Restaurant and enjoy the different varieties of meals served in this restaurant.

• On the other hand, you have a much cheaper vegetarian food option that is trying vegetarian street food in Dubai as it is very affordable and only costs around 5-20 AED per item.

• If you are looking for an upgrade and want to try out having delicious vegetarian meals in an affordable restaurant, you can definitely dive into Mid-range restaurants that will cost you around 80-150 AED while providing a better eating environment and experience.

• But, Dubai is a luxury destination and it is almost impossible to not find the best vegetarian food in Dubai at a Fine dining establishment that serves delicious vegetarian food, however, every luxury comes with a price and in order to dine in these locations, you will need to spend about 500 AED per person

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. 

• 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. 

• Indian Thali comes both in veg as well as non-veg versions. 

•  Instead of picking Indian thali if you choose specific Indian cuisines then AED 50-80 will be enough for basic-level cafes and restaurants 

• 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. 

• The most common Mexican food that you can find here is Ceviches, Tacos, Burritos, Food Bowls, and Quesadillas. 

• The average cost of these popular dishes is AED 60-70 per serving in well-known luxury food eateries. 

• If you want to have the affordable experience of food then Meshico, Tortuga, Luchador, and Jules should be on your list. 

Chinese

Another famous continental food that you will find in Dubai in the majority is Chinese food. 

• The cost of Chinese food is estimated to be 150 AED for two persons. 

• As long as you are eating it at street food and cafes, you can make it affordable and it could fall to AED 35-80.  

• For the budget-friendly food cafes in Dubai, you can choose Panda Chinese, Wok Boyz, Chin Chin, and  Zen, JLT. 

Italian

Italian food is quite expensive here compared to Chinese and Indian. It cost around AED 200 for two people. 

•  Popular dishes like Pizza cost around AED 80 per person. 

• The best choice for Italian restaurants is Alici, Bussola, Scalini, and Roberto's Ristorante. 

• To make it affordable, I would suggest you to go Pizza Pazza, Tondo Pizza, Sweetberry, etc. 

Japanese 

Japanese food is the most expensive food in the city costing around AED 300 for 2 people. 

• For affordable food in Dubai, you need to visit these five places: Bento-Ya, Umami, Reif Kushiyaki, Wokyo Noodle Bar, and Yo! Sushi.

•  Here, you can really have some delicious Japanese food while making it affordable. 

Cost of meal

Breakfast costs in Dubai 

On average, a breakfast for one person at a mid-range restaurant in Dubai can cost between AED 30 and AED 60, which is about USD 8 to USD 16. 

• Breakfast for two at a high-end restaurant can cost between AED 200 and AED 300, which is about USD 54 to USD 81. 

• Some of the more expensive places, especially five-star hotels, have higher prices.

• However, there are many other affordable options available like street vendors and stalls. It may cost you around AED 20 which is approx USD 5. 

Lunch cost in Dubai

Lunch costs highly depend on the type of restaurant you choose to eat. You can take a glance at the price table:

• In general, lunch at a casual restaurant or bar in Dubai costs between AED 40 and AED 80 (USD 11 to 22) per person.

• But, lunch at a fancier restaurant can cost between AED 100 and AED 200 (USD 27 to 54 USD) per person. 

Dinner cost in Dubai 

• A meal for one person at a mid-range restaurant in Dubai can cost between AED 50 and AED 150, which is about USD 14 to USD 41. 

• A dinner for two at a high-end restaurant can cost between AED 500 and AED 800, which is about USD 136 to USD 218. 

• To make it affordable, veg food costs between USD 10-15, and non-veg food costs between USD 6-12.

Dubai food average cost: Street vs. fast food

In Dubai, street food is something that you like to eat the most. Usually, the average cost of food in Dubai restaurants is higher than street food.

What Food Brands Offer In Dubai? 

If you do not want to taste something new or are on a short trip and want to rely on international food chains like Burger King, McDonald’s, and Starbucks then Dubai is the right place. These food chains are usually affordable options to eat as this could reduce the cost of food in Dubai for tourists. 

Burger King

From the airport terminal to Dubai Hills, Burger King outlets are located in every prominent place in the city. It is a well-known option for meals. If you are traveling with family then this option stands as the best one. 

• You can enjoy both veg and non-veg food options. 

• Their famous burger with veggies costs you around AED 13 whereas chicken meals can range between AED 20-25. 

Starbucks 

You will be surprised to know that Starbucks coffee is cheaper than the coffee at mid-range cafes in Dubai. You can enjoy their famous latte coffee at AED 15. 

McDonald’s

At McDonald’s, you can have a meal range between AED 20-30. It further can stretch up to AED 70 for two people. 

Most Cheap Eats in Dubai

If you want to make your Dubai trip on a budget then I would suggest you cut off luxurious restaurants for 3-time meals. Cafes and street food should be your priority; for breakfast, you can choose street stalls while for lunch and dinner go to the cafes. Here, I am enlisting some of the best places for cafes and street foods:

5 Best Affordable Cafes in Dubai 

• The Meeting Room 

• Pappa roti 

• Coffee Tea Fusion Café

• FiLLi Cafe

• Smoqoholic Seafood Restaurant & Café

Top Street Foods to Eat In Dubai Under AED 10

This list contains the food that you can eat under AED 10 and this is available everywhere on the street vendors:

• Cheese Potato Oman Chips

• Falafel Sandwich

• Rigag 

• Chips Sandwich 

• Muharmara 

• Cheese Chilli Chicken Oman Chips Roll

The Best Dishes in Dubai And Their Prices 

If you do not want to cut the average cost of food in Dubai and just love to taste every cuisine that is famous in Dubai while price does not matter then give it a look. We are enlisting Dubai’s famous dishes:

Top Most Expensive Restaurants in Dubai with price 

To taste these dishes, you must go to some high-end food eateries with 4 or 5 stars as here you will get the best serving style and modification. Also, for your honeymoon in Dubai, you will get the best ambiance at these restaurants:

Ossiano, Atlantis The Palm

This place specializes in seafood, cocktails, and mocktails. You will get live music here. The price of a meal here will cost around AED 1400 for two people.

Nathan Outlaw At Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab

Here you can get some signature dishes with a touch of simplicity. Here you can get a large variety of seafood. The price for a meal for two people costs you around AED 1300. 

Kohantei, Dubai Opera 

To enjoy Japanese food, this is a must-visit place in Dubai.  Here the cost of dinner can range around AED 1200. 

Al Iwan, Burj Al Arab

From a romantic dinner to a simple meal, you can get everything here. This is popular for serving every kind of dish. The cost of food in Al Iwan can reach AED 1000 to 1200. 

Exploring the calculation for Dubai food 

The difference between the cost of food in Dubai defines your choices and taste. If you choose a high dining option then it can go from AED 500 to AED 1100 but if you choose street vendors throughout the trip then you can summarize your food cost in Dubai for a day in just AED 50 to 100. To plan your Dubai trip keep all these points in mind and enjoy the 

Tourist guide and tips to keep food costs on budget 

If you want to cut down the cost of food in Dubai then these tips would definitely help you. Be ready with your notepads to write these down:

• Avoid eating in cafes located at tourist hotspots as they charge more, instead of trying to eat at places that locals prefer 

• If you are eating at expensive restaurants then be careful with the modification of the dish as a simple dish could be highly expensive after the modification. 

• If you are planning to stay for a longer time then cooking by yourself would be easy and affordable 

• Plan to eat at affordable food eateries or food courts in malls as they offer less expensive food. 

• Avoid alcoholic drinks if you want to reduce the cost of food in Dubai. 

Conclusion 

The cost of food in Dubai can widely vary as per the place and dish. However, we cannot claim it to be expensive as with the right choice of place and food you can eliminate the extra cost. With expensive dining and high-end restaurants, the cost of food could drastically rise whereas with local food stores and street vendors, you can make sure to keep the cost of food down. 

To balance this, you can have your breakfast on the street while you can plan lunch at a small cafe or food chain store. Along with it, you can plan your dinner at any luxury restaurant to collect this experience as your trip memory. Further, by opting for basic food cuisines in Dubai, you can make your trip on a budget. Without proper planning, you won’t be able to make it at a low cost. I hope with this information you will make your trip memorable yet affordable.