10 CHEAP EATS TO TRY IN DUBAI IN JULY 2023

Searching for a well-priced, delicious and authentic meal to enjoy this summer in Dubai? Look no further - our top picks of hidden gems include options for every taste and from all corners of the world, from juicy fried chicken to spicy Chinese noodles and crispy Roman pizza - all for a total of AED 100 or less for 2 people.

HAWKER CHAN

DUBAI MALL CHINATOWN

Located in the new food court of Dubai Mall’s Chinatown annex, Singaporean institution Hawker Chan just opened its first UAE branch. The eatery is famous for serving the world’s most affordable Michelin starred meal, their signature Soya Sauce Chicken Rice (AED 24.5), and is designed to serve quality meals at affordable prices. Other specialty dishes include their Roasted Duck Noodle (AED 34.5), Salt and Pepper Prawns (AED 18) and Fried Tofu with Apple (AED 13.5).

Time: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 12am;

Friday to Sunday, 10am to 1am

Contact: 04 529 9301

BADA BING PIZZA

DUBAI MARINA

The family behind Bada Bing made it their mission to bring the authentic Roman style gourmet pizza experience to Dubai. From the Caputo flour used for the all natural, 72 hours fermented base to San Marzano tomatoes and an array of daily fresh Italian cheeses as toppings, the team uses the highest quality ingredients for all their dishes. The pizza menu includes both all time favourites such as Pepperoni (AED 48) or Funghi e Tartufo (AED 65) and also new creations like the completely vegan Hipster (AED 59).

Time: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 1am;

Friday and Saturday, 11am to 3am

Contact: 04 430 8769

PANDECIA

AL BARSHA

This bakery and cafe in Al Barsha not only offers a huge selection of sweet and savoury baked goods, but also authentic and freshly prepared Vietnamese street food classics at affordable prices.

The menu includes a wide range of popular dishes like Beef Pho (AED 35), Shrimp Rolls (AED 20) and the traditional Vietnamese baguette sandwich Banh Mi (AED 18). Still got some room for dessert? Try their delicious Ube Bar (AED 2.5) or a cream filled donut (AED 4).

Time: Daily, 5am to 1am

Contact: 04 451 4963

MAI CHAI

OUD METHA

Mai Chai, a cozy hidden gem in Oud Metha, was created as a place to bring people together over a cup of chai and delicious food, from breakfast to late night snacks. Enjoy their mouthwatering Chicken Kathi Roll (AED 12) with some Masala Fries (AED 8) and sip on a cup of Zafran Chai (AED 4).

Time: Daily, 7am to 2am

Contact: 056 458 4151

CHONGQING NOODLE HOUSE

INTERNATIONAL CITY

International City is known as one of the best neighbourhoods in Dubai to find authentic and affordable restaurants from many different countries. Family-run Chongqing Noodle House is no exception, serving authentic Chinese spicy noodle soups and dumplings at prices below AED 30. Since the place gets busy at dinner time we recommend you to visit earlier in the day.

Time: Daily, 12am to 12pm

Contact: 050 284 0038

TOIT FRIED CHICKEN

AL WARQA 1

There is a good reason why this little eatery hidden in Al Warqa is trending right now: They serve some of the best and juiciest fried chicken dishes in Dubai at bargain prices - most of their menu items are priced below AED 20. Must tries include the Nashville Chicken Burger with Fries (AED 15) and the Loaded Chicken (AED 10). Make sure to plan ahead of time for your visit since queues are long at most times and the venue does not open until late afternoon.

Time: Daily, 4.30pm to 2am

Contact: 058 278 5445

AL MALLAH

AL HUDAIBA

Founded in 1979, Al Mallah is a Dubai institution when it comes to authentic Lebanese food. Whether you want to enjoy a full Lebanese dinner with the family or grab a quick bite on the go, this eatery has something for everyone on the menu and still stays true to its roots. Enjoy a complete Mixed Grills Meal at AED 40 only or start the day right with their Lebanese Breakfast Special (AED 27).

Time: Daily, 7am to 2.30am

Contact: 04 398 4723

PIDE KEYFI

JVC

This JVC eatery is serving traditional Turkish and Mediterranean dishes at moderate prices whilst maintaining high quality standards and outstanding service. Whether you’re craving a traditional Turkish breakfast spread (AED 55), Mix Cheese Pide (AED 40) or a loaded Döner Sandwich (AED 37), Pide Keyfi got you covered. Don’t forget to leave some room for their amazing Cheese Künefe, topped with pistachios and soaked in syrup (AED 28).

Time: Daily, 8am to 2am

Contact: 04 368 7286

THE LITTLE BALI

JLT

The Little Bali takes you on a taste journey through Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Their team’s mission is to bring authentic and new flavours to their guests to make the meal an experience they will never forget. Some of their lesser known yet outstanding, Indonesian dishes include Ikan Asam Pedas (hot and spicy broth with fish filet, AED 35), Tongseng Kambing (Javanese sliced muttton, AED 40) and Dadar Gulung (rolled crepes stuffed with grated coconut, AED 20).

Time: 12pm to 10pm

Contact: 04 554 8575

MARAHEB YEMENI MANDI

VARIOUS BRANCHES

Maraheb serves Yemeni food classics using only high quality meat and seafood. Their specialty is, as their name suggests, traditional Chicken Mandi (AED 25) served on rice. If you’re feeling extra hungry you can upgrade to a full meal that easily could serve 2 people, including soup, salad, freshly baked bread and a choice of dessert, for a total of AED 46. Apart from that, the restaurant is also serving other traditional Yemeni dishes like Zorbian Meat (AED 62) or Grilled Hamour (AED 45).

Time: Daily 11am to 12am

Contact: 04 001 6188