Exchange rate: 1 UAE dirham (AED) ≈ $0.27.
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Table of Contents
- What to try in Dubai
- Prices in cafes and restaurants
- Restaurants that are praised
- Beverages and alcohol
- Supermarkets and markets
- Fast food
- Good to know
What to try in Dubai
Modern Emirati cuisine has absorbed traditions from the Bedouins, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia. To see an unconventional menu, look for the sign " Emirati cuisine." Tourists praise Al Fanar and Seven Sands.
- Fried fish with aromatic spices.
- Al-madruba is a crumbly, salty fish.
- Briks are mini pies filled with seafood and meat.
- Ferid — veal or lamb with vegetables.
- Gouzi — lamb with nuts and raisins.
- Biryani — rice with chicken or lamb.
- Balalit — sweet and salty noodles with omelet.
- Haris — wheat stewed with meat.
- Che bab — thin pancakes with syrup or cheese.
- Date desserts and pistachio baklava.
- Street hits: masala dosa, manakish, barberry.
Hummus lovers will also be delighted—it is especially delicate in the Emirates.
Prices in cafes and restaurants
The lowest prices are in the Bur Dubai and Deira areas. Breakfast there costs AED 15–25 per person, and lunch for two costs AED 40–50. In Indian and Pakistani restaurants, a full meal costs 10–20 AED. For example, a serving of biryani at Shehar E Karachi costs 12–14 AED.
Expats recommend Lebanese restaurants: main courses start at AED 30, drinks at AED 12. Popular spots include Allo Beirut and Al Safeer (dinner for two costs around AED 70). At Vietnamese Foodies, a bowl of soup or noodles costs 30–60 AED, and a set meal at Teriyaki Boy costs 90 AED for two.
The average bill in "regular" restaurants is AED 50–150 per guest. At Al Ustad Special Kebab, a kebab mix for two costs AED 100, and at Old Tbilisi, khachapuri costs AED 50–60.
Premium establishments start at AED 250 for dinner and can easily exceed AED 1,000. But the experience is worth it!
Another budget-friendly way to immerse yourself in local flavors is a desert safari with dinner with the Bedouins or an evening cruise along Dubai Creek.
Travelers' experiences
The two editors spent four days in the city and spent only AED 300 (≈ $80) on food — about $10 per person per day. The secret is simple: local canteens, street snacks, and ready-made food sections in supermarkets.
Restaurants that are praised
- Al Mahara — seafood and a giant aquarium at Burj Al Arab. Set menu — from AED 900.
- Gold On 27 — a bar on the 27th floor of the same hotel, with gold-decorated interiors and cocktails starting at AED 100.
- Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge — desert romance, live music, Middle Eastern menu.
- At.mosphere — 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, panoramic view of the entire emirate, and deposit upon booking.
Beverages and alcohol
Water is a must-have: 0.33 liters in a store costs 1 AED. Fresh juices in cafes start at 15 AED, smoothies are 30 AED, and espressos are 15 AED.
Alcohol is only permitted in bars, restaurants, and hotel rooms. The penalty for drinking in public is up to AED 5,000. Local beer (0.5 l) costs AED 25–45, imported beer (0.33 l) costs AED 30–45, and a bottle of wine costs AED 45–100.
Supermarkets and markets
For great prices, head to Coop Union, Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, Shaklan, and Baqer Mohebi. The markets are slightly cheaper, but the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar is priceless.
Keep an eye out for weekend sales: "product of the day" promotions can help you save up to 30%. Every hypermarket has a ready-made food section: a bun costs AED 1.4, a mini pizza costs AED 2, samsa costs AED 2.4, shashlik costs AED 2.6, soups start at AED 4.2, and rice with chicken costs AED 20/kg.
Fast food
Dubai street food is multinational. The most budget-friendly and filling option is shawarma for 5–14 AED (on a plate — from 20 AED). Manakish costs AED 14, falafel in lavash costs AED 4–15, a whole pizza costs AED 35–45, and a burger costs AED 7–15. Fragrant grilled chicken costs AED 17–22, and a barbaari flatbread costs AED 1.4.
Good to know
- Almost all establishments prepare halal food. Pork is only found in rare tourist locations.
- During Ramadan, restaurants are closed during the day, but in the evening, the city turns into one big festive banquet.
- Dress code: beachwear is not welcome even in casual cafes.
- Tips — 10–15% of the bill, if service charge is not included.
By the way, if you are short on time, use our business travel service—our specialists will take care of the logistics, and Madera Travel will help you arrange your trip. And for those looking for last-minute deals, we recommend subscribing to our special offers newsletter.
Finally, for those who prefer a full package of services—from hotel reservations to insurance—the tour selection service is ideal. Want to buy a tour on the spur of the moment? A couple of clicks and your suitcases are already packed!
Enjoy your meal and have a wonderful time in Dubai!
