Dubai Food Prices 2025 – Your Quick Guide
Planning a stay in Dubai and worried about what you’ll pay for meals? You’re not alone. Food costs can swing a lot depending on where you shop and what you eat. Below we break down the most common expenses so you can budget with confidence.
First, let’s talk about what you’ll see on a typical grocery receipt. Prices are listed in UAE dirhams (AED) and can change with the season, but the range stays fairly stable.
How Much Do Groceries Cost?
A dozen eggs usually runs between AED 8 and AED 12. If you buy a kilogram of chicken breast, expect to pay AED 20‑30, while a kilogram of beef can be AED 30‑45 depending on the cut. Fresh produce is where the price gap appears. Tomatoes cost about AED 4‑6 per kilogram, whereas avocados sit at AED 10‑15 each. For staples, a 5‑kg bag of rice is AED 20‑25 and a liter of olive oil is around AED 18‑22.
Supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, and Spinneys often run promotions, so it’s worth checking their flyers before you shop. If you’re comfortable with local markets, you can shave 20‑30% off the price of fruits and vegetables.
Don’t forget the hidden costs: packaging, taxes (there’s no VAT on food in the UAE), and occasional delivery fees if you order online. A typical weekly grocery bill for a single adult ranges from AED 150 to AED 250.
Eating Out: Restaurant and Street Food Prices
Dining out in Dubai covers a huge spectrum. A basic breakfast at a coffee shop—think a croissant and coffee—will set you back AED 15‑25. If you head to a mid‑range restaurant for a three‑course lunch, the total usually lands between AED 70 and AED 120 per person.
Fine‑dining spots charge much more, with main courses often starting at AED 120. However, you can still enjoy a high‑quality meal for less if you order lunch specials or share dishes.
Street food is the budget‑friendly sweet spot. A falafel sandwich or shawarma from a local stall costs around AED 5‑10. A plate of hummus with pita will be AED 12‑18. Even a full Emirati breakfast set—balaleet, cheese, and tea—can be found for under AED 30.
Alcoholic drinks add a premium. A beer at a bar is AED 25‑35, while a cocktail can be AED 45‑60. If you’re looking to keep costs low, stick to non‑alcoholic beverages or grab a bottle of water for AED 2‑3.
To make your dining budget stretch, consider these tips: book tables during lunch hours when menus are cheaper, use restaurant apps for discount codes, and explore food courts—many offer tasty meals for AED 20‑35.
Overall, food in Dubai can fit any budget. By knowing grocery prices and where to find affordable meals, you’ll avoid surprises and enjoy the city’s flavors without breaking the bank.
