Dubai might be famous for gold-plated cappuccinos and fine dining in the clouds, but the city also has a vibrant, cheap eats scene if you know where to look. While you come across promotions like AED 10 meals during DSS or other celebrations, there’s always something to eat on a budget in Dubai. From iconic Pakistani cafeterias to authentic Chinese noodle shops and beloved shawarma joints, you can eat like a king for under AED 100.
Here’s a roundup of the 10 best cheap restaurants in Dubai to keep both your stomach and wallet full.
Comparison Table: Cheap Restaurants in Dubai
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Avg. Cost (AED) | Specialty Dish | Location Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravi Restaurant | Pakistani | 10–30 | Chicken tikka, mutton handi | Satwa |
| Qwaider Al Nabulsi | Middle Eastern | 6–15 | Shawarma, kunafa | Al Muraqqabat |
| The Charcoal Shack | Grilled/BBQ | 14–25 | Half grilled chicken, Saj shawarma | Multiple branches |
| Jabal Al Noor | Fast food | 5–15 | Chicken burger, shawarma | Satwa |
| Karachi Darbar | Pakistani | 20–30 | Biryani, curries, kebabs | Multiple branches |
| Chongqing Noodle House | Chinese (Sichuan) | 25–40 | Chongqing noodles, beef dishes | International City |
| Laffah | Arabic fast food | 15–30 | Shawarma platters, fried chicken | Barsha, Al Qusais + branches |
| Al Baik | Saudi fast food | 15–30 | Fried chicken nuggets, combos | Dubai Mall + branches |
| Mama’esh | Palestinian | 15–35 | Musakhan rolls, manakeesh, falafel | Multiple branches |
| Nine Squares Hotpot | Chinese hotpot | 60–100 | Hotpot with fresh meats & veggies | International City |
1. Ravi Restaurant – Satwa
Ravi Restaurant, founded in 1978 by Chaudary Abdul Hameed with AED27,000, stands as one of Dubai’s most beloved cheap restaurants Dubai locals and tourists flock to daily. Named after the Ravi River in Pakistan, this Satwa institution has grown from a humble eatery into a multicultural culinary destination that attracts everyone from construction workers to international celebrities.
The restaurant operates from 7:00 AM until midnight, with the bustling open-kitchen atmosphere creating an authentic street-food experience. Their signature chicken tikka for AED 10 features perfectly marinated pieces grilled over traditional flames, while the mutton handi at AED 24 delivers rich, slow-cooked flavors that have remained unchanged for decades. Fresh roti costs just AED 2, making complete meals incredibly affordable.
Visiting Tips: Arrive early morning or after 10:30 PM to avoid crowds and find easier street parking in Satwa. The restaurant fills quickly during lunch (1-2 PM) and dinner (8-10 PM) hours. Street parking costs AED 2-4 per hour via the RTA app, though free spots are available behind residential buildings late at night.
Recommended dishes at Ravi Restaurant
- Chicken Tikka – juicy, smoky, and only ~AED 10.
- Mutton Handi – slow-cooked, rich curry that pairs perfectly with naan.
- Dal Fry with Roti – simple but comforting, a favourite budget combo.
2. Qwaider Al Nabulsi – Al Muraqqabat
Located in Al Muraqqabat, this Middle Eastern specialist delivers exceptional value with its AED 6 shawarmas, packed with perfectly seasoned meat and fresh vegetables. The portions are notably generous compared to similar-priced competitors, while their AED 15 kunafa ranks among Dubai’s best value desserts, featuring crispy phyllo pastry layered with sweet cheese and aromatic syrup.
The restaurant maintains extended evening hours, often staying open past midnight, making it ideal for late-night dining. Their authentic Levantine recipes and family-style service create a welcoming atmosphere that draws regular customers from across Dubai’s diverse communities.
Recommended dishes at Qwaider Al Nabulsi
- Chicken Shawarma – AED 6 pocket of happiness.
- Kunafa with Cheese – gooey, sweet, and legendary for AED 15.
- Mixed Grill Platter – skewers of lamb, chicken, and kebabs, still budget-friendly.
3. The Charcoal Shack – Multiple Locations
With multiple branches across Dubai, The Charcoal Shack has mastered the art of affordable grilled cuisine. Their half-grilled chicken, priced at AED 25, arrives perfectly charred with aromatic spices, while the Saj chicken shawarma, at AED 14, features tender meat wrapped in freshly baked bread with house-made garlic sauce.
The open-grill cooking method allows diners to watch their meals being prepared, ensuring freshness and quality. Each location maintains consistent standards, making it a reliable choice for inexpensive restaurants in Dubai for diners seeking protein-rich meals without premium pricing.
Recommended dishes at The Charcoal Shack
- Half Grilled Chicken – smoky, tender, and filling.
- Saj Chicken Shawarma – lighter wrap but packed with flavour.
- Shish Tawouk – marinated chicken skewers that rival pricier restaurants.
4. Jabal Al Noor – Satwa
This Satwa legend has perfected the art of quick, affordable meals that don’t compromise on taste. The classic chicken burger costs only AED 5.50, featuring a generously sized patty with fresh vegetables and house sauce. Their shawarmas match the quality of more expensive competitors while maintaining budget-friendly pricing, making it a go-to spot for budget dining Dubai.
The restaurant’s efficient service model ensures that orders are typically ready within minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules. The casual, no-frills atmosphere reflects its focus on delivering maximum value rather than elaborate ambiance.
Recommended dishes at Jabal Al Noor
- Chicken Burger – AED 5.50 classic, no frills, just good.
- Beef Shawarma – generous meat portions, a local late-night favourite.
- Paratha Sandwiches – egg, cheese, or spicy chicken, all cheap and filling.
5. Karachi Darbar – Multiple Locations
This long-standing Pakistani restaurant chain has built its reputation on authentic biryanis, rich curries, and perfectly spiced kebabs. A hearty chicken biryani costs around AED 20-30, featuring fragrant basmati rice layered with tender meat and traditional spices. Their mutton curry delivers complex flavours developed through slow-cooking techniques passed down through generations.
With branches strategically located across Dubai, Karachi Darbar makes authentic Pakistani cuisine accessible citywide. The family-style portions and moderate pricing have made it a cornerstone of Dubai’s affordable dining scene for over two decades.
Recommended dishes at Karachi Darbar
- Chicken Biryani – fragrant, hearty, and around AED 20.
- Mutton Curry – slow-cooked, rich, and perfect with naan.
- Seekh Kebabs – smoky minced meat skewers, always popular.
6. Chongqing Noodle House – International City
Hidden within International City’s diverse food landscape, this authentic Sichuan restaurant brings bold Chinese flavours to budget-friendly dining in Dubai. Their signature Chongqing noodles, priced between AED 25 and 40, feature hand-pulled noodles swimming in numbing, spicy broth with tender beef and fresh vegetables. The cooking methods remain traditional, with wok-fried dishes prepared over high heat to achieve authentic textures and flavours.
The restaurant’s no-frills interior focuses attention on the food, where generous portions and authentic preparation techniques justify the slightly higher price point within the budget category. Most dishes easily serve two people, making the value proposition even stronger.
Recommended dishes at Chongqing Noodle House
- Chongqing Spicy Noodles – numbing, spicy, authentic Sichuan-style.
- Beef with Chili Oil – fiery and full of flavour.
- Dumplings in Chili Sauce – soft, handmade dumplings with a kick.
7. Laffah – Barsha, Al Qusais & Multiple Branches
Originally a Sharjah favourite, Laffah has expanded across Dubai with locations in Barsha and Al Qusais. Their shawarma platters and crispy fried chicken consistently deliver quality that has built a cult following. The restaurant’s success demonstrates how authentic flavours and fair pricing can create loyal customer bases that drive organic expansion.
Each location maintains the same recipes and preparation methods, ensuring consistent quality across branches. Their chicken preparation involves marination periods that enhance flavour while keeping costs reasonable.
Recommended dishes at Laffah
- Chicken Shawarma Roll – juicy and garlicky, one of Dubai’s most famous.
- Fried Chicken Meal – crispy skin, tender inside, addictive garlic sauce.
- Shawarma Platter – larger portion for sharing, great value.
8. Al Baik – Dubai Mall
Saudi Arabia’s iconic fried chicken brand has created significant excitement in Dubai, with locations including Dubai Mall. Their crispy nuggets, served for AED 15 with signature sauces, prove that quality fried chicken doesn’t require premium pricing. The quick-service model and consistent preparation methods have been successfully translated from the Saudi market to Dubai’s diverse dining landscape.
Recommended dishes at Al Baik
- Chicken Nuggets with Garlic Sauce – iconic Al Baik combo.
- Spicy Chicken Fillet Sandwich – crispy, zesty, and under AED 20.
- Shrimp Meal – budget seafood option that surprises first-timers.
9. Mama’esh – Multiple Locations
Specialising in Palestinian street food, Mama’esh offers freshly baked manakeesh, falafel, and musakhan rolls, ranging from AED 15 to AED 35. Their focus on healthy, authentic preparations provides a refreshing alternative to typical fast-food options. The cosy atmosphere and family recipes create genuine cultural dining experiences at accessible prices.
Recommended dishes at Mama’esh
- Musakhan Rolls – chicken, onion, and sumac wrapped in saj bread.
- Zaatar Manakeesh – freshly baked, fragrant, and cheap.
- Falafel Sandwich – crispy, filling, and vegetarian-friendly.
10. Nine Squares Hotpot – International City
For group dining that maintains affordability, Nine Squares offers authentic Chinese hotpot under AED 100 per person. Diners select from multiple flavorful broths, premium fresh meats, and seasonal vegetables to cook tableside. The interactive dining experience, combined with reasonable pricing, makes it ideal for social gatherings without the premium costs of hotel restaurants.
The restaurant offers detailed instructions for first-time hotpot diners, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience, regardless of their familiarity with the cuisine.
Recommended dishes at Nine Squares Hotpot
- Spicy Sichuan Broth – the star of the show, bold and aromatic.
- Beef & Lamb Slices – thinly cut, quick to cook, full of flavour.
- Fresh Veggie & Tofu Platters – light, healthy, and balances the spice.
Practical Budget Dining Guide
Best Neighbourhoods for Cheap Eats: Satwa, Deira, Bur Dubai, and International City are among Dubai’s most authentic, affordable places to eat, according to Dubai residents. These areas offer extensive street parking options and are well-connected by public transportation.
Delivery Options: Most budget restaurants partner with Talabat, Careem, and Noon for convenient home delivery. Delivery fees typically range AED 7-10, while Noon One membership offers free delivery for frequent users.
Peak Hours Strategy: Avoid the 1-2 PM lunch rush and the 8-10 PM dinner crowd to minimise wait times and secure better parking. Early morning or late evening visits often provide the most relaxed dining experiences.
FAQs: Cheap Eats in Dubai
Where can I find the cheapest food in Dubai?
Neighbourhoods like Deira, Bur Dubai, Satwa, and International City are packed with affordable eateries serving everything from shawarma to Chinese noodles.
Are there vegetarian options in cheap restaurants?
Yes, many budget spots offer vegetarian dishes such as falafel wraps, vegetable thalis, and manakeesh.
Do cheap restaurants in Dubai deliver?
Most do, primarily through apps like Talabat, Noon, and Careem.
Is street food safe in Dubai?
Street food in Dubai is generally safe, as hygiene standards are high; however, always choose stalls that are busy and have a good reputation.
