Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in United Arab Emirates
Daily food budget: $20–$45 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$20
per person/day
Mid-range
$45
per person/day
Luxury
$100
per person/day
What Meals Cost
Shawarma from street stand$2-4
Indian/Pakistani restaurant meal$5-8
Mall food court lunch$8-12
Fine dining at hotel restaurant$80-200
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Eat at Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino restaurants in Deira and Bur Dubai for meals under $8.
- ✓Travel in summer (Jun-Sep) for 40-60% lower hotel rates if you can handle the heat.
Dining in United Arab Emirates
Eating well in United Arab Emirates doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.