OUR PICKS FOR CHEAP EATS THIS MONTH

PASHA


FEED A FAMILY OF 4 FOR UNDER AED250


Pasha is a true Turkish hidden gem in the city! As you walk in you can see everything being made fresh-to-order: chicken shawerma from the rotisserie, Turkish pide and breads from the wood-fire oven and homemade laban aryan from the sink.


Must-tries are the mixed mezze platter, shawerma plates, baklava and if you think you’re up for the task they also offer a 1 metre kebab! They are also open early to serve “Turkish breakfast fit for a Pasha,” where guests can enjoy traditional kaynak with honey, labneh and Turkish cheese, as well as cheese spring rolls and jam, olives and eggs - all served with lashings of Turkish tea. 


Open: 8AM - 1:30AM

Price: Starters AED 15 - 40, platters/sharing style dishes AED 100 - AED 250, daily dish specials AED 44

Location: Behind Shining Towers - Mubarak Bin Mohammed St

Contact :+971 2 666 6601

PAPPU PAYA


UNLIMITED THALI FOR AED20


Pappu Paya is a quick-service and casual restaurant that promises to give your tastebuds a sensory overload with their version of the real taste of Mumbai: it offers both traditional and progressive Indian food ... with a hint of Chinese thrown in for good measure!


The unlimited executive thali deal runs from Monday to Friday from 11.30 AM - 3.30 PM and is only AED20 - it's a delicious bargain!


Also, for biryani lovers, there are 7 different types of biryani that you can order by the kilo: the mutton biryani is a favourite, it's fragrant and the meat is beautifully tender and packed with flavour. 


Open: 12PM - 12/1AM

Order: 022358841 or 058 121 2638

GUNDAYDIN


DINNER FOR 2 FOR UNDER AED200


Stepping into Gunaydin is like stepping into a Turkish bazaar, traditional mosaic chandeliers vault the ceilings and create a colourful ambience, whilst special antiques can be seen in every corner, making it a lovely place to enjoy a traditional Turkish meal.


We recommend you try the beyti kebab, flavoursome ground beef wrapped in warm lavash bread topped with an acidic tomato sauce - delicious. The karniyarik, kremitte kofte and tombik doner are also super tasty and, straight up, they know how to cook their meat! It’s for sure a top dining experience in Abu Dhabi, one of our top choices for amazing, affordable food.


Open: 9AM - 11PM

Price: Single dishes AED 50 - 80, sharing style dishes under AED 150

Location: Al Meena Street

Contact : 02 666 6399

DRAGON BAO BAO


LUNCH FOR 2 ONLY AED110


We tried Dragon Bao Bao for the first time and enjoyed it. The braised beef hand pulled noodle soup is comfort in a bowl - the hearty broth is slurp-worthy! The steamed beef bao buns are cloudy pockets of meaty goodness and the tasty stir-fried pak choi with chopped garlic and chili added freshness to the meal. The sweet and sour chicken was sticky and sweet - a dream for you lovers of both! Portions are huge so don't eat before you go!


Open: 10AM - 11PM

Price: Four dishes and two soft drinks for only AED110!

Location: Electra Street behind ADCB

https://maps.app.goo.gl/epWhAVpMZuxMjioe8?g_st=iwb

Contact: 02 681 8088


Love this? You might also like the fantastic, fun and affordable places we discovered last month!

ROYAL CEYLON


15% OFF WITH BB+


This newly opened authentic Sri Lankan restaurant tucked behind Hamdan street, serves a great range of delicious dishes at super cheap prices. We loved the Sri Lankan curry pots and their rice and curry deals of the day, but the star of the show for us is definitely their Sri Lankan hot-plate mixed grill. It comes with juicy chicken, succulent pieces of crab and cuttlefish and tender beef, all bathed in a Sri Lankan sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.


This cuisine is known for being next level spicy, but they can cater to all spice preferences here - if you usually choose Indian food, this could be a nice alternative to try, especially if you love being able to feed your family of 4 for under AED75 ... made extra cheap if you have BB+!


Open: 11AM - 12AM

Price: Appetisers AED 6-25, AED 30-45 for larger sharing plates/curries.

Location: Safran Street - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates (Behind Hamdan Street)

Contact :02 222 2201

Rachael Partington

3/21/2023