Many Indians planning to move or travel to the UAE often wonder, “Is Indian food costly in Dubai?” The good news is that Indian food in Dubai is available at every price level. From very affordable street-style meals to premium fine-dining restaurants, you can eat Indian food in Dubai without spending too much, if you know where to go. This guide explains the cost of Indian food in Dubai, restaurant prices, home cooking expenses, and monthly food budgets.
Indian food is extremely popular in Dubai. The city has a large Indian population, so you’ll find Indian restaurants in almost every area. North Indian, South Indian, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kerala, and even street-style chaat are widely available. Because of this competition, Indian food prices in Dubai remain reasonable compared to many other international cuisines.
The cost of Indian food in Dubai depends mainly on the type of restaurant you choose.
In areas like Karama, Bur Dubai, Deira, and Al Nahda, you’ll find many cheap Indian restaurants in Dubai.
Impact: For daily meals, these places are very affordable and popular with working professionals.
Mid-range Indian restaurants in malls or residential areas charge slightly more.
Luxury Indian restaurants in areas like Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah are expensive.
Impact: These places are for special occasions, not everyday dining.
Cooking at home is the cheapest option and helps control the Indian food cost in Dubai per month. Indian groceries are easily available in supermarkets and Indian stores. Staples like rice, atta, dal, spices, vegetables, and frozen rotis are widely stocked. Approximate monthly grocery cost:
This makes Dubai Indian food affordability quite reasonable, especially for families.
If you manage meals smartly, Indian food in Dubai does not feel costly at all.
There are several reasons why people don’t struggle with Indian food costs in Dubai:
Because of this, Indian food prices in Dubai remain stable and competitive.
Compared to Western or East Asian cuisines, Indian food is usually cheaper in Dubai. For example:
This makes Indian cuisine one of the most economical choices in the city.
So, is Indian food costly in Dubai? The clear answer is no, if you eat smart. You can enjoy affordable daily meals, cook at home easily, and still treat yourself to luxury dining once in a while. Whether you are a student, working professional, or family, Indian food in Dubai is affordable, accessible, and satisfying. With the right choices, Indian food can be one of the most budget-friendly options in Dubai.
