The rooftop dining industry of Dubai in 2025 is not only about eating food with a view but also about making a memory that you will remember after the final bite.

Nevertheless, there is a misconception among people that to savor the tasty food and lavish experience of eating in Dubai’s restaurants, one must be a millionaire or even a billionaire.

Are you also the one who thinks that Dubai is only for rich people who spend tons of money on fancy meals? Then, you need to think again!

There are actually some amazing restaurants where you can eat delicious food without going bankrupt. Here are 10 affordable restaurants in Dubai that won’t cost you a fortune but will make your taste buds super happy.

San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles (JLT)

This place is absolutely incredible and super cheap! It opened in 2023, situated in a remote corner of Cluster F, adjacent to the Asian Street by Thai. Ever since its inauguration, the restaurant has soared to the top in popularity with the tag of the best low-end restaurant in Dubai.

The best part is that you can see them make the noodles right before your eyes as they stretch and pull the dough until it becomes long and thin. It’s like a magic trick that multiples the joy of having delicious noodles.

Also, it’s incredibly affordable, as a large bowl of tasty noodle soup will cost only about 25 dirhams, less than expensive coffee in an expensive cafe in Dubai. Isn’t it incredible? The place is no less than a heaven for noodle lovers who can have yummy hand-pulled noodles without emptying their pockets. 

Café Isan (JLT)

Are you a lover of spicy cuisine? If yes, then this Thai restaurant, Café Isan, is your perfect match! Café Isan is the actual, not to mention the most fun and friendly, place to eat Thai in Dubai. Due to their quality, affordability, and best cuisine services, it was the winner of Time Out Dubai’s Best Thai Restaurant a few years back.

The restaurant is incredibly casual, featuring plastic chairs and tables, giving a very simple and sophisticated vibe. But the food served here will surely make you feel like sitting in a grand banquet hall, along with delicious cuisine made by experts all around the world.

One thing that you need to take seriously is that you need to take caution when they say that Thai is spicy; they do mean it. You may think your mouth is on fire, but it is nice. Also, if you have low spice tolerance, you can give special advice while ordering the food. The average price of most meals ranges between 25 and 50 dirhams, and the portions are massive.

So, in a nutshell, it’s a great choice for affordable yet delicious food in Dubai.

Mabrooka Restaurant

Ever tried Ethiopian food? If not, this is your chance. You can now have Ethiopian food in Dubai at such economical rates.

The injera, naturally gluten-free fermented flatbread, is flown in daily, and with its wide variety of vegetables and meat, there’s something everyone in the family enjoys. The best part is they have something called Beyaynet, a vegetarian lentil-based platter which you order based on the number of people in your party.

You eat with your hands using spongy bread called injera—it’s fun and tasty. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, and it won’t cost much at all. With that being said, Mabrooka Restaurant surely comes in the list of top 10 affordable restaurants in Dubai due to their taste and quality and economical prices.

Hanoi Naturally (JLT)

This Vietnamese restaurant is perfect if you want something healthy and cheap. Found in Jumeirah Lake Towers, where you’ll discover many of the best authentic, pocket-friendly restaurants in town.

Hanoi Naturally is a popular place for those who want to tuck into healthy dishes for economical prices.

Their dishes will not disappoint you, but there’s something incredible about their pho soup (that’s Vietnamese soup), which is like a warm hug in a bowl, and it only costs about 35 dirhams. Plus, it’s actually nourishing and healthy for you, keeping a balance of health and yummy flavors.

Asian Street by Thai (JLT)

This restaurant is not really spacious, but the food is amazing! This teeny, tiny spot in Jumeirah Lakes Towers’ Cluster F is perched right next door to the popular budget spot San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles, making the area quite the culinary corner.

It’s so small you might miss it, but that’s what makes it special. The prices are really low because they don’t spend money on fancy decorations – just good food. But the food will not disappoint you with its rich flavours.

Tong Thai Restaurant

Another budget-friendly restaurant in Dubai is Tong Thai, and the best part is that it will not only serve you the ordinary food but also the authentic tastes of Thailand.

Even that won’t break your budget. Thailand’s rich culinary history is on full display at Tong Thai restaurant, which is open daily for dinner. Savor flavorful Thai classics, including Tom Yum soup and Pad Thai

They make all the classic Thai dishes you’ve heard about, and everything tastes authentic and delicious. Perfect for trying real Thai food in Dubai without spending too much money.

Local Shawarma Spots

Another incredibly economical option for having a proper meal is the local shawarma spots. And the best part is that these are everywhere in Dubai, and they’re super cheap. You can get a really good chicken or lamb shawarma for just 8-15 dirhams. That’s less than what a sandwich costs at many places.

The meat is cooked on a spinning thing (called a spit), and they wrap it in fresh bread with garlic sauce and vegetables. It’s messy but so good!

Wrap it Up

In conclusion, Dubai does not necessarily have to be extremely expensive! Without spending all your allowance, these restaurants will make you believe that you can eat fantastic food from all parts of the world.

Even better, most of these places are even more delicious than the fancy and costly ones. Then grab your friends and begin to explore – you will be glad for your taste buds and your wallet!

Find the Estimated Prices and Menu

Restaurant	Description	Specialty / Must-Try	Average Price (AED)

San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles (JLT)

Live hand-pulled noodles made fresh. Cozy and budget-friendly.

Large bowl of hand-pulled noodle soup

25

Café Isan (JLT)

Award-winning Thai spot with casual seating and authentic spicy flavors.

Thai curries, papaya salad, spicy noodles

25 – 50

Mabrooka Restaurant

Authentic Ethiopian dining with injera bread and sharing platters.

Beyaynet (veg platter), Injera with meat & veg

20 – 40

Hanoi Naturally (JLT)

Healthy Vietnamese food, known for fresh pho and spring rolls.

Pho soup

35

Asian Street by Thai (JLT)

Small Thai eatery with bold flavors at low cost.

Pad Thai, Thai fried rice

20 – 40

Tong Thai Restaurant

Traditional Thai dining with variety of authentic dishes.

Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai

30 – 55

Local Shawarma Spots (Citywide)

Street shawarma stalls across Dubai. Cheap and filling.

Chicken/Lamb Shawarma wraps

8 – 15

Bu Qtair (Jumeirah Beach)

Iconic beachfront shack serving fresh fish & curry.

Fish fry, prawn curry

30 – 50

Al Ustad Special Kebab (Bur Dubai)

Legendary Persian kebab house, loved for decades.

Chicken & lamb kebabs with rice

20 – 35

Ravi Restaurant (Satwa)

Famous Pakistani/Indian eatery with hearty curries.

Chicken curry, biryani, naan

15 – 30

FAQs

 Do affordable Dubai restaurants accept credit cards or only cash?

Most budget restaurants now accept credit cards, though smaller places like Bu Qtair and some cafeterias in older neighborhoods may prefer cash payments.

Are there any affordable restaurants in Dubai with waterfront views?

Bu Qtair on Jumeirah Beach offers beachfront dining at budget prices (AED 30-50), while Al Dawaar rotating restaurant occasionally has affordable lunch buffets with stunning views.

Can I find halal food at all budget restaurants in Dubai?

Yes, approximately 95% of restaurants in Dubai serve halal food by default, including all budget-friendly options, making it easy for Muslim travelers and locals to dine worry-free.