Food & Dining

Food & Dining in Dubai

Dubai's food scene reflects its international population. From budget-friendly street food to world-class fine dining, options are endless.

Halal by Default

Most food in Dubai is halal:

• Standard restaurants serve halal meat
• Supermarket meat is halal (pork in separate section marked "For Non-Muslims")
• No need to ask at most venues
• ESMA certification visible at certified places

Pork: Available in designated sections/restaurants, clearly marked

Dining Price Ranges

Popular Cuisines

Excellent in Dubai:

• Arabic/Lebanese (authentic and abundant)
• Indian/Pakistani (huge variety)
• Filipino
• Japanese
• Pan-Asian
• Mediterranean

Major Restaurant Groups:

• Bulldozer Group (LPM, Scalini)
• Gates Hospitality (Reform, Liberty)
• Solutions Leisure (STK, Trader Vic's)

Budget Eating

Best value options:

• Ravi (Satwa): Pakistani institution, AED 20-40/meal
• Al Mallah (Al Dhiyafa): Lebanese, great shawarma
• Karachi Darbar: Pakistani chain, reliable
• Pak Liyari: Authentic Pakistani
• Falafel House: Middle Eastern, cheap
• Pinoy restaurants (Karama): Filipino food, very affordable

Friday Brunch

The Dubai institution:

• All-you-can-eat-and-drink (usually includes alcohol)
• Typically Friday 12pm-4pm
• AED 200-700+ depending on venue
• Book ahead for popular spots

Popular brunches:

• Bubbalicious (Westin Mina Seyahi)
• Saffron (Atlantis)
• La Petite Maison (DIFC)
• McGettigan's (Irish pub brunch)

Grocery Shopping

Budget Options:

• Carrefour (best prices)
• Lulu Hypermarket
• Union Coop
• Viva Supermarket

Premium:

• Spinneys
• Waitrose
• Marks & Spencer

International:

• Dragon Mart (Chinese)
• Day to Day (budget everything)

Monthly Grocery Costs:

• Single person: AED 600-900
• Family of 4: AED 2,000-3,000

Food Delivery

Major apps:

• Talabat (most popular)
• Deliveroo
• Zomato
• Careem (food delivery too)
• Noon Food

Tip: Delivery fees + service charges add 20-30% to meal cost

Coffee Culture

Coffee is huge in Dubai:

• % Arabica
• Tom & Serg
• The Sum of Us
• Common Grounds
• RAW Coffee
• Local chains: Costa, Starbucks everywhere

Karak chai: Must-try—sweet, spiced tea, AED 1-3 everywhere

Tipping

• Not obligatory (service charge often included)
• 10-15% appreciated for good service
• Round up for delivery drivers
• AED 5-10 for valets

Alcohol with Meals

• Available at licensed restaurants (mostly in hotels)
• Wine/beer with dinner: Normal
• Standalone licensed restaurants expanding
• Dry restaurants common too (especially family areas)

Food Trends 2026

• Plant-based options expanding
• Ghost kitchens/delivery-only concepts
• Brunch beyond Friday (Saturday brunches growing)
• Celebrity chef restaurants
• Fusion Middle Eastern