What To Know
- To put it simply, Dubai has distinguished itself for its luxury dining, but you do not need to have a very deep pocket to enjoy great food.
- The signature seafood dump, is a combination of mussels, shrimp, and squid in Cajun sauce, for three people for Dhs176.
- The fact proves that great food in Dubai doesn’t have to cost as much as you think.
To put it simply, Dubai has distinguished itself for its luxury dining, but you do not need to have a very deep pocket to enjoy great food. At the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025, the best affordable eateries with their fantastic meals at affordable prices were highlighted.
Winner: Dampa Seafood Grill 🏆
Dampa Seafood Grill retook the crown of Dubai’s best budget restaurant after reopening early 2024 after a fire. The signature seafood dump, is a combination of mussels, shrimp, and squid in Cajun sauce, for three people for Dhs176.
📍 Baniyas Road, Port Saeed | 📞 04 299 0884
Highly Commended
Calicut Paragon – A beloved Keralan restaurant serving spicy curries, fish tikka, and fresh naan.
📍 Karama | 📞 04 335 8700
San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles – Known for authentic Northern Chinese noodles and juicy wontons.
📍 JLT | 📞 050 759 9584
Other Top Budget Restaurants
- Allo Beirut – 24/7 Lebanese street food spot famous for shawarma and hummus. (Hessa Street)
- Betawi – Serving classic Indonesian dishes like mie goreng and nasi padang. (JLT)
- Dhaba Lane – A vibrant Indian eatery with biryanis and street food classics. (JLT)
- A cozy Lebanese eatery with grilled meats, fatteh, named Dukkan El Baba. (Barsha Heights)
- Hanoi Naturally – A top spot for Vietnamese pho and fresh salads. (JLT)
- Mama’esh – Famous for Palestinian manakish and hummus. (Al Manara)
- Has a Specializing in Balinese cuisine, including satay platters; The Little Bali. (JLT)
The fact proves that great food in Dubai doesn’t have to cost as much as you think. Where will you dine next? 🍽️
