7 spots to get cheap and authentic meals in Dubai

In Dubai, there is no shortage of fancy and luxurious dining venues where you can easily spend 1,000 dirhams on a dinner for two. But if that’s not your scene, or if you are craving an authentic meal that allows you to eat till you drop without worrying about a hemorrhage in your pocket, then you should know about these 7 unexpectedly cheap and yummy eateries in Dubai.

Bu Qtair – Jumeirah

It is one of my favorite places to get the freshest seafood in Dubai. The place is so simple and basic with plastic chairs and a stunning view of Burj Al Arab and the beach. For as little as 60 dirhams you can get a whole Hamour fish or catch-of-the-day shrimps with or without curry sauce. Make sure to arrive there early or get ready to queue for an hour!

Special Ostadi Restaurant – Bur Dubai

Since 1978, Ostadi has continued to offer authentic south Iranian dishes, especially chicken and meat kebabs. It is a sin to go there and not try the freshly baked Iranian bread and the strong, slowly simmered tea. It is the perfect spot to show your guests the old side of Dubai while enjoying a filling, delicious and cheap meal. But don’t make the mistake of going there on a Friday before 6:00 p.m. because it will be closed and you might have to eat your friend instead!

Ravi – Satwa

Whether you are a resident or a tourist, your Dubai experience is never complete without a trip to Ravi’s in Satwa. The menu is very basic: chicken, paratha and more chicken... but the taste and the large selection of freshly made Indian breads are enough to send you into a happy food coma. As for the prices, when was the last time you paid 14 dirhams for a chicken dish and 2 dirhams for a cup of tea?! Need I say more?

Al Marhabani – Jumeirah

Mandi and Yemeni food lovers will be happy to get their fill on these dishes for a ridiculously affordable price at Al Marhabani on Jumeirah Beach Road. I find that these restaurants are always more fun with a big group of friends where you can share the food and get your hands dirty while working your way through those yummy madfoon and mathbi dishes for less than 100 dirhams.

Foul w Hummus – Barsha

Time for a cheap and yummy traditional Levant breakfast where you can enjoy the “Sinful Fs” i.e.: falafel, foul and fatteh. This triple F attack is highly addictive, especially when it costs less than 30 dirhams at Foul w Hummus in Barsha.

Seafood in a Bucket – Oud Metha

The name is self-explanatory; you get a bucket full of your choice of lobster, shrimps, squid or clams with side sauces for as little as 50 dirhams! No need for forks or knives… just use your fingers and dig your way through!

Shami Gourmet – Dubai Marina

It is the ultimate place to taste all the traditional and yummy Syrian street foods, from the infamous broasted chicken with the garlic cream and French fries to the sujuk and pastirma sandwiches, not to mention the sfeeha with pomegranate sauce! A regular broasted chicken meal will only set you back about 35 dirhams and a shawerma platter will tantalize your taste buds for just 30 dirhams.