How Much Does Food Cost In Dubai In 2024?

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.

Cost Of Groceries

Small supermarkets are easily available within the communities, offering 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:

Milk (1 litre) AED 6 – 8

Bread  AED 5 – 7

Eggs (1 Dozen) AED 9 – 12

Water (1.5 litres) AED 2 – 3

Carbonated Drink  AED 2.50 – 4

Chicken (1kg)  AED 25 – 40

Beef (1 kg) AED 30 – 45

Apples (1 kg) AED 8.50 – 15

Bananas (1 kg) AED 7 – 10

Onion (1 kg) AED 4 – 7

Tomato (1 kg)  AED 6 – 8

Potato ( 1 kg) AED 4 – 6

Average daily food costs in Dubai for vegetarians (Single)

Breakfast - AED 10 - 25 

Lunch - AED 20 - 30

Dinner - AED 20 – 35

Average daily food costs in Dubai for non-vegetarians (Single)

Breakfast - AED 10 - 25 

Lunch - AED 15 - 30

Dinner - AED 20 – 40

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 provide 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 - 50 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 and much more. The cost of eating at casual dining restaurants may range from AED 50 - 80 for a single person. Some popular continental restaurants in Dubai include:

Moreish, Oud Metha

Serves Italian, Mexican, Continental, 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, JLT

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

Cost: AED 699 per person

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

Lunch cost: AED 200 per person

Dinner cost: AED 450- 600

Ossiano at Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah

Cost: AED 315 – 1,250

Sonara Camp at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road

Cost: From AED 690 per person

Street Food

Street food is usually very affordable, and prices can range from AED 5 - 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 - 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 regular street vendors, but this allows customers to save money 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, Fatoush

Average Cost: AED 80 for two people

Shiraz Nights at Al Rigga

Famous for Chicken Shawarma, Rice, Shawarma Sandwiches, Salad

Average Cost: AED 60 for two people

Ravi Restaurant at Satwa

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

Average Cost: AED 70 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, Dumplings

Average Cost: AED 40 for two people

Billo at Oud Metha

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

Average Cost: AED 60 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 spending too much money.

• 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

The cost of food in Dubai may vary depending on your preferences and eating habits. But one thing is certain: you can adjust your food budget as much as you like. You can either increase it or decrease it according to your preference. So, whether you are planning your grocery shopping or looking to try different foods, knowing the cost of food helps you enjoy the city's flavours without spending too much money.