Food Prices Dubai: What You’ll Pay for Groceries and Meals in 2025

If you’re wondering whether eating in Dubai will drain your wallet, you’re not alone. Many travelers and expats ask the same question: how much does food actually cost here? Below you’ll get straight‑forward numbers for supermarket shelves, local markets, and the range of dining options—from cheap street bites to pricier restaurants. All the info is based on current 2025 prices, so you can plan a realistic budget.

Supermarket Shopping: Prices You’ll See on the Shelves

Supermarkets in Dubai carry both international brands and local produce. A 1‑kg bag of basmati rice typically runs between AED 7 and AED 10, while a 1‑kg pack of chicken breast is about AED 22‑30. If you prefer fresh fruit, expect to pay AED 8‑12 for a kilogram of apples and AED 12‑18 for a kilogram of mangos, which are in season most of the year.

Milk is another staple: a litre of whole milk costs roughly AED 6‑7, and a 12‑egg carton is about AED 9‑11. For pantry items, a 500‑ml bottle of olive oil is around AED 15‑20, and a 1‑kg bag of sugar is roughly AED 4‑5. These prices give you a baseline for a basic home‑cooked meal plan.

If you shop at discount stores like Carrefour or Al Maya, you can shave 10‑15% off the price tags by using loyalty cards or weekly flyers. For the freshest produce at lower cost, head to local markets such as the Deira Market, where you’ll often find veggies and spices at a fraction of supermarket prices.

Eating Out: From Street Food to Mid‑Range Restaurants

Dubai’s dining scene is incredibly diverse. A typical street‑food snack—think a shawarma or a falafel wrap—costs between AED 5 and AED 12. If you’re after a quick lunch at a food‑court chain, a combo meal (burger, fries, drink) will be around AED 25‑35.

Mid‑range restaurants, where you might sit down for a three‑course dinner, typically charge AED 80‑150 per person. That includes a starter, main, and a soft drink. European‑style eateries and upscale Asian spots can easily push the bill past AED 200, especially if you add wine or cocktails.

For budget‑friendly meals, look for “happy hour” deals in many hotels and bars. You’ll find drinks and appetizers for as low as AED 30‑40 after 5 pm. Also, many malls host free‑entry food festivals on weekends, offering samples and discounted dishes.

To keep costs down, consider sharing larger plates or ordering a “family combo” that serves two to three people for around AED 100‑120. This works well for groups and gives you a taste of different dishes without blowing the budget.

Overall, a single person can manage a comfortable food budget of roughly AED 1,200‑1,500 per month if they mix home‑cooked meals with occasional dining out. Couples or families will see the total rise, but the per‑person cost stays similar when you shop smart and choose a balanced mix of groceries and restaurant visits.

Remember to factor in occasional splurges—Dubai’s culinary scene offers experiences worth the extra spend, from rooftop dinner views to traditional Emirati feasts. By knowing the typical price points, you can decide where to treat yourself and where to tighten the belt.

So, whether you’re planning a short holiday or a long‑term stay, these food price guidelines give you a solid foundation to budget wisely and still enjoy the flavors Dubai has to offer.