10 CHEAP EATS TO TRY IN DUBAI IN 2024

Dubai isn't all just about fine dining! There's a 'hidden gem' around every corner, where food bursts with flavour but won't burn a hole in your pocket. Here are some great cheap eats to try this month.

CHALCOS MEXICAN GRILL

JLT, DEIRA CITY CENTRE

This eatery with branches in JLT and Deira City Centre, serves authentic dishes straight from Chalco, Mexico with a touch of California, using locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients. Guests can build their own burritos, tacos, quesadillas or nachos with a wide range of toppings and fillings that will satisfy both vegetarians and carnivores. Prices range from AED 25 to AED 40 for mains, while side dishes like rice, guacamole or chips and salsa are available for AED 5 to AED 10 only.

Time: Daily, 11am to 10pm

Contact: 04 453 9175

FLAVE

NAD AL SHEBA 1

Located at DXBike, Flave’s laid back food container serves some of Dubai’s most viral burgers. Fast food fans don’t even have to leave the comfort of their own car since all of the unique burger creations, topped with crispy fried chicken or juicy Wagyu beef patties with fresh, crispy fries, are brought directly to your window. Flave’s must tries include the spicy samyang burger with fried chicken (AED 40), the millionaire topped with Wagyu beef and truffle aioli (AED 49) and of course some Flave fries (AED 32).

Time: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 12am;

Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 12.30am

Contact: 052 483 3508

MARU UDON

VARIOUS BRANCHES

With three branches across Dubai, Maru Udon offers an extensive menu of both traditional udon and ramen dishes with various toppings. From simple yet flavourful options like kake classic, fresh udon in traditional broth (AED 29) to gourmet creations like niku beef topped with Wagyu beef (AED 55), the wide selection of dishes includes something for every taste and dietary restriction. Fancy a sweet treat after the meal? Leave some room for their fresh, crispy udonuts that come in five different flavours (AED 9).

Time: Daily, 11.30am to 10.30am

Contact: 04 243 0888

SHAWARMA AL FAROOJ

AL SATWA

This popular shawarma placehas been a local institution for years and recently opened a new Dubai branch on Al Bada’a Street. Expect only the freshest and tastiest chicken and beef shawarma served in different styles. Whether you prefer the classic Lebanese chicken shawarma (AED 12) or one of their creative signature dishes like the Mexican Arabic (sliced chicken or beef shawarma with spicy Mexican sauce and fries, AED 32), Al Farooj is a must try for a quick bite on the go or whenever these late night Shawarma cravings hit.

Time: Daily, 12.30pm to 4.30am

Contact: 04 335 5723

KOWLOON HONGKONG RESTAURANT

INTERNATIONAL CITY

This hidden gem located in International City serves Hong Kong style Cantonese delicacies. The restaurant is simple but the food will knock your socks off - juicy braised meat buns with oyster sauce (AED 19), crispy Hong Kong style roast goose (AED 78) or fried baby cabbage (AED 37), to name a few. With its highest quality, authentic Cantonese dishes at bargain prices, this place is well worth the trip to International City.

Time: Daily, 6am to 3am

Contact: 055 602 3393

KHAO SIAM 45

AL BARSHA

Khao Siam 45 brings the taste of authentic Thai cuisine to Dubai by using the freshest, original ingredients prepared by their Thai chef. We recommend you plan your visit on a Wednesday or a Saturday since this is when they offer their specialty dish khao mun gai (Haianese Chicken Rice, AED 36). If you prefer something vegetarian, enjoy street Pad Thai with tofu (AED 36), kana nam mun hoy (stir fried kale leaves with oyster sauce, AED 36) or Thai red curry (AED 36)

Time: Daily, 11.30am to 12am

Contact: 052 236 4945

BOSNIAN HOUSE

VARIOUS BRANCHES

Award winning Bosnian House was the first to introduce authentic Bosnian cuisine and culture to the UAE when they first opened at Global Village in 2015. Nowadays, they have several permanent branches all over Dubai all serving their signature dishes using only organic top grade ingredients at affordable prices. Try their delicious Bosnian kebab served with fresh bread and Ayvar sauce (AED 44) or the pita filled with spinach and cheese (AED 40) and end the feast on a sweet note with jabukovaca, traditional Bosnian apple pie (AED 16).

Time: Daily, 11.30am to 11.30pm

Contact: 056 174 7414

VIETNAMESE SNACK FOOD CAFE

JLT, AL KARAMA

If you’re craving traditional Vietnamese food on a budget, head to one of Vietnamese Snack Food Cafe’s branches in JLT or Al Karama. Get excited about authentic dishes like Goi Cuon Tom (fresh spring rolls with shrimps, AED 22), Pho Hai San (coconut seafood noodle soup, AED 42) or Goi Xoai (green mango salad, AED 26) and sip on freshly pressed juices or Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk (AED 18).

Time: Daily, 10am to 11.30am

Contact: 04 551 7979

PEPE’S PIRI PIRI

MOTOR CITY, CITY WALK

The chicken dishes of Pepe’s Piri Piri are well known across the UK, but fewer people are aware that they also have two branches in Dubai. The franchise serves Piri Piri chicken dishes in six different flavours and spice levels as well as vegetarian alternatives. Try their original Quarter Piri Piri Chicken (AED 28), the Prime Pitta filled with chicken breast (AED 26) or their vegetarian Paneer Rice (AED 30). A great choice for a cheap but cheerful meal for the entire family.

Time: Daily, 11am to 12am

Contact: 04 564 5778

THE DESI MOJO

JVC

With a menu inspired by the diverse and vibrant flavours of India, The Desi Mojo focuses on contemporary Indian cuisine with a modern twist and serves everything from traditional curries and biryanis to street food favourites and fusion dishes.

All main courses are priced below AED 40 which makes the Desi Mojo the ideal spot for an affordable yet rich and diverse meal alongside friends and family.

Time: Daily, 7am to 11pm

Contact: 04 276 4376

IF YOU LIKED THIS, CHECK OUT OUR PICKS FOR UNLIMITED SUSHI IN DUBAI!