Ravi Restaurant Satwa Dubai Outside
Introduction
Dubai, often associated with luxury and opulence, also offers a variety of budget-friendly dining options that cater to a wide range of tastes. For those looking to enjoy the city’s diverse culinary scene without breaking the bank, here’s a guide to some of the best cheap restaurants in Dubai.
We’ll explore the types of food available, pricing, ingredients, and health and safety standards.
Having been here nearly 20 years at the time of writing this post, I have always returned to certain restaurants and cafes where there is great food at a great price!
The restaurants listed below aren’t pretty, and most of the time, they are not in great locations, but they serve good, wholesome and tasty food that you can all enjoy, even if you have a limited budget. They can also deliver their food to you directly or via the usual 3rd parties like Careem, Talabat etc.
A large group of people in Dubai may never consider these restaurants because they want the 5* life, and would rather go to Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Dubai Marina etc. However, some of the tastiest food in Dubia are found in the tiny cafes and that crisis across the city.
Let’s explore the best cheap restaurants in Dubai.
Table Of Contents
Eat and Drink
Introduction
Eat and Drink Restaurant offers an eclectic menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian, Middle Eastern, or even Continental cuisine, this restaurant has something to offer. The menu is extensive, featuring everything from hearty shawarmas and juicy grilled meats to flavorful biryanis and crispy spring rolls.
Their mixed grill platter, a favourite among regulars, offers a generous portion of various meats, perfectly marinated and grilled to perfection.
For those who prefer lighter fare, the restaurant also offers a variety of fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches. The hummus and falafel wrap is a popular choice, combining traditional flavours with a modern twist. Seafood lovers can indulge in dishes like grilled hammour or spicy prawn curry, which are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Definitely one of the best cheap restaurants in Dubai.
Location
The restaurant has multiple chains across the city. The one shown below was the first one I went to nearly 20 years ago, but you can google to find all the other locations.
Food
Eat and Drink Restaurant offers an eclectic menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian, Middle Eastern, or even Continental cuisine, this restaurant has something to offer.
The menu is extensive, featuring everything from hearty shawarmas and juicy grilled meats to flavorful biryanis and crispy spring rolls. Their mixed grill platter, a favourite among regulars, offers a generous portion of various meats, perfectly marinated and grilled to perfection.
For those who prefer lighter fare, the restaurant also offers a variety of fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches. The hummus and falafel wrap is a popular choice, combining traditional flavours with a modern twist.
Seafood lovers can indulge in dishes like grilled hammour or spicy prawn curry, which are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Video
Al Farwania Restaurant
Introduction
Now then, sometime in the first few months of 2005, I was introduced to the next location as I had moved close by. I hadn’t really tried the Dubai street food up to this point, and this was one of my first times.
So it was quite a shock to find some fantastic food at a great price. I was blown away by the flavours and in particular, fell in love with Porotta. Even today, I believe this restaurant, the Al Farwania, on Jumeirah Beach Road, has the best Porotta in Dubai. If you are looking for one of the best cheap restaurants in Dubai, then this is it. A personal favourite.
A Porotta (often spelt “parotta”) is a type of layered flatbread that is particularly popular in South India, especially in the state of Kerala, and also in Sri Lanka. Unlike the North Indian paratha, the porotta is usually made with maida (refined wheat flour), which gives it a softer and more chewy texture.
The process of making a Porotta involves kneading the dough with water, oil, or ghee until it becomes soft and elastic. The dough is then rolled out into thin layers, which are folded and rolled again to create multiple layers. These layers puff up when the Porotta is cooked on a griddle or tawa, resulting in a flaky and layered flatbread.
Location
Food
Al Farwania is especially renowned for its authentic Kerala cuisine, a distinctive culinary tradition from the southwestern coast of India. Kerala’s cuisine is characterized by its liberal use of coconut, spices, and fresh seafood, all of which are featured prominently on Al Farwania’s menu.
One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes is the Kerala Parotta, a flaky and layered flatbread that pairs perfectly with their spicy curries. The parotta at Al Farwania is made fresh daily, ensuring that each bite delivers the ideal combination of softness and crispiness.
In addition to the Kerala Parotta, Al Farwania offers a variety of traditional dishes that capture the essence of Kerala’s diverse culinary heritage. Dishes like Beef Fry, Chicken Chettinad, and Fish Moilee (a coconut-based fish curry) are staples at the restaurant, each prepared with a blend of spices that evoke the rich flavours of the Malabar Coast.
The Puttu, a steamed rice cake served with kadala (black chickpea) curry, is another must-try item that showcases the simplicity and depth of South Indian cuisine.
Al Reef Bakery
Introduction
The Al Reef bakery is another legendary restaurant in Dubai for locals and ex-pats alike. It is very famous for its Manakish, a soft, chewy dough topped with ingredients like za’atar (a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac), cheese, or minced meat.
The other big advantage for Al Reef is that it is open 24 hours a day, thus making it a very popular stop for those who have had a good night out, and want something easy to cure the hangover, or for breakfast in the morning.
Al Reef Bakery was established in the late 1980s, at a time when Dubai was just beginning to bloom into the global metropolis it is today. What started as a small bakery quickly became a favourite among locals, thanks to its commitment to quality and authentic flavours.
The bakery has maintained its reputation over the decades, continuing to serve the community with the same dedication and passion that marked its early days. Articles have been written about in other countries and so it maintains a regular stream of fans to support it, thus making it one of the most popular best cheap restaurants in Dubai.
Location
Food
In addition to manakish other item include fatayer filled with spinach, cheese, or meat, and freshly baked pita bread. The bakery also offers a selection of Arabic sweets like baklava and ma’amoul, all crafted using time-honoured recipes that ensure a rich and authentic taste.
The menu reflects the bakery’s commitment to preserving Middle Eastern culinary traditions while providing a comforting and satisfying experience for all who visit.
Ravi Restaurant
Introduction
Ravi Restaurant in Satwa is a Dubai institution that has been serving authentic Pakistani cuisine for decades. Known for its unpretentious ambience and flavorful dishes, Ravi’s has become a beloved spot for both locals and tourists alike, offering a taste of home-cooked Pakistani food in the heart of Dubai.
This was another restaurant that I stumbled upon in my early days in Dubai, in 2004. I lived in Satwa and soon went exploring around the area and found it. This restaurant is very popular with locals and the ex-pat community as well.
The food is excellent and at a great price. I highly recommend the butter chicken, but there are many other fantastic dishes to try as well. The staff are friendly and polite, with good service. This is not a 5-star restaurant, but if you want to try somewhere with traditional food, then this is the place.
Ravi Restaurant was established in the 1970s, during a time when Dubai was just beginning its rapid transformation into the global city it is today. Named after the Ravi River in Pakistan, the restaurant was founded by a group of friends who wanted to bring the flavours of their homeland to the UAE.
Over the years, Ravi’s has expanded from a small eatery to a larger establishment, but it has maintained its commitment to serving traditional, hearty meals at affordable prices.
Location
Food
From the spicy and aromatic Chicken Karahi to the creamy and savory Palak Paneer, each dish is prepared with traditional spices and cooking methods.
Signature dishes like Mutton Biryani, Seekh Kebabs, and Nihari showcase the restaurant’s commitment to delivering hearty, flavorful meals that reflect the essence of Pakistani home cooking. The menu also caters to vegetarians with options like Daal and Aloo Gobi, ensuring a wide appeal.
Khori Special Kabab Restaurant
Introduction
Even after 20 years, Dubai can surprise you. A friend of mine introduced me to this restaurant a few months ago and it immediately jumped to the top of my favourites list.
If you want great quality Iranian at a very good price, then this is the place to go. The restaurant is located out towards the Deira corniche, close to the border with Sharjah, a secret gem that most people do not know about.
Khori Special Kabab Restaurant is renowned for its mastery of kababs, offering a wide variety of options that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.
The menu features everything from the classic Seekh Kebabs, made with minced meat infused with spices and grilled to perfection, to more unique offerings like the Khori Special Kabab—a signature dish that blends traditional spices with a secret marinade, resulting in a kabab that is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Each kabab is cooked on open flames, giving it a smoky aroma and a charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside. This restaurant is probably the tastiest of the best cheap restaurants in Dubai.
Location
Food
This restaurant is the master of the Kebab (Kabab) and has a mixture of different types available.
The star of the menu, Khori Special Kabab, is a unique creation that blends finely minced meat with a secret mix of spices. These kababs are marinated to perfection and grilled over an open flame, resulting in a dish that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavour.
A classic in any Middle Eastern menu, Seekh Kababs at Khori are made from minced meat (usually beef or chicken) mixed with herbs, onions, and spices. The mixture is then shaped onto skewers and grilled until it’s succulent and flavorful.
Shami Kababs are a delicious blend of ground meat and lentils, combined with aromatic spices and herbs. The mixture is formed into small patties and shallow-fried until golden brown.
Originating from the Peshawar region, Chapli Kababs are known for their large, flat shape and robust flavour. They are made from coarsely ground meat mixed with chopped tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, including coriander seeds and pomegranate seeds.
Conclusion best cheap restaurants in Dubai
Dubai’s budget restaurants offer a culinary adventure that is both affordable and diverse. Whether you’re craving spicy Indian food, savory Arabic kebabs, or fresh Chinese stir-fries, there’s something to satisfy every palate without stretching your wallet.
With high standards for quality and safety, dining on a budget in Dubai is not only enjoyable but also reliable. Clearly, the locations of these cheap restaurants and cafes are generally not brilliant, but the food they offer is magnificent.
Please go and try this selection of the best cheap restaurants in Dubai.
FAQ
What types of budget-friendly cuisines are available in Dubai?
- Dubai offers a wide range of budget-friendly cuisines, including Indian, Pakistani, Arabic, Filipino, Chinese, and Mediterranean. You can find everything from shawarmas and biryanis to dim sum and grilled kebabs at affordable prices.
What is the typical price range for meals at budget restaurants in Dubai?
- Meals at budget restaurants in Dubai typically range from AED 10 to AED 35. This price includes substantial portions, making it a great option for affordable dining.
Are budget restaurants in Dubai safe and hygienic?
- Yes, budget restaurants in Dubai are required to adhere to strict health and safety regulations set by the Dubai Municipality. These establishments undergo regular inspections to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are met.
Can I find healthy options at budget restaurants in Dubai?
- Absolutely! Many budget restaurants in Dubai offer healthy options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and lighter meals are commonly available.
What are some popular best cheap restaurants in Dubai?
- Popular budget-friendly options include Ravi Restaurant in Satwa (Indian/Pakistani), Al Ustad Special Kabab in Bur Dubai (Arabic), Max’s Restaurant in Karama (Filipino), and Wok Boyz in DIFC (Asian street food).
Do budget cafes in Dubai offer good coffee and snacks?
- Yes, budget cafes in Dubai offer a variety of affordable beverages, including coffee, tea, and fresh juices. They also serve snacks like sandwiches, pastries, and light bites, typically priced between AED 10 and AED 20.
Are there budget-friendly cafes with Wi-Fi in Dubai?
- Many budget cafes in Dubai offer free Wi-Fi, making them great spots for working, studying, or just relaxing with a coffee. Places like Café Rider and Wild & The Moon are popular choices.
Can I dine with my family at budget restaurants in Dubai?
- Yes, budget restaurants in Dubai are family-friendly and often offer large portions and a variety of dishes suitable for all ages. Many places also have comfortable seating arrangements for groups.
Is tipping customary at budget restaurants and cafes in Dubai?
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If you’re satisfied with the service, leaving a tip of around 10% is a nice gesture, even at budget-friendly establishments.
What is the best time to visit budget restaurants and cafes in Dubai?
- Budget restaurants and cafes are usually less crowded during off-peak hours, such as late mornings or early afternoons. For cafes, mid-morning or late afternoon is a good time if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Useful Links
- For more information on the Al Reef Bakery check out their Instagram here.
- More details about Eat and Drink can be found on their website here.
- Ravi Restaurants’ Instagram account can be found here.
- If you want to visit Dubai to try these restaurants then check the visit visa criteria.
- There are many other types of food like Italian, Indian, and Emirati.
Key Takeaways
Variety of Cuisines: Dubai’s budget restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines, including Indian, Filipino, Arabic, and Chinese.
Affordable Pricing: Meals typically range from AED 10 to AED 35, with generous portions.
Quality Ingredients: Despite the low prices, these restaurants use fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Health and Safety: Dubai ensures strict adherence to health and safety standards across all dining establishments.
Healthy Options Available: Many budget restaurants offer healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options.
