Food Prices in Dubai: What to Expect in 2025

If you’re planning a stay in Dubai, the first thing on your mind is probably the cost of food. Is it affordable, or will you need a huge budget? Below you’ll get a clear look at grocery prices, restaurant meals, and easy ways to stretch every dirham.

Supermarket Shopping – Prices You’ll See

Dubai’s supermarkets offer a mix of local and imported goods. A liter of milk usually runs between 5‑6 AED, while a dozen large eggs cost about 7‑8 AED. Fresh fruit varies a lot: a kilogram of bananas is around 4 AED, mangoes are 10‑12 AED per kilo, and strawberries sit at 15‑18 AED per kilogram.

For staples, expect 2 AED for a loaf of white bread and roughly 3 AED for a kilogram of rice. Pasta is cheap – about 2.5 AED per 500 g pack – but sauces and cheese can add up quickly, with a 200 g block of cheddar at 12‑14 AED.

If you shop at discount stores like Carrefour or Lulu, you’ll find better deals on bulk items. Buying a 5‑kg bag of sugar for about 10 AED or a 2‑liter bottle of cooking oil for 8‑9 AED can shave a few dirhams off your weekly bill.

Eating Out – Restaurant Costs

Dining out in Dubai ranges from street‑food style shawarma to high‑end fine dining. A basic chicken shawarma sandwich costs 8‑10 AED, while a plate of falafel with salad is around 12‑15 AED.

Mid‑range restaurants charge about 30‑60 AED per main course. For example, you’ll pay roughly 45 AED for a grilled salmon fillet with rice and veggies. A three‑course meal for two at a decent venue usually totals 150‑200 AED, drinks included.

If you prefer Western fast food, a combo meal at a major chain costs about 25‑30 AED. Coffee lovers can grab a latte for 12‑15 AED, and a fresh juice is typically 10‑12 AED.

Tips: look out for “happy hour” offers where drinks and appetizers are half‑price, and use foodie apps that list daily discounts. Also, many malls have food courts where you can get a full meal for under 30 AED.

Overall, you can keep food costs low by mixing home‑cooked meals with occasional treats out. A realistic daily budget for a solo traveler is 40‑60 AED for groceries plus 30‑50 AED for a casual dinner. Couples can expect to spend about 120‑180 AED per day if they enjoy a mix of cooking and eating out.

Remember, Dubai’s prices are transparent – most stores display per‑kilogram costs, and restaurants list prices clearly on menus. Use that to compare, and you’ll never overpay.

With these numbers in hand, you can plan a food budget that fits your travel style, whether you’re a frugal backpacker or someone who enjoys a few splurges. Happy eating!