How much does food cost in Dubai?

The cost of food in Dubai is often a major concern for visitors and residents. If you are planning a trip or have recently moved to Dubai, you must allocate a budget for food. To help you decide on your budget, this blog will clearly explain how much you can expect to spend on food in Dubai and help you plan your budget accordingly.

Key Takeaways

• Cooking at home saves money and costs much less than eating out
• Vegetarian meals are cheaper, and mixing home cooking with occasional dining out keeps costs manageable
• Knowing staple prices helps plan a realistic monthly grocery budget
• Budget mid-range and luxury meals affect spending differently, so plan dining choices carefully
• Lower earners spend a higher portion of their salary on food, while mid-income residents can manage costs more easily

Cost of Groceries

Small supermarkets are easily available within the communities. They offer affordable options for daily groceries. Larger supermarkets like Carrefour, Spinneys, Lulu Hypermarket, and Choithrams can be found in shopping malls or prime locations. They offer a range of global products that are often more expensive. Here are the prices of some common grocery items in Dubai:

Daily food cost for a vegetarian resident in Dubai

Morning (breakfast)

• Home breakfast (bread, milk, fruit, tea): AED 6 - AED 12
• Café vegetarian breakfast: AED 10 - AED 25

Lunch

• Home-cooked vegetarian lunch (rice, vegetables, salad): AED 10 - AED 18
• Vegetarian cafeteria or casual restaurant meal: AED 20 - AED 30

Dinner

• Home-cooked vegetarian dinner (vegetables, rice or pasta): AED 12 - AED 22
• Vegetarian dinner at a casual restaurant: AED 25 - AED 40.

Daily estimate

• Home-cooked every meal: AED 28 - AED 52
• Mixed home + eating out: AED 55 - AED 90

Daily food cost for a non-vegetarian resident in Dubai

Morning (breakfast)

• Home breakfast (bread, eggs, milk, tea): AED 10 - 15
• Café non-vegetarian breakfast: AED 40 - 50

Lunch

• Home-cooked non-vegetarian lunch (chicken, rice, vegetables): AED 15 - 30
• Non-vegetarian cafeteria or casual restaurant meal: AED 25 - 40

Dinner

• Home-cooked non-vegetarian dinner (chicken or beef with vegetables): AED 20 - 40
• Non-vegetarian dinner at a casual restaurant: AED 40 - 60

Daily estimate

• Home-cooked every meal: AED 45 - 85
• Mixed home and eating out: AED 75 - 110

Cost of Dining Out

The cost of dining out in Dubai depends on your choices and preferences. Below are different dine-out options in Dubai and their costs.

Fast Food

Fast food outlets offer budget-friendly options such as burgers, pizzas, and wraps. The cost of food at famous fast food chains like KFC, McDonald's, Wendy's, and Popeyes ranges from AED 35 to 60 for a single meal.

Casual Dining

Casual dining restaurants offer a variety of dishes from around the world. You can easily find restaurants offering cuisines like Italian, Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Pakistani and much more. The cost of eating at casual dining restaurants may range from AED 30 to 80 for a single person. Some popular continental restaurants in Dubai include:

Moreish, Oud Metha

Serves Italian, Mexican, Continental, and Desserts

Average cost: AED 150 for two people

Kinoya, The Greens

Serves Japanese

Average Cost: AED 200 for two people

Community Café, Mamzar

Serves Continental, Desserts, Salad, Beverages

Average Cost: AED 140 for two people

Mythos, Jumeirah Lake Towers

Serves authentic Greek food

Average Cost: AED 280 for two people

Cafe Havana, Al Safa

Serves steaks, pizzas, and coffee

Average Cost: AED 180 for two people

Piccolo Mondo Bay, Dubai Marina

Serves Arabian and International dishes

Average Cost: AED 210 for two people

Maison Mathis, Arabian Ranches

Serves Arabian, Middle Eastern, International, Burger, Pizza, Pasta, and Italian

Average Cost: AED 160 for two people

Fine Dining

Dubai has a range of fine dining restaurants, including restaurants run by renowned international chefs. Whilst they may be expensive, they can offer incredible food and an unforgettable experience. Here are a few fine dining options in Dubai:

Dinner in the Sky at Al Sufoh

Experience an unforgettable dining adventure as you are lifted 50 meters into the sky in a crane to experience amazing views of Dubai’s skyline. It is a thrilling yet sophisticated dining experience

Cost: AED 699 per person

At.Mosphere at Burj Khalifa, 122nd Floor, Downtown Dubai

Located on the 122nd floor of the iconic Burj Khalifa, At.Mosphere is one of the highest restaurants in the world. It is an exceptional place to enjoy a luxurious meal.

Lunch cost: AED 350 per person

Dinner cost: AED 450- 600

Ossiano at Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah

Ossiano is an underwater restaurant located within the Atlantis resort. It is perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.

Cost: AED 2,100 for two persons (approximately)

Sonara Camp at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road

Sonara Camp offers a remarkable dining experience in the desert, surrounded by the beauty of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Visitors can enjoy gourmet meals, live entertainment, and a chance to experience the desert’s serene landscape.

Cost: From AED 690 per person

Street Food

Street food is usually very affordable, and prices can range from AED 10 to 20 per item, depending on where you go. The most popular items to try in street food include shawarmas, kababs, hummus, falafel wraps, samosas, manakeesh (flatbreads), and traditional sweets like baklava and kanafeh. You can also enjoy international cuisines like Thai noodles or Mexican tacos. The prices usually range between AED 15 and 35 for a full meal.

Dubai also offers some great spots to sit down and enjoy delicious street food, such as local markets, souks, or night markets. Prices tend to be slightly higher here than at street vendors, but customers can save compared to restaurants. Here is a list of some of the top street food spots in Dubai:

Operation Falafel at Jumeirah Beach Residence

Famous for Falafel Platters, Stuffed Falafel, Chicken Shawarma, and Fatoush

Average Cost: AED 80 for two people

Shiraz Nights at Al Rigga

Famous for Chicken Shawarma, Rice, Shawarma Sandwiches, and Salad

Average Cost: AED 70 for two people

Ravi Restaurant at Satwa

Famous for Biryani, Peshawari Chicken, Peshawari Mutton, and Brain Masala

Average Cost: AED 80 for two people

Raju Omlet at Al Karama

Famous for a variety of home-style eggs

Average Cost: AED 65 for two people

Yalla Momos at Al Karama and International City

Famous for Shrimp Momos, Veg Momos, Chicken Momo, Tandoori Momos, and Dumplings

Average Cost: AED 50 for two people

Billo at Oud Metha

Famous for Golgappay, Shami Burger, Mix Chaat, Rose Faluda, Chicken Bihari, Kulfi

Average Cost: AED 70 for two people

Other Costs Associated with Dining Out

Dining out in Dubai comes with additional costs other than the cost of the meal, such as:

Tip: Tipping is not mandatory, but an AED 5-10 tip is usually sufficient.

Parking fees: Some restaurants offer free parking, while others charge between AED 5 and 25 per hour.

Service Charges: Some restaurants charge service charges on the bill. They are usually 10% of the total bill.

Factors Affecting Food Prices in Dubai

Several factors affect the cost of food in Dubai, which are listed below:

• Many food items consumed in Dubai come from abroad, so changes to international shipping costs or tariffs directly affect local prices.
• Fruits and vegetables can be more expensive during certain times of the year, like Ramadan and Eid.
• The rising demand for organic and healthier options has increased prices in many food categories.
• Changes in exchange rates between local and foreign currencies can affect the prices of imported goods.

Tips for Saving on Food Costs in Dubai

Food in Dubai can be expensive, but there are ways to save on food costs.

• Many online websites offer deals and discounts for shoppers, so look around for the best deals available.
• If you eat out regularly, a service like The Entertainer, which offers buy one get one free and other discounts at various restaurants across Dubai, could be very useful for saving money.
• Try street food more often. It allows you to experience authentic local cuisine without overspending.
• Many grocery stores provide discounts when buying in bulk, so buying items such as meat, tinned goods and toiletries in bulk will save you money.

Conclusion

Living in Dubai slowly teaches you how food fits into everyday life. At first, it feels small, just groceries here and a meal outside there, but over time, those choices begin to shape how comfortable your month feels. Cooking at home gives you a sense of control, while eating out becomes something you plan rather than do without thinking. What most residents realise is that food costs are not overwhelming, but they are constant, and they follow your habits closely. Dubai gives you options at every level, and once you understand where your money goes, daily life feels lighter, more settled, and easier to manage without second guessing every bill.