Top 3 Indian Restaurants in Dubai for Budget-Friendly Dining

Hey food lovers and fellow parents! It’s your friendly foodie blogger here, and today we’re talking about one of my favourite things: eating amazing food in Dubai without spending a fortune, especially when you’ve got the whole family with you.

Dubai is a dream for foodies, right? You can find pretty much anything your heart desires. But let’s be real, dining out with kids can get expensive fast. Finding those hidden gems that serve up delicious, authentic food, are welcoming to families, and don’t make your wallet cry is a skill I’ve honed over the years living here and exploring with my own crew.

And when it comes to flavour, comfort food, and something everyone in my family agrees on? Indian food is almost always the answer. It’s vibrant, it’s varied, and it’s perfect for sharing.

I’ve eaten at A LOT of Indian restaurants in Dubai – from fancy ones to tiny hole-in-the-walls. But the ones my family and I keep going back to, the ones that are kind to our budget and always make us happy? I’ve narrowed it down to our top 3.

These aren’t just random picks; these are places I’ve personally taken my family, watched my kids happily munching, and left feeling full and satisfied without the post-meal budget guilt.

Why Indian Food is Our Family’s Go-To (Especially on a Budget!)

Before I spill the beans on my top spots, let me tell you why Indian food just works so well for families, especially when you’re trying to be smart with money in a place like Dubai:

1. It’s Designed for Sharing: Think about it – you order a few curries, some bread, rice… everyone just digs in! It’s a naturally communal way to eat, which we love.
2. Loads of Variety: Someone wants mild? Someone wants spicy? Someone just wants some rice and bread? Indian menus have it all. It’s a lifesaver with picky eaters.
3. The Mighty Thali: If you want the absolute best bang for your buck, the Thali is your best friend. It’s like a whole meal on a platter with little bowls of different things. So much food for usually a very low price!
4. Comfortable Vibes: Many authentic Indian places have a lively, casual atmosphere. It’s not hushed and formal, which means you don’t have to stress too much if your little ones aren’t sitting perfectly still.

Okay, are you ready? Here are the three places that have earned a permanent spot on my family’s “Eat Cheap & Happy” list in Dubai!

How I Picked These Gems

These weren’t just picked because they’re cheap. For me (and my family), they had to tick these boxes:

• Actually Delicious: Budget doesn’t mean bad food! These places serve tasty, authentic stuff.
• Truly Budget-Friendly: We’re talking meals that feel like a steal compared to typical Dubai prices.
• Family-Proof: Enough space, a menu that works for different ages, and a vibe where kids are welcome.
• My Personal Seal of Approval: Places I’ve been to multiple times and always had a good experience.

Restaurant #1: Saravanaa Bhavan

Alright, if you know me, you know I love South Indian food. And when my family wants authentic, vegetarian South Indian that costs next to nothing, Saravanaa Bhavan is our automatic choice. It’s a global chain, yes, but they do it so well here in Dubai. We’ve probably eaten at their different branches more times than I can count!

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly: Seriously, their prices are almost unbelievably low for Dubai. You can get a massive, crispy Dosa or a couple of fluffy Idlis for less than a fancy coffee. But the real secret? Their Executive Thali. It’s usually unlimited, packed with different curries, veggies, rice, bread, and sweets. It’s a full-on feast and incredible value. My wallet breathes a sigh of relief every time we eat here!
• Why It’s Family-Friendly: Saravanaa Bhavan is built for volume, meaning the restaurants (especially the bigger ones) are usually spacious. There’s plenty of room between tables, which is great if you have a stroller or just active kids. The pure vegetarian menu is simple and healthy. My younger one can happily munch on Idlis, while the older ones love the crispy Dosas. The service is super fast, which is a lifesaver when hunger strikes! It’s a casual, bustling spot, so you don’t have to worry about your kids being too loud.
• My Must-Try Dishes: You absolutely have to get a Dosa (any kind, they’re all good, but the Masala Dosa is a classic!). The soft, fluffy Idlis and crispy Vadas with their amazing Sambar and chutneys are a must. And seriously, try the Thali for the full experience. Don’t leave without their filter coffee!
• Price Indication: We often eat here for around AED 80-100 for our whole family, and we eat a lot. Per person, you’re looking at maybe AED 20-30 for a really filling meal. It’s ridiculously good value.
• Vibe: It’s busy, it’s clean, it’s no-nonsense. People are here to eat delicious, affordable food, and there’s a happy buzz about the place.

Restaurant #2: Pind Da Dhaba

When we’re craving hearty, rich North Indian food and want a bit of a fun vibe, Pind Da Dhaba is high on our list. It’s designed to look like a traditional Punjabi roadside eatery (a ‘Dhaba’), and it really nails the rustic, cheerful atmosphere. My kids love looking at all the decorations!

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly: The portions here are seriously generous. You get big bowls of rich curries and sizeable servings of rice and bread, perfect for sharing among the family, which immediately helps cut down the cost. Their prices for classic Punjabi dishes are very reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion size. We always feel like we get great value here.
• Why It’s Family-Friendly: The whole ‘Dhaba’ theme is a bit of an adventure for the kids – it’s colourful and different. The atmosphere is lively and a bit noisy, which means you don’t feel bad if your kids are laughing or chatting loudly. There’s usually plenty of seating, and the hearty, comforting North Indian food is generally a hit with both adults and kids (who doesn’t love Butter Chicken?). It’s a relaxed place where you can just focus on enjoying the food and each other’s company.
• My Must-Try Dishes: Their Butter Chicken is creamy and delicious. The Dal Makhani is rich and satisfying. We love ordering a basket of different Naans and Rotis to scoop everything up. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try some of their Tandoori starters. Wash it all down with a sweet Lassi!
• Price Indication: A family meal here usually costs us maybe AED 150-200. It’s a bit more than Saravanaa Bhavan, but you get those richer, heavier North Indian dishes and bigger portions. Still fantastic value for what you get.
• Vibe: Rustic, colourful, buzzing with energy, and feels like a fun, casual experience.

Restaurant #3: Amritsr Restaurant

Okay, this one is a bit of a personal favourite, especially for a specific dish! Amritsr Restaurant (they have a few locations, but my experience is mainly at the ones in popular areas) brings the amazing flavours of Amritsar to Dubai, and they do it without charging a crazy amount.

• Why It’s Budget-Friendly: They somehow manage to make really high-quality, authentic Punjabi food incredibly affordable. Their key dishes, like their famous Amritsari Kulchas, are priced brilliantly and are filling enough to be a meal on their own or easily shared. The main curries and sides also offer great value for the taste and portion size. It feels like a hidden gem for authentic, budget-friendly flavor.
• Why It’s Family-Friendly: We’ve always found the restaurants to be comfortable and spacious enough for families. The staff are welcoming. The menu has a good mix of well-known Punjabi dishes that kids will recognize (like Butter Chicken) alongside their Amritsari specialties. It’s a straightforward, clean, and pleasant environment for a family meal.
• My Must-Try Dishes: LISTEN UP! You absolutely MUST try their Amritsari Kulcha with Chole. It’s legendary for a reason. The Kulcha is flaky and stuffed with potato/paneer goodness, and the Chole (chickpea curry) it comes with is perfect. It’s my absolute go-to here. Beyond that, their Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani are excellent too, and they do a great Fish Fry if you like seafood.
• Price Indication: Similar to Pind Da Dhaba, you’re looking at great value, probably around AED 120-180 for our family. The Kulcha itself is incredibly cheap and filling.
• Vibe: Clean, comfortable, popular (can get busy!), and focused on serving really tasty, authentic food.

My Personal Tips for Eating Indian on a Budget with Family in Dubai:

• Just Get the Thali: Seriously, for a daytime meal, it’s the ultimate budget hack.
• Go for Lunch: Prices are often lower at lunchtime than dinner.
• Order Less Than You Think: Indian portions are usually bigger than you expect. Start with a few dishes and add more if needed (though you probably won’t need to!).
• Water is Your Friend: Ask if they have filtered water instead of buying lots of expensive bottled water.
• Explore Karama & Bur Dubai: These areas are packed with authentic, affordable Indian eateries beyond just these three. Just wander and see what smells good!
• Check Reviews: Use apps like Zomato or Google Maps to quickly check recent reviews before trying a new spot.

Why Sharing Indian Food is the Best for Families

Gathering around a table full of colourful dishes, smelling the amazing spices, scooping up curries with bread, and trying different tastes together – it’s such a rich sensory experience for kids and adults alike. It encourages conversation and connection in a way that ordering separate plates sometimes doesn’t. For our family, it’s not just eating; it’s an event!

A Quick Note Before You Go

Just a little heads-up from my experience – these popular spots can get busy, especially on Friday/Saturday nights. If you have a big family or want a guaranteed table, maybe call ahead just in case. Also, menu prices can change, so the price estimates I gave are based on my recent visits, but it’s always good to check their latest menu if you’re on a super tight budget.

Wrapping It Up

See? Eating delicious, authentic, family-friendly Indian food in Dubai doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. These three restaurants are proof that you can have incredible flavours, generous portions, and a comfortable family experience without blowing your travel (or monthly!) budget.

So next time you’re in Dubai and craving some amazing Indian food that your whole family will love (and your wallet will thank you for!), head straight to Saravanaa Bhavan, Pind Da Dhaba, or Amritsr Restaurant.

Happy eating, everyone! Let me know which one you try first!

FAQs

Here are some things people often ask:

Q1: Are these restaurants really cheap for Dubai standards?

A: Yes, absolutely! When I say “budget-friendly” in Dubai, I mean places where you can get a genuinely filling and delicious meal for significantly less than the city average. Saravanaa Bhavan, especially, is famous for being incredibly inexpensive. The other two offer amazing value for the quality and portion sizes of North Indian food, which is often richer and slightly pricier than South Indian, but they still fall firmly into the “budget” category compared to most dining experiences in Dubai. You won’t feel ripped off, that’s for sure!

Q2: Are these places good for young children?

A: In my experience, yes! That’s why they made my list of “family-friendly.” They usually have a casual, sometimes even lively, atmosphere where the little noises and wiggles of kids aren’t out of place. The menus have plenty of options that are mild or familiar enough for kids (like plain rice, simple dals, bread, or mild chicken dishes). Plus, the speed of service at places like Saravanaa Bhavan is great when kids are getting impatient!

Q3: Do any of these places have vegetarian options?

A: Oh yes! Indian food is fantastic for vegetarians. Saravanaa Bhavan is pure vegetarian, so it’s a dream come true if that’s what you need or prefer. Pind Da Dhaba and Amritsr Restaurant also have extensive vegetarian sections on their menus, with lots of different dals, vegetable curries, and bread. You’ll have plenty of choices no matter which one you pick!

Q4: Do I need to make a reservation, especially with a family?

A: These restaurants are popular for a reason, especially on weekends and during peak meal times (like Friday dinner or Saturday lunch/dinner). They generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than taking formal reservations, especially for smaller groups. With a family, you might have a short wait during busy periods, but they usually have a good system for seating people quickly. It’s worth calling ahead if you’re a very large group (say, 8+ people) just to see if they can accommodate you or give you an idea of the wait time.

Q5: Are these restaurants located in areas that are easy to get to?

A: Yes, they are usually in well-known areas with multiple branches spread across the city, including popular neighbourhoods like Karama and Bur Dubai which are well-served by public transport (Metro, buses) and taxis. You can easily find branches of these restaurants in accessible parts of Dubai, not hidden away in obscure corners. Checking a map or an app like Zomato or Google Maps for the nearest branch to where you are is always a good idea.

Q6: What if my kids don’t like spicy food?

A: No problem at all! While Indian food is known for spices, many dishes are not spicy or can be made mild. Look for dishes like:

• Plain Rice or Pulao
• Plain Naan, Roti, or Kulcha
• Dal Fry or simple lentil dishes
• Butter Chicken (often mild and creamy)
• Paneer dishes (like Paneer Butter Masala, often not too spicy)
• Yogurt-based sides like Raita
• South Indian items like Idli and plain Dosa with Sambar (Sambar can be slightly spicy, but the Idlis/Dosas themselves are not). Just let the waiter know you need mild options if you’re unsure, and they can guide you!

Q7: Are there other similar budget-friendly Indian restaurants in Dubai?

A: Absolutely! Dubai has tons of fantastic, affordable Indian eateries, especially concentrated in areas like Karama, Bur Dubai, and Deira. My list is just my personal top 3 that I rely on for great value and a good family experience. Exploring these neighbourhoods is the best way to find other hidden gems! Look for places that are busy with local families – that’s usually a great sign.

Hope these answers help you plan your delicious and affordable family Indian meal in Dubai!