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Time Out Dubai
23-07-2025
- General
- Time Out Dubai
24 shawarma sandwiches in Dubai to try next
A classic Middle Eastern street food, shawarma is one of Dubai's most popular dishes – despite not actually being a particularly traditional dish of the UAE. Shawarma originated somewhere in the Levant, rather than the Arabian Peninsula, but that hasn't stopped it from claiming a place among the Emirates' most beloved kerbside snacks. Whether for a quick lunch or a hearty late-night, 2am snack, there are loads of fantastic places serving up shawarma all over town. In fact, there's probably not a square kilometre of Dubai that can't lay claim to at least one shawarma spot. But we're here to talk about Dubai's best shawarma. You know what we're talking about. Slowly charred, deliciously spiced meat in rendered fat juices, sliced and slathered with garlic sauce – all crammed into fresh pita (or saj, more on that later) alongside a handful of salty pickle batons and piping hot French fries. The best shawarma sandwiches in Dubai Allo Beirut Allo Beirut means business when it comes to shawarma. Go beef, go chicken, or go for either on a platter instead of wrapped and ready. There's also the option to choose between classic Arabic bread or freshly baked saj – though we're not wading into any arguments on which is the superior choice (classic, obviously) (wait, who said that?). It's all good. Going wrapped? Make it a large. No regrets. Hessa Street, (800 862 34788). Check out our full Allo Beirut review here Al Beiruti While there's plenty of chatter around the manakish and Al Beiruti fries (the latter comes topped with yoghurt, sumac, zaatar and parmesan), it's the chicken and beef shawarma platters that continue to steal hearts and fill hungry bellies. You can have yours served with thick-cut fries or grilled potato, coleslaw or a side salad. Umm Al Sheif, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 320 0043). Al Hallab One of Dubai's more luxurious shawarma offerings. But that doesn't mean wrapped in gold leaf or crammed with caviar. Al Hallab's Midas touch is in the freshly baked, pillowy soft bread that encases a juicy wedge of chicken, a generous helping of pungent garlic paste, fresh fries and crunchy pickles. It's an all-star Dubai shawarma if there ever was one. Various locations including The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, (04 330 8828). Al Falamanki Exuding low-key charm in abundance and dishing up some of the best Lebanese pastries in town, we never say no to a trip to Al Falamanki. We also never fail to order the tangy and tender beef-filled shawarma rolls while we're there – and neither should you. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeriah 2 (055 300 45500). Al Ijaza Cafeteria An old-school favourite, Al Ijaza has been a stalwart on Jumeirah Beach Road for decades. With its impossibly long menu of multi-coloured juices, affordable snacks and oh-so-UAE kiosk-to-car-window service, little wonder this unflashy caff has managed such a lengthy tenure. And its shawarma is on this list for nostalgia as much as anything else. Besides, where else serves them up alongside fruit cocktails named, among other things, Corniche, Happy Day and Computer? Never change, Al Ijaza. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 (04 344 4874). Al Mallah Looking for straight-up, super-tasty street food? Al Mallah needs to be on your list. A classic in Dubai since launching as a humble juice bar back in the late '70s, it's now a top spot for shawarma too. There's an ongoing debate about whether chicken or lamb is the winner – but when they're both so tasty we don't need an excuse to keep going back for more. Especially when they kick off at just Dhs9. With a punchy garlic sauce, tender meat and fluffy bread it's a glorious combination. Various locations including Al Seef, Satwa and Ibn Battuta, Al Mandaloun For authentic Lebanese dishes in the busy, buzzy environs of DIFC, Al Mandaloun is your spot. By all means feast on mezze galore to start, just make sure you leave room for shawarma (there's always room for shawarma, right?). The mixed meat plate is a serious feast: we're talking juicy, marinated slithers of both chicken and lamb accompanied by fries, veggies, sesame and garlic sauce. Gate Village 3, DIFC (04 363 7474). Al Nafoorah At Dhs75 a pop this shawarma is one of the most expensive options on the list. That said, better fine dining shawarma you will not find: the chicken is smoky, succulent and spiced just so, the pickles are full of punch and the bread fluffy and airy. In short, the classic street food eat scrubs up well. Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel, Al Sufouh (800 323232). Al Safadi One of the top Lebanese eateries in town – recently taking home the winning award from us in the best Lebanese category at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards– this casual name has a few branches in Dubai, so you're never far from shawarma when you need one. While it's one of the pricier on this list, the setting at locations such as The Pointe justifies the price tag. Opt for the hummus with chicken shawarma for one of the best combinations, or shun the bread and go for a platter loaded high with garlic sauce, fries and pickles. Various locations including Umm Al Sheif and Sheikh Zayed Road, Barbar Much-loved Lebanese export Barbar set up shop in Dubai at the end of last year and we can tell you one thing – their shawarma has travelled well. Here things are kept simple and authentic (minimum frills and maximum taste). You only need to order the chicken shawarma with extra toum and you'll see how well the approach works. What's more, this place is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hessa Street, (04 565 2604). Babel Superb shawarma in Fashion Avenue with views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, no less. Amongst a menu made up of genuinely excellent dishes – zingy fresh salads, swoon-worthy hummus included – the beef shawarma platter here stands out, thanks in no small part to the combination of flame-grilled meat dripping with juices, crunchy veggies, hot and crisp fried potato cubes and smooth and creamy tarator sauce for dunking. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai (04 419 0950). Bright Moon Cafeteria This humble spot has an absolutely massive menu, but shawarma is what it's all about in our eyes. Have it loaded up on a plate, stuffed in a wrap or smothered in hummus – and all for under Dhs20. Can't get better than that. Karama (04 396 6652). Eat & Drink Some might argue the cheaper the shawarma, the better it tastes. Eat & Drink backs up the argument. They have a selection of juicy, perfectly spiced shawarmas for you to choose from with multiple meat and flavour options. You can opt for the classic chicken or beef shawarma. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, try the Mexican shawarma. At Dhs5 a pop, order them all. Several locations, (04 340 8586) Em Sherif Café Shawarma at Em Sherif Café? Should not even be a question. The winner of Best Lebanese Restaurant at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards is a must-visit restaurant. Yes, you're spending a little extra on this one. (It's Dhs72 for chicken and Dhs80 for meat), but you'll get a generous portion of shawarma. Perfect for eating alone or with friends. Wait. Who needs company when you have a good shawarma to hold onto? Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai (056 577 7900). IKEA Say what? We'll say it again. IKEA. And why wouldn't this master of affordable eats be able to adapt itself to the local market? Thankfully, there's no self-assembly here. Just like everything else in the store, there are no whistles and bells here, just a small, classic Arabic bread filled with well-seasoned chicken, fries, salty local pickles and a liberal dollop of garlic paste. You might have nearly got divorced in the shadow of the latest bed linen collection, but nothing says 'I love you' through gritted teeth like a shawarma on the way to the car. Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival City, Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali, Operation Falafel A dominant force on the affordable, fast-casual Levantine dining scene, Operation Falafel is now a firm favourite around the world, with branches in the UK, KSA and US of A. There's plenty more to the brand than the name suggests, from eggs in all manner of styles to freshly baked manakeesh, via seriously savoury chicken livers. When it comes to shawarma, choose between chicken (with fries, pickles and garlic) or beef (with onion, grilled tomato, parsley and tarator), wrapped in classic Arabic pita or dome-baked saj. There's no wrong choice. Various locations including Media City and Downtown Dubai, (600 530 006). Laffah Restaurant Laffah's chicken shawarma is worthy of your respect and adulation. The thinly sliced meat is seasoned in a beautiful rub – spicy yet sweet, peppery yet fragrant – then slathered in sauce and rolled between thin bread, before being toasted between a hot press for a crisp finish. Various locations across Dubai and Sharjah, Mama'esh Did someone say organic flour? Yes, we did. Get your organic flour shawarma wraps at Mama'esh. And the healthy goodness does not stop there. The shawarmas are also oven-baked. All of the good health and nutrients, all the beef and chicken shawarmas you love. Several locations across Dubai, (600 54 8287). Metro Falcon Restaurant The Arabic shawarma is the one to go for here. The wrap, packed full of chicken, pickles, fries and punchy garlic sauce, comes with fries (yes, you can't have enough fries here), and is a hefty portion for less than Dhs17. You can also get a small wrap on its own for Dhs5.25. While you wait for your order to be prepared, you can browse the massive, confusing menu, filled with everything from Indian breakfasts to beef stroganoff. Near Union Co-op, Al Satwa (04 343 2020). Shawarma Station If this place didn't excel when it comes to shawarmas, well, it might as well give up and go home. There are dozens of this chain around the city and while the menu includes the likes of Greek salad, falafel and kibbeh, it's those juicy chicken shawarma wraps we come back for. We're all over it. Various locations including next to Citymax Hotel, Al Barsha (04 276 5862). Shiraz Nights The queues outside the shawarma window at this popular spot in Deira suggest that the goods are going to be tasty, and we're happy to report that the people aren't wrong. Shiraz Night's spicy chicken shawarma in particular is a thing of wallet-friendly beauty: flavourful, just-shaved meat glistening with fat, plenty of intensely flavoured chilli-garlic toum and juicy tomato slithers, all tightly wrapped in lacey thin, warm Iranian bread. Baniyas, Deira. S'wich The shawarma at S`wich might not be traditional, but when modernisation tastes this good, we're not going to question it. Excellent options in the gourmet shawarma selection include the Smoking Chicken Castro (hello, truffle sauce), a hot potato, aioli and spicy honey-filled What's Beef s'wich and a wrap that combines Peking duck vibes with shawarma notes to devastatingly tasty effect (it's Ducking Good, as the name suggests). Order on Deliveroo. Zaroob You can spot this brightly-lit street eatery from a mile off, and if the lights aren't enticing you in, the shawarma should be. Get it in a wrap, in a platter, chicken or beef, or all of the above – there are no judgements here. The shawarma at this 24-hour eatery is as tasty at 1am as it is for breakfast (don't knock it 'til you've tried it). Various locations including Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina, Zaatar W Zeit Fast, fresh, family-friendly – you know where you are with Zaatar W Zeit. The causal Lebanese chain has wraps galore on its quick-fix menu, but the meat eaters in the know return to one in particular time and time again. Order the shredded beef Shawarma Steak with tahini sauce in a multigrain wrap (trust us) and you too will have a light bulb moment. Locations across Dubai. In other foodie news… 14 top-tier places to go in Dubai if getting a matcha is your entire personality From some of our favourite cafés in the city How to enjoy a luxe three-course dinner at Atlantis The Royal for only Dhs295 This is not a drill Museum of the Future is hosting a cool BKRY pop-up this summer If you're tired of queuing up at BKRY in Alserkal, you can now queue up at MOTF
What's On
11-07-2025
- What's On
Round the clock: Restaurants in Dubai that are open 24/7
Whether you're fueling a post-party hunger, powering through a night shift, or just in the mood for a 3am manoushe, Dubai's round-the-clock food scene has you covered. From sizzling shawarma and Turkish breakfasts to vegan sliders and Arabic grills, these 24/7 spots keep the kitchen hot all day (and night) long. Here are the go-to places where late-night eats meet all-day flavour Allo Beirut Whether it's a late-night manoushe craving or a 3am shawarma run, Allo Beirut's Hessa Street branch has you covered. This all-day Lebanese diner brings nostalgic Beirut street vibes to Dubai, serving everything from mezze and grills to fresh juices and Arabic sweets—round the clock. The menu is extensive, prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere hits that comforting, always-welcome feel no matter the hour. Location: Allo Beirut, Hessa Street, Al Barsha Contact: 800 86234788 @allobeirutgcc Operation: Falafel Operation: Falafel's mission is simple – to serve authentic Middle Eastern street food with a modern twist. Open 24/7, this JBR hotspot dishes out everything from crispy falafel and hummus bowls to sliders, chips, and even chicken options too. Whether you're post-beach, pre-party, or just hungry at 2am, Operation: Falafel delivers flavour, tradition, and convenience in one satisfying stop. Location: Operation Falafel, The Walk JBR Contact: 04 424 3098 @operationfalafel Huqqabaz Garden This vibrant Turkish eatery tucked inside Mall of the Emirates is more than just a shisha spot — it's a round-the-clock escape into Anatolian flavours. HuQQabaz Garden serves up everything from indulgent Turkish breakfasts to sizzling grills and mezze, all in a colourful garden-inspired setting. Whether you're starting your day with menemen and simit or winding down with shisha and mixed grills, it's a 24/7 dining destination that brings a taste of Turkey to the heart of Dubai. Location: Huqqabaz Garden, Mall of Emirates Contact: 800 47229 @huqqabazgarden While you're at it, why not squeeze in a midnight workout? Here's where to find 24/7 gyms in Dubai Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
International Burger Day in Dubai: Five juicy deals you can't miss on May 28
Buns up, Dubai—International Burger Day is back on May 28, and the city's burger game is stronger than ever. From gourmet Wagyu creations to nostalgic street-style bites and unbeatable one-day-only deals, there's something for every burger lover to sink their teeth into. Whether you're after bold flavours, classic comfort, or something with a cultural twist, here are the juiciest spots to celebrate International Burger Day in style: Allo Beirut Allo Beirut's Lebanese Burger is a must-try for International Burger Day in Dubai, offering a bold, street-style twist with serious nostalgic vibes. Choose between crispy, garlic-loaded fried chicken or juicy Angus beef packed with coleslaw, pickles, and classic sauces—all tucked into a toasted sesame bun. The beef version even comes with fries inside the burger for that true Beirut-style bite. It's messy, satisfying, and perfect for a late-night burger fix with Lebanese soul. Both burgers are priced at Dh29. Akabeko For International Burger Day, Akabeko—Dubai's first tabletop Yakiniku restaurant—is serving up the Kurobeko Burger, a premium Japanese twist on the classic smash burger. Priced at Dh90 and available year-round, it features two A5 Wagyu smash patties flame-seared in Yakiniku sauce, topped with lettuce, tomato, mozzarella, and wasabi mayo, all in a striking squid ink black milk bun. Served with sea salt and shichimi pepper-dusted fries, it's a must-try for burger lovers and Wagyu fans alike. Find it at Voco Dubai, The Palm on May 28 and beyond. Ting Irie This International Burger Day, Ting Irie in Downtown Dubai is serving its bold Chips O'Mon Burger at 50 per cent off for dine-in guests. Available on May 28, the burger features a smashed Angus beef patty topped with crispy Chips Oman and creamy white pimento cheese in a toasted Toronto bun—a fusion of Caribbean flair and local nostalgia. Normally priced at Dh80, it's a flavour-packed deal not to miss at the UAE's first Jamaican restaurant. Belgian Beer Café For one day only on International Burger Day, enjoy a half-kilogram gourmet beef burger paired with two pints of select beverage for just Dh130 at Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai's Belgian Beer Café. Available from 12pm to 1am, it's the perfect mid-week treat for burger lovers seeking bold flavours and a great deal. Leen's This International Burger Day, Leen's is offering a Buy One, Get One Free deal on its signature Leen's Burger—featuring juicy beef, cheddar, caramelised onion, tomato, lettuce, and truffle mayo, served with crispy fries. Priced at Dh99, the offer is valid for dine-in only from 11am onwards across all Leen's locations in Dubai. Bring a friend—or don't!
Time Out Dubai
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
The best budget restaurants chosen by Dubai's top chefs
When you're an expert at cooking and spend your days – and nights – in the kitchen whipping up exciting new dishes and plating gorgeous-looking creations, where do you go for a top-notch, excellent-value meal? We've asked Dubai's top chefs and restaurateurs for their picks of the best budget restaurants in Dubai and uncovered some hidden gems. If you think you have to spend a fortune to get a world-class meal in Dubai, think again. We've chatted to Dubai's top chefs about what whets their appetite when they're dining on a shoestring. The best budget restaurants in Dubai, chosen by Dubai's best chefs 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: 3Fils Recommended by: Craig Best, executive chef at Sunset Hospitality Group and Damien Duviau, head chef at Nobu Dubai. This famous low-key joint at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour has formed something of a cult following in recent years. Serving up super-fresh sushi, the popular Wagyu Overload burger and plenty more exciting dishes, it's always full, whatever time of day you visit, but it will be worth the wait. Best says: 'Since 3 Fils opened back in 2016, it has been a favourite of mine. The food is incredible, the price point is incomparable to a restaurant of that level, it is very laid-back, not at all pretentious, and it has a relaxing environment. 'The beef carpaccio, the rocoto sour sauce and veal chorizo oil are something special. I'm a massive fan of sushi, and I can't choose between the dragon or the volcano, so I always order both.' Must-order dish: African Powerhouse. The Ghana dark chocolate and Madagascar vanilla combination is ridiculous – ask for more sea salt on top, too. Duviau says: '3 Fils has very affordable prices, delicious food and is a super-relaxed place to visit. The quality of sushi is superb, especially the scallop sashimi with mandarin and sumac. It's very good value for money and the specials change frequently to keep it exciting.' Must-order dish: Otoro sushi – with added foie gras. Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, Umm Suqeim (04 333 4003). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Allo Beirut Recommended by: Prashant Chipkar, culinary head, Masti; and Fadi Naim, exec chef, CQ French Brasserie. This cute street food joint on Hessa Street is hugely popular, as you'll be able to tell by the multitude of cars parked out front every day. Home to some of the tastiest shawarma in town, this Lebanese joint is a top place to dine on excellent dishes on a shoestring. Chipkar says: 'I like Allo Beirut because of its wide choices and the freshness of the dishes. There is always something to choose, regardless of the time or day you go. They always deliver on their promise too – the food is fresh, quick and always consistent. I usually go to Allo Beirut at least twice a week to grab a quick lunch before coming to Masti or late at night after work. They do an excellent Francisco sandwich, chicken and beef shawarma and a great breakfast.' Must-order dish: Foul medames, fava beans cooked with garlic and lemon juice, and topped with chickpeas and tomato. Naim says: 'This is a simple, go-to spot for me. What makes Allo Beirut special is that it has a nice variety of Lebanese street food that reminds me of home, with affordable prices and great taste. I only get to visit once a month, usually during the week when I want to go out for dinner. However, when it comes to ordering in, I order Allo Beirut at least four or five times a month. It's convenient and just so consistent.' Must-order dish: A classic shawarma. Hessa Street, Al Barsha, (800 862 34788). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Al Mallah Recommended by: Lara Said, private chef in Dubai. This old-school Lebanese cafeteria has been serving up tasty street food in the UAE for more than 40 years. Starting off as a juice bar, it now has more than 150 items on the menu from shawarma to grills, falafel and more, and is a popular spot if you're looking for super-tasty and authentic eats at an excellent price. Said says: 'I love this spot in Satwa, and whenever I have friends or family visiting from out of town, I take them here to eat what I think is the best shawarma in Dubai. It has been a part of Dubai for so long, it's nothing fancy, just street-style food and has never changed. I feel we lack these staple places a bit in Dubai, but this is definitely a must-try.' Must-order dish: The shawarma and falafel if you're veggie. Satwa (600 522521). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit Al Ustad Recommended by: Moustapha Chhoury, Executive Chef, Addmind Group This long-standing Iranian restaurant does what it says on the tin. Famed for its yoghurt-marinated chicken and mutton kebabs, Al Ustad Special Kabab opened its doors 43 years ago in 1978, and since then it's been serving up some of the tastiest kebabs in the city. Chhoury says: 'Al Ustad serves really tasty, fresh and juicy kebabs, as well as different types of rice and grills. It is a must-try and it's close to the souks if you're going for a day out in Old Dubai.' Must-order dish: The signature kebab – lamb or chicken – the name says it all. Bur Dubai, (04 397 1933). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Betawi Café Recommended by: Kate Christou, founder of LOWE. A family-run authentic Indonesian spot in JLT, this café has traditional dishes cooked by Indonesian chefs and prides itself on its flavoursome, spicy cuisine with classic dishes like nasi goreng, satay and gado gado on the menu. Christou says: 'I love Asian food and am often too busy to cook, so I eat out at budget spots at least once a week. Betawi is a small, local venue serving simple, honest food at reasonable prices.' Must-order dish: Chilli crab. Cluster D, JLT, (04 454 2329). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Bombay Bungalow Recommended by: Grégoire Berger, chef and consultant. This cool spot on JBR comes from the team behind Masti and is known for its innovative, fun cooking style (burrata butter chicken, anyone?). There are loads of exciting dishes on the menu, and while it's not on the same cheap eats scale as others on this list, it's a cool, low-key, unlicensed spot with top views of The Beach to check out. Berger says: 'I go to Bombay Bungalow a lot – the pani puri there is affordable and tasty. It's so flavourful and it represents, in my opinion, what Dubai's cuisine is all about – an explosion of flavour and diversity. And that's me too – a Frenchman loving Indian food.' Must-try dish: Pani puri. The Beach Mall, in JBR Walk, (800 6928779). Bosnian House 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Bosnian House Recommended by: Pawel Kazanowski, Jetro Dubai This traditional Bosnian restaurant is one of the few places in Dubai where you can get authentic Bosnian cuisine. The staple of the menu is ćevapi – Bosnian kebabs – which are small pieces of rolled mincemeat, charcoal-grilled and served in portions of ten with Bosnian bread and ajvar (roasted red pepper and aubergine) sauce. Kazanowski says: 'The food here is simple yet great, plus there are only a few options on the menu, so the chefs are very specialised and focused on their creations. It is very affordable with dishes priced under Dhs50. 'The design of the restaurant is authentic Balkan, and the staff wear traditional clothes, which creates a homely atmosphere. It's an eatery that you can pop in for a quick bite, but you'll end up staying longer as you feel so relaxed, especially after a busy day at work. This place is great at any time, and it is even open late at night, so for me, the best time to visit is straight after work.' Must-order dish: Bosnian kebab. Umm Suqeim, @bosnianhousedubai (04 211 8000). Boston Lane 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Boston Lane Recommended by: Saradhi Dakara, global group executive chef, New England Brasserie Company (The MAINE restaurants). Nestled in the cool courtyard area of Al Quoz, this Aussie coffee shop is a popular spot for breakfast, as well as being famed for its lip-smackin' cheese and garlic toasties. Inside, there's a cool concept store, and this is a cute place for a coffee, too. Dakara says: 'I love this homegrown spot for breakfast. It's simple and really soulful.' Must-order dish: Turkish eggs – poached eggs with garlic yoghurt and smoked paprika butter on sourdough. The Courtyard, Al Quoz, @bostonlane (054 449 2131). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Bu Qtair Recommended by: João Filipe Martins Garcia, head chef, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. A household name in Dubai, this longstanding spot in Umm Suqeim has expanded from its original teeny home to a full-size restaurant, but it's stuck with its affordable, fresh fish dishes. The menu is compact – the catch of the day, doused in curry sauce and served with rice and bread. Garcia says: 'I often go to Bu Qtair, at least once a month – it's very simple food but full of flavour. The way they cook and the way they present the dishes are original, this is what I'm looking for when I'm off duty.' Must-order dish: Either the freshly caught fish or prawns, both are unmissable. Fishing Harbour, Umm Suqeim (055 705 2130). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Calicut Paragon Recommended by: Akmal Anuar, founder of Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Osteria Funkcoolio and Harrumanis. Located right in the heart of Dubai's 'Curry Corridor' of Satwa, Karama and Bur Dubai, Calicut Paragon boasts the best Keralite flavours in Dubai on a budget. Anuar says: 'Calicut Paragon is my all-time favourite and it always makes me happy, especially the appams and paratha. Have these with a red chilli curry and a glass of cola – it always hits the spot. The place has a story, and it's always the same every time you go there. There's easy parking, it's super-affordable and has tasty dishes. It reminds me of home a bit, as in Singapore, we get our breakfast similarly to here.' Must-order dish: Appams and parathas to scoop up all the tasty gravy. Karama (04 335 8700). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: High Joint Recommended by: Luigi Vespero, cluster director of F&B at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. This cute, teeny budget burger joint in Al Safa is wildly popular with meat-eaters and veggies alike. The chicken burgers are also a hit, while if you're a vegetarian the King'Shroom or Halloumi Katsu High are winning choices. There are only a few seats, so pick your time wisely when you're visiting this much-talked-about spot. Vespero says: 'The burgers at High Joint are really, really good – and let's not forget the loaded fries. It's always excellent and we always have fun there.' Must-order dish: The Smokey, topped with pepper jack cheese, tempura onions, bacon and barbecue sauce. Al Safa 2, @ (04 268 1586). Homey Chinese Restaurant 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Homey Chinese Restaurant Recommended by: Giovanni Ledon, chef de cuisine of Akira Back. A low-key, authentic Chinese spot in JLT, Homey Chinese Restaurant serves up dishes you might not spot so frequently elsewhere in the city and specialises in Cantonese- and Szechuan-style cooking. Ledon says: 'The team and I go here for lunch on Friday afternoons, it's a small local place that serves up food at a good price that's packed with flavour. I love the braised aubergine, though I think the menu description was lost in translation because the aubergine is crispy and coated with a really flavourful sauce.' Must-order dish: That braised aubergine. Cluster V, JLT (04 431 7106). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Jailbird Recommended by: Tom Arnel, founder of EatX. This incredible fried chicken spot serves up free-range fried chicken in a range of ways – from being slathered in truffle mayo to Korean barbecue sauce and banging fiery Nashville spices. Arnel says: 'It's some of the best fried chicken in the city – crispy and light. Alexi Mostert is a sando genius.' Must-order dish: Nashville Sando. Fried chicken tenders are smooshed in a brioche with cheese fondue, pickled onions and Jailbird's special sauce. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah @ Khoori Special Kabab 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Khoori Special Kebab Recommended by: Solemann Haddad, chef patron at Moonrise. Perfect Iranian skewered meats grilled over an open flame, seasoned with a secret blend of spices that could probably solve all the world's problems, or at least make you forget them while you're eating. It's the ultimate carnivore's craving. Haddad says: 'It is one of my favourite eateries in Dubai. The team and I go there after service and eat incredible kababs. Their loomi tikka, marinated in onion juice and dusted with black lime and black pepper, is a must-try. 'It's not just my favourite kabab in the city (along with their kubideh) but also the originator of what we now know as Bahraini tikka. Its sharp, punchy, and tender flavours have won me over to the extent that it has even inspired our final beef course at Moonrise.' Must-order dish: Loomi tikka, marinated in onion juice and dusted with black lime and black pepper. Little Bali 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Little Bali Recommended by: Reif Othman, founder of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki This cute spot in JLT promises to relieve you from your regular everyday food boredom, with authentic flavours and dishes that you might not have tried before. There's everything from seafood to meat, a full veggie menu and heaps of noodles and rice, too. Othman says: 'I go to Little Bali whenever I feel like eating Asian food, especially on the weekends with the family. The place is clean, the food is all fresh, and above it all, it's the consistency. That's important for me. Plus, it's very affordable.' Must-order dish: Ayam betutu – roast chicken in Balinese spices with rice and sambal matah. Cluster U, JLT, (04 554 8575). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Mama'esh Recommended by: Colin Clague, chef and consultant A homely, neighbourhood-style bakery, Mama'esh is famed for its bread and manakeesh. Homegrown in the UAE, it now has several branches across Dubai, with the first opening in 2015 in Business Bay. Proudly stating that 'Palestine is just a bite away', expect fair prices as well as free bread, tea and water if you're dining in. Clague says: 'It's an amazing Palestinian restaurant with a great terrace for al fresco dining, you can't book, and it's always busy. 'The breakfast is hugely popular, the foul medammas, moutabel and hummus are all great, but the highlights are all the bread and wraps, the smell from the kitchen is wonderful. It's also a real bargain.' Must-order dish: The wraps, which come stuffed with everything from oven-baked chicken shawarma and Lebanese sujuk to halloumi and zaatar. Business Bay, (04 264 6728). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Maiz Tacos Recommended by: Alex Stumpf, co-founder and executive chef, BB Social Dining and founder of Soule Soups. Maiz Tacos started out as a food truck, popping up all over the city and delighting taco fans with its Mexican dishes. Thanks to its popularity, it launched a physical restaurant in JLT in 2019 and another in Dubai Hills in 2022, serving up a range of tasty tacos, nachos, guac and more. Stumpf says: 'Maiz is our family to go to with the kids. Tacos for life.' Must-order dish: The El Jefe – six-hour slow-cooked Angus chuck with salsa verde, onion and coriander. Cluster Y, JLT @maiztacos (04 514 4712). Maisan15 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Maisan15 Recommended by: Moritz Neumann, director of F&B at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. This quirky, yet hip spot is part art gallery, part café and attracts a cool, laid-back crowd. There's a Middle Eastern touch to the food there, which is brilliant. It takes some beating in terms of value for money. If you want incredibly creative food without the fanfare of marble floors, a hotel lobby, butler-style wait staff and a strict dress code, then this is the place for you. Homely, charming, tasty food and excellent bang for your buck. Neumann says: 'You need to know it, to be able to find it. It has a cosy little courtyard to sit outside, which is perfect for that Saturday mid-morning breakfast or lunch when the weather is right. 'I love the urban-style interiors and the open kitchen, where you can see the chefs in action. There is always something new on the menu, which makes it fun and always gives you a reason to come back. And the filtered water is free, which is a nice touch.' Must-order dish: Order the dips trio. It's miso baba ganoush, zammous, and muhammara labneh served with perfectly pillowy signature bread. Fantastic presentation, colours and flavours. The Maisan tabouleh offers an excellent twist on the classic, and chefs add some kohlrabi into the mix to give it crunch. Don't skip the churros for dessert. They are close to perfection – incredibly flaky, cardamom and cinnamon sugar-coated. Make sure you ask for the chocolate and the caramel dip while you are at it… Al Barsha, @maisan15 (04 244 7291). Masmat Baha Restaurant 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Masmat Baha Restaurant Recommended by: Hattem Mattar, pitmaster and restaurateur. An authentic Egyptian restaurant in the heart of Al Barsha that serves native dishes at insanely great prices. From real Alexandrian liver to homestyle molokheya, Baha is the spot to grab a bite if you fancy a taste of your (Egyptian) home away from home. Mattar says: 'This is my go-to budget spot in Dubai when I'm craving Egyptian food. A fantastic reminder of home and well-executed homey dishes at an excellent price. 'Its mombar is great. It's a kind of Arab sausage dish made with sheep casing stuffed with a mixture of rice and meat mixture then deep fried. Chef's kiss.' Must-order dish: Definitely the mombar. Al Barsha, @maisan15 (04 244 7291). Recommended by: Lily Hoa Nguyen, founder of Vietnamese Foodies. This cheap and cheerful noodle joint in Satwa was founded in 2006 by Michael Teng. It's hugely popular and serves up dim sum, noodles, soups and more – and everything's worth trying. Portions are generous and are as big on flavour as they are in size. Hoa Nguyen says: 'As a homegrown and locally-owned business, Noodle Bowl still retains its excellent food quality and homely vibe today. Despite being around for a long time, Noodle Bowl's cooking quality remains top-notch, and they use very authentic spices and sauces that make the dish flavours unforgettable. 'I go there anytime I have cravings for Malaysian rice and noodle dishes with deep umami flavours and fiery chilli and spices.' Must-order dish: The original Malaysian laksa lemak soup with prawn. Satwa (04 345 3382). Ocean Basket 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Ocean Basket Recommended by: Carmen Landsberg, group executive chef of Brunch & Cake What is it? This South African name serves up fresh seafood in Mirdif Mall. Expect a wide selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including combos of prawns, fish, and calamari. There's also a seafood platter with all three that can be ordered either grilled or fried. Landsberg says: 'I love so many of the items on their menu and would go once a week if I could. It reminds me so much of home, as there it's a really popular place, situated close to the beach. 'There is nothing better than thinking of being on the beach in South Africa, eating fresh seafood.' Must-order dish: Seafood platter for one – with mussels, prawns, fish and calamari plus rice and fries with a village salad. City Centre Mirdif, Mirdif (04 201 1566). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Raju Omlet Recommended by: Luma Makhlouf, founder of Maiz Tacos. The clue is in the name with this one – everything about this place is egg-centric. From half-fry to eggs kejriwal, plus of course practically every omelette you could imagine – from mushroom to masala corn, Mexican to chilli cheese. There are also egg curries and egg noodle dishes. Makhlouf says: 'Get there early on a weekend morning before the queues start. Consistency is key here because every single time I go, it's so good. I've been about a million times and never had a bad meal.' Must-order dish: Tikka egg wraps. Cluster T, JLT (04 344 9933). Saigon 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Saigon Recommended by: New Chaklang, chef and founder of Café Isan. This authentic Vietnamese joint serves up traditional dishes such as summer rolls, pho, bun, wok-fried dishes and more. Saigon prides itself on its authentic cuisine. Chaklang says: 'Saigon is my favourite place, all the dishes there are really fresh and very light, which is perfect as I don't like heavy food. 'I've been there a lot now, and the food is always really good; we get it on delivery too. I love Vietnamese food, the pho and chicken-fried rice are really good.' Must-order dish: Banh xeo – crispy Vietnamese rice crêpes with bean sprouts and prawns. Cluster D, JLT (050 738 0669). Sallet Al Sayed 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Sallet Al Sayed Recommended by: Stephen Flawith, founder of Pickl. A casual Middle Eastern seafood restaurant that specialises in fresh fish, served in a simple, tasty way. There's loads of fish on the menu from sherri to koffer, red snapper, sea bass, salmon, sardines and more. Flawith says: 'Sallet Al Sayed is great any time of day, I tend to angle more towards lunches there as the traffic is busier in the evenings leading into Karama. 'It serves up possibly some of the best grilled shrimps in the UAE, and the bread and hummus are also to die for. A small independent that outstrips the larger players by a country mile. 'You can tell they care about each and every order that goes out and have truly perfected their product range. Price also plays a part, they don't break the bank and offer a better quality than their pricier counterparts. Get off the beaten track and get into Karama, Bur Dubai and Deira. This is where the real magic happens.' Must-order dish: Grilled shrimp with secret sauce, tomato salad and hummus. Karama (04 335 5722). Recommended by: Nick Alvis, executive chef at The Beam and Andy Toh Chye Siong, executive chef of Hakkasan Middle East. Housed in JVC, this homegrown restaurant was set up by 'Mama', who had 'fire in her eyes, a dream in her heart and a passion for food'. Sticky Rice has soared in popularity and is known for its homely atmosphere, family-run vibe and traditional, tasty eats, with a range of spice levels optional. Alvis says: 'Whenever I have a night in on my own to watch a movie, I'll order it in. Why is it so fantastic? It's the closest (taste-wise) I have ever come to when I was travelling, island hopping and diving in Thailand.' Must-order dish: The chicken pad krapow with sticky rice and crispy fried egg. Toh Chye Siong says: 'The flavours are very authentic and I love going on my day off or getting it delivered.' Must-order dish: Classic green curry. Sohbha Daffodil, JVC (04 580 8350). Recommended by: Urosh Mitrasinovic, executive chef at G.O.A.T. You can't get closer to an authentic Asian food market in Dubai than this low-key, cool space in JLT. Split into separate kitchens and serving everything from Thai curries to barbecue, there's something for everyone at Streetery. Mitrasinovic says: 'When something is made with effort and love, you can feel that on a plate. These have that effect on me every single time. They've also managed to successfully modify traditional dishes for a highly competitive market such as Dubai, and I strongly relate to that.' Must-order dish: Prawn curry with paratha. Cluster D, JLT (04 587 3373). 32 banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Ravi Restaurant Recommended by: Libor Dobis, corporate chef, ROKA This Satwa spot has been around for more than four decades and is one of the most beloved Pakistani restaurants in Dubai, famed for its pocket-friendly fare. Popular for affordable and super-tasty curries, dhal, biryanis and more, budget dining never looked so tasty. Dobis says: 'I take my family here after karate training. They serve honest, traditional food – the curries are spicy, which I love.' Must-order dish: Chicken peshawari, naan and roti for a banging meal from one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai. Satwa (04 331 5353). Recommended by: Danilo Valla, head chef at Roberto's. Renowned for its silky smooth ramen and delicious kushiyaki, there are plenty of street food-style plates to get stuck into, so gather your mates and order a bunch of stuff to share. It is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai, ideal for when you want something more casual but just as tasty. Valla says: 'I always go to Reif's when I want to have fantastic and delicious Japanese food without going to fancy places. The menu changes quite fast, and the portions are not too big; perfect if you choose a lot of dishes. 'You're sure to have a good dinner experience. Although the wagyu katsu sando isn't on the budget side of things, it's still well worth it if you're splashing out.' Must-order dish: 18-hour Chicken ramen. It's so rich in flavour and is definitely a must-try. Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl Road, Rossovivo Artisan Pizza Banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Rossovivo Artisan Pizza Recommended by: Giuseppe Giampietro, executive chef at GAL. Rossovivo specialises in interesting pizza toppings – with everything from pizza pistachio (mozzarella, cream, pistachio, bresaola and basil) to pizza UAE (mozzarella, minced beef and white onion) on the menu. You can even order from a special mozzarella menu with a range of cow's milk and buffalo milk cheese. Giampietro says: 'Every time that I miss Italy, I head here as it reminds me of home. The ambience, the hospitality and, of course, the taste of home-made food. 'It has the power to teleport you back to the home streets of Italy, even if it is for just an hour.' Must-order dish? The Pizza Diavola, with beef salami, chilli oil and fresh basil. Internet City, (04 427 2477). Texas Roadhouse Banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Texas Roadhouse Recommended by: Rifky Sadhakathullah, executive chef at Dream Restaurant & Garden of Dream Dubai. An all-American joint serving up proper US grub including wings, country-fried chicken, loaded Idaho potato skins and a whole range of steaks, in a casual setting at The Dubai Mall, for when you need a break from the shops. Sadhakathullah says: 'My favourite things have to be the freshly baked bread that they bring to the table and the spicy sauce on the chicken wings. Although I also love the rib-eye steak with loaded French fries.' Must-order dish? Smoked Buffalo wings with fresh celery and blue cheese sauce. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, (04 419 0266). Banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Wokyo Recommended by: Jill Okkers, culinary director at tashas Group. A casual noodle joint in JLT, Wokyo prides itself on Tokyo-style bowls. The menu is ready for you to navigate yourself – from noodles to protein, sauces and more, whatever you want, you can create here, making it a top option for everyone, whatever their taste buds. Okkers says: 'I usually go to Wokyo on a Saturday for an early evening, lazy dinner. Order all the sides to share for a starter for a taste of everything, plus you can build your own noodle bowl, and the Singapore crunchy peanut sauce is amazing. 'It's quick, easy, the food is always good, the service is great, and it's super-affordable.' Must-order dish: Sapporo ramen, a slurp-worthy bowl of ten-hour slow-cooked broth. Plus the matcha or milk tea soft serve ice cream for dessert. Cluster J, JLT, (800 96596). Zagol Banging budget restaurants, as chosen by Dubai's top chefs. Credit: Zagol Recommended by: Kelvin Cheung, chef and partner at Jun's. Zagol is a low-key and cool Ethiopian restaurant located in the heart of Karama and one of the most authentic places to reach for your favourite Ethiopian dishes. So if you want to taste real spice and flavours that make you question how a simple dish can be so rich and palate-awakening, then go to Zagol – right now. Cheung says: 'Zagol is a weekly staple in our household. 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. 'I personally enjoy the table by the window in the smaller of the two restaurants that are next door to each other. It feels like you're in someone's home, and you can smell the Ethiopian coffee as you wait for your food.' Must-order dish: Our go-to order is the beyaynet, a vegetarian lentil-based platter which you order based on the number of people in your part,y and they serve on a large platter in the middle. Mabrooka 1 Building, Al Karama (050 323 1822). This story was originally published in August 2022. Looking for things to do in Dubai? All the best concerts and gigs coming to Dubai in 2025 There's a show for every taste The big comedy shows and comedians to catch in Dubai Book tickets now for these top gigs and events Where to watch live music in Dubai Soak up some melodies in bars and clubs across the city
