Is Food in Dubai Expensive? A Guide for Travel Businesses and Indian Tourists

Introduction:

Dubai – a luxurious playground of skyscrapers, souks, and sand dunes – welcomes millions of travelers every year. But one burning question persists for travel planners and Indian tourists: Is food in Dubai expensive? Whether you’re sending clients on a luxury tour or planning a corporate MICE event, knowing Dubai’s food cost dynamics helps in budgeting better and offering smarter packages.

Let’s break it down – from street food to fine dining, and from Indian thalis to international cuisine.

Is Food in Dubai Expensive?

Dubai offers a wide price range when it comes to food. You can easily grab a tasty shawarma wrap for AED 7 (~₹160) or spend AED 400 (~₹9,000) on a Michelin-star dinner. It all depends on where you eat and what experience your clients expect.

Budget Food Options:

• Local Cafeterias & Food Courts: Meals start from AED 15–25 (₹330–₹550).
• South Asian Restaurants: Indian or Pakistani thalis can be found for AED 20–35.
• Supermarkets: Ready-to-eat meals for AED 10–20 are common.

Mid-Range Restaurants:

• Indian chains like Bikanervala, Saravana Bhavan, or Gazebo charge AED 40–70 per person.
• International cafes and bistros may cost AED 60–90 per meal.

Fine Dining & Luxury Experiences:

• Famous spots like Nobu, Zuma, or Armani Ristorante can cost AED 250–600+ per person.
• Friday brunches at 5-star hotels often range from AED 300–500, especially with alcohol.

Is Dubai Very Expensive?

When it comes to overall costs, Dubai can feel expensive – especially compared to other Asian destinations. However, with proper planning, travel agents can tailor affordable packages without compromising on experience.

What adds to the expense?

• 10–15% service charges at restaurants.
• Imported ingredients in high-end places.
• Premium dining experiences at tourist hotspots like Burj Khalifa or Palm Jumeirah.

But here’s the good news: local eateries and Indian restaurants are everywhere, which helps Indian tourists save big without sacrificing taste.

READ MORE: Is Dubai Very Expensive?

Is Dubai Costly for Indians?

This is one of the most searched queries by Indian tourists and travel businesses. Let’s evaluate Dubai’s affordability for Indian travelers beyond just food.

✅ Cost Overview:

Category	Budget Range (per day)
Food	₹500 – ₹2,500
Accommodation	₹3,000 – ₹10,000
Local Transport	₹500 – ₹1,000
Attractions	₹1,000 – ₹5,000

While Dubai may appear “costly,” the Indian rupee still holds decent value for short stays, especially when travel agents book group packages or early bird hotel deals.

READ MORE: Is Dubai Costly For Indians?

Is Dubai is Costly?

Though grammatically incorrect, “is Dubai is costly?” is a commonly searched phrase due to user behavior. For SEO, it’s essential to naturally include and address it without compromising content quality.

So, is Dubai is costly? The answer: It depends on how you plan it.

For travel businesses targeting Indian tourists:

• Yes, Dubai can seem costly if you rely solely on luxury hotels and fine dining.
• No, if you mix affordable dining, public transport, and pre-booked attractions.

💡 Pro Tip for Travel Agents:

Bundle meals with accommodation, include Indian buffet options, and promote affordable Dubai food tours to create attractive B2B packages.

Is 7 Days Enough for Dubai?

This question impacts how travel planners include meal plans and dining budgets in Dubai itineraries.

✅ 7-Day Dubai Food Itinerary Highlights:

1. Day 1-2: Explore Old Dubai – dine in local souks, try camel burgers, and enjoy biryani in Meena Bazaar.
2. Day 3: Dine at Dubai Marina or Bluewaters Island – trendy cafes and coastal cuisines.
3. Day 4-5: Visit theme parks or malls – eat at food courts or Indian restaurant chains in Dubai Mall.
4. Day 6: Friday brunch at a 5-star hotel.
5. Day 7: Desert safari with BBQ dinner under the stars.

7 days is perfect to experience every layer of Dubai’s culinary scene, from budget bites to luxury banquets

READ MORE: Is 7 Days Enough for Dubai?

Tips to Save on Food in Dubai (B2B Friendly)

Here’s how travel businesses can help clients cut costs without cutting taste:

✅ 1. Stay Near Indian Communities

Areas like Bur Dubai, Karama, and Al Nahda have a high Indian population with affordable food options.

✅ 2. Choose Hotels with Breakfast Included

Save 20–30% by selecting properties that offer free breakfast in packages.

✅ 3. Include Meal Coupons

Many restaurants in Dubai partner with tour operators to offer discount vouchers or group discounts.

✅ 4. Use Food Delivery Apps

Apps like Zomato, Talabat, and Careem offer promo codes and deals ideal for long stays.

✅ 5. Recommend Buffet Restaurants

Indian buffets range from AED 35–70 (₹800–₹1600) per person, perfect for large groups.

Summary: Is Food in Dubai Expensive?

So, is food in Dubai expensive? Not necessarily. The city offers something for every budget – from street-side shawarmas to signature chef tasting menus. For Indian tourists and B2B travel businesses, it’s all about smart curation.

Final Verdict:

Category	Budget Traveler	Mid-Range Traveler	Luxury Traveler
Daily Food Budget	AED 30–60 (₹650–₹1300)	AED 80–150 (₹1700–₹3300)	AED 300+ (₹7000+)
Restaurant Type	Local cafeterias	Indian chains & cafes	Fine dining restaurants

🎯 Call to Action:

Travel agents, corporate planners, and B2B tour operators — want to offer clients the best culinary experiences in Dubai without overspending?

Contact [Luxury Destination Tourism – Best Dubai DMC] for tailor-made Dubai packages, group dining experiences, and cost-saving itineraries designed for Indian travelers.

Let’s make Dubai taste better — at the right price!

 

✅ FAQs

1. Is food in Dubai expensive for Indian tourists?

Not necessarily. While Dubai offers luxury dining, Indian tourists can enjoy meals for as low as AED 20–35 at Indian restaurants and food courts. Smart planning helps reduce daily food expenses without sacrificing taste.

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2. What is the average food cost per day in Dubai?

The average food cost ranges from AED 30–60 (₹650–₹1300) per day for budget travelers and AED 80–150 (₹1700–₹3300) for mid-range diners. Fine dining can go up to AED 500+ depending on the location and experience.

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3. Is Dubai very expensive for food and other expenses?

Dubai can feel expensive in tourist hotspots, but food and other essentials can be quite affordable if you explore local eateries, public transport, and combo packages through experienced DMCs.

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4. Is Dubai costly for Indians when it comes to eating out?

It depends on the choices. Indians can find familiar and affordable meals in areas like Karama or Bur Dubai. Meals start at AED 20 in small eateries, making it budget-friendly with proper planning.

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5. How can travel agents reduce food costs in Dubai packages?

Travel agents can cut food costs by choosing hotels with free breakfast, bundling meals with stays, recommending Indian buffets, and using food vouchers from local partners like Luxury Destination Tourism – Best Dubai DMC.

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6. What are the best areas in Dubai to find cheap Indian food?

Bur Dubai, Karama, and Al Nahda are popular areas where Indian tourists can find affordable and authentic Indian food. Many South Indian and North Indian restaurants offer meals under AED 30–50.

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7. Can tourists use food delivery apps in Dubai to save money?

Yes, apps like Zomato, Talabat, Careem, and Deliveroo offer promo codes and deals. Many tourists and long-stay travelers in Dubai save money by ordering discounted meals directly to hotels or Airbnb stays.

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8. Are Friday brunches in Dubai worth the cost?

Friday brunches are a cultural and culinary experience in Dubai. While they may cost AED 200–500, they offer unlimited food, entertainment, and drinks, making them great value for special occasions or luxury clients.

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9. Is food in Dubai halal and suitable for Indian dietary preferences?

Yes, most food in Dubai is halal. Indian vegetarians and Jain travelers can find numerous pure veg restaurants, especially in Indian-populated zones. Vegan and gluten-free options are also widely available.

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10. How can travel agents include cost-effective food options in Dubai packages?

By partnering with a trusted DMC like Luxury Destination Tourism, agents can access group discounts, Indian buffet deals, meal coupons, and local dining tours — adding value and lowering package costs.