How Much Does Eating in Dubai Really Cost? Your 2025 Food Budget

. It truly caters to every taste imaginable

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. But let's be honest, the big question for many visitors and residents is: what does it actually cost to eat in this vibrant city?

. This guide is here to break down the average dining costs you can expect in 2025, covering everything from super-affordable bites to world-class luxury dining, all based on recent data

. We'll give you the lowdown on different budget levels and share practical tips so you can plan your food budget with confidence and savor every bite Dubai has to offer

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Eating on a Shoestring: Street Food & Budget Bites

When we talk about "street food" in Dubai, it often means grabbing quick, inexpensive meals from small, informal eateries, takeaway counters, or cafeterias

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. You'll find these gems concentrated in older, bustling neighborhoods like Deira, Bur Dubai, Satwa, and Karama

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. Think delicious Middle Eastern staples, South Asian snacks, and other global quick bites served without fuss

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. This is where you find the real pulse of the city's diverse population reflected in its food

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So, what's the damage? Honestly, it's incredibly wallet-friendly. Individual items like samosas or a cup of strong Karak Chai can cost as little as AED 5-15

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. Popular choices like a hearty Shawarma or Falafel wrap typically range from AED 10-20

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. You can easily get a simple, filling meal for AED 10-35, or a more substantial budget meal for around AED 20-50, maybe stretching to AED 70 depending on the place

. This tier is perfect for budget travelers, anyone seeking authentic local flavors without the frills, and it's a hit with the Gen Z crowd looking for real experiences

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Casual & Comfortable: Affordable Eateries & Cafés

Moving up slightly, you'll find a huge range of affordable eateries and cafés that bridge the gap between basic street food and mid-range restaurants

. This category includes local cafeterias, countless small independent restaurants (especially amazing South Asian and Middle Eastern spots), food court outlets in malls, familiar fast-food chains, and casual cafés perfect for a quick coffee or bite

. These places offer sit-down dining but keep things casual and focus on providing good value

. You'll find them everywhere – in residential areas like Al Barsha, older districts like Deira and Karama, and even within the glitzy malls

Price-wise, you're looking at meals per person generally ranging from AED 20 up to AED 70 or AED 80

. Fast food meals usually land between AED 30-60

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. Grabbing a coffee and pastry at a basic café might set you back AED 15-30

. If you're keen to try local Emirati dishes at this level, expect to pay around AED 40-80, while vegetarian meals in local spots can be found for AED 30-70

. This tier is incredibly popular with residents for everyday meals, budget-conscious tourists wanting a sit-down option, families, students, and office workers grabbing lunch

The Sweet Spot: Mid-Range Restaurants

Welcome to the heart of Dubai's dining scene for many – the mid-range restaurants

. These spots offer a noticeable step up in ambiance and service compared to the budget options, without hitting the fine-dining price points

. Think comfortable sit-down experiences, often with table service, a broader menu featuring international cuisines (Middle Eastern, Asian, European, American), and sometimes even alcohol licenses, especially if they're located within hotels

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. You'll find them in malls, popular districts like Dubai Marina, JLT, and City Walk, as well as hotels across the city

. This category includes everything from casual dining chains and independent bistros to gastropubs and themed restaurants

What should you budget? A meal per person, say a main course and a drink, generally falls between AED 100 and AED 250

. Some estimates suggest a slightly lower range like AED 80-160, or note that main dishes often average around AED 60-100

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. A meal for two might cost anywhere from AED 150-300, potentially up to AED 500 if you include drinks

. Even Michelin recognizes this tier, with their '$$' category suggesting costs between AED 150-350

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. Dubai's famous weekend brunches often fit here (or slightly higher), typically ranging from AED 150 to AED 500 per person, depending heavily on whether alcohol is included

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. This category appeals broadly to residents dining out regularly, tourists wanting comfort without breaking the bank, business lunches, and groups of friends

Indulgence & Occasions: Fine Dining & Michelin Stars

Now for the glitz and glamour! Dubai boasts a truly world-class fine dining scene, featuring restaurants helmed by international celebrity chefs, award-winning homegrown concepts, and venues recognized by prestigious guides like Michelin and Gault&Millau

. These are places offering exceptional culinary artistry, sophisticated settings (sometimes with breathtaking views), impeccable service, and, naturally, premium price tags

. You'll typically find them in luxury hotels or upscale districts like DIFC, Downtown Dubai, and Palm Jumeirah

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. The arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2022 cemented Dubai's status as a global gourmet destination

Be prepared for higher costs here. Dining at this level generally starts from AED 300-400 per person and can easily go up to AED 1000 or even AED 1500+ for exclusive tasting menus, especially at top-tier or celebrity chef establishments

. The average cost for a Michelin tasting menu in the UAE was recently reported around AED 800 ($217)

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. A dinner for two could range from AED 500-800 and upwards

. Even vegetarian options in luxury venues might be in the AED 150-300 range

. Remember, alcohol, served only in licensed venues (usually hotels), adds significantly to the bill, with individual drinks often costing AED 50-100+ and wine bottles starting around AED 400

. This level caters to luxury travelers, special celebrations, and high-level business dining

Don't Forget the Extras: Taxes, Service Charges & Tipping

Before you breathe easy thinking you've got the budget nailed, remember the extras that appear on the final bill. It's crucial to understand these potential additions. First, there's the standard Value Added Tax (VAT) of 5%, which applies to most goods and services in the UAE, including restaurant meals whether you dine in or take away

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. Restaurants must charge this and show it clearly on your invoice

Next up, many restaurants, particularly those in hotels or higher-end establishments, add a service charge, commonly 10%

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. There might also be a Municipality Fee, potentially 7%, added to the bill

. Interestingly, regulations around service charges outside hotels can be complex, with some authorities generally prohibiting them unless the restaurant is hotel-affiliated or in a special zone

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. Always check your bill carefully to see what's included

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. Finally, tipping is customary in Dubai. Even if a service charge is included, leaving an additional 10-15% tip for good service is common practice and appreciated

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Estimating Your Daily Food Budget

So, how much should you actually budget per day? Based on general estimates, a single person might spend anywhere from AED 30 to AED 100 daily on food

. For a couple, the range could be between AED 70 and AED 200 per day

. Families should probably anticipate spending between AED 150 and AED 500 daily, depending heavily on family size and dining choices

Of course, these are just averages. Your actual spending will depend massively on your style – are you hitting the street food stalls daily or indulging in fine dining every night?

. Mixing it up is key for most people

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. And for expats or those on longer stays, cooking some meals at home significantly brings down the average daily cost

Smart Strategies: Budgeting Tips for Eating Well in Dubai

Eating well in Dubai doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet. Here are some smart strategies to manage your food budget:

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For Budget Travelers: Really embrace the street food scene and affordable eateries, especially in older areas like Deira, Karama, and Satwa – they offer amazing value and authentic tastes

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. Don't overlook supermarket delis or ready-made meal sections in places like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, or Union Coop for quick, cheap options

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. Also, keep an eye out for lunch deals or business lunches offered by many mid-range restaurants, which can be significantly cheaper than dinner

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For All Travelers/Expats: The golden rule is to mix it up! Balance those occasional splurges at fancier restaurants or brunches with plenty of meals at more affordable spots

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. Be aware that restaurants inside hotels often carry a price premium compared to standalone places, even for similar quality

. Brunches can offer good value with all-inclusive packages, but check the price points carefully as they vary widely

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. It’s always a good idea to check menus and prices online before you go.

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For Expats/Longer Stays: Finding a balance between dining out and cooking at home is essential for managing long-term budgets

. Get to know the different supermarkets – some are more budget-friendly than others for your grocery shopping

. Exploring the vast range of mid-range restaurants can provide great dining experiences without the fine-dining price tag