Food Prices Dubai – What You Need to Know in 2025

Thinking about how much you’ll spend on meals in Dubai? You’re not alone. Many visitors and expats wonder if the price tag on a local lunch or a grocery run will blow their budget. The good news is that Dubai’s food market is bigger than you think. With a mix of high‑end restaurants, budget cafés and supermarkets, you can eat well at any price point.

Grocery Shopping: Where to Find the Best Deals

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu and Spinneys dominate the grocery scene. A kilogram of chicken breast usually costs around AED 22‑30, while a dozen eggs sit at about AED 9‑12. Fresh produce varies: tomatoes are roughly AED 4‑6 per kilogram, and apples hover around AED 7‑10. If you’re looking to stretch every dirham, head to hypermarkets in Al Qusais or the Dragon Mart market—prices can be up to 15 % lower than in downtown stores.

Don’t forget the local souks. The Deira and Karama markets sell fruits, vegetables and spices at street‑vendor prices. A bag of basmati rice (5 kg) can be bought for around AED 30‑35, a fraction of the supermarket cost. Buying in bulk and choosing local items over imports is a quick way to keep the grocery bill down.

Dining Out: From Budget Bites to Luxury Feasts

If you prefer to eat out, Dubai offers everything from shawarma stalls to five‑star hotel restaurants. A typical fast‑food combo (burger, fries, drink) costs about AED 25‑35. Mid‑range restaurants—think Indian or Lebanese cafés—charge AED 50‑80 per main dish. A nice dinner for two at a mid‑level restaurant, including drinks, will run you roughly AED 200‑300.

Luxury dining comes with a premium. A three‑course meal at a hotel like the Burj Al Arab can exceed AED 800 per person. However, many upscale places run “happy hour” menus where you can enjoy a steak or sushi platter for half the price between 5 pm and 7 pm.

Tip culture in Dubai is simple: a 10 % service charge is usually added to the bill. You’re not expected to tip beyond that, but leaving an extra AED 5‑10 for exceptional service is appreciated.

Overall, your food budget in Dubai depends on your lifestyle. A single person eating mostly home‑cooked meals can survive on AED 1,500‑2,000 a month. Add a few restaurant outings and the figure rises to AED 3,000‑4,000. Couples who enjoy dining out regularly may need AED 5,000‑6,000.

Remember to track your spending. Use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to log grocery receipts and restaurant tabs. Small adjustments—like swapping a weekly takeaway for a home‑cooked dinner—can save you AED 500 or more each month.

Dubai’s food scene is diverse, and the prices reflect that variety. Whether you’re hunting for cheap street food or planning a lavish night out, the city has options that fit any pocket. Keep an eye on supermarket flyers, explore local markets, and enjoy the culinary mix without breaking the bank.