Who says dining in Abu Dhabi has to cost a fortune? Sure, the city is home to Michelin-starred extravaganzas like the Michelin Guide Food Festival and luxe Italian spreads at Café Milano in Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, but you don’t always need gold-dusted desserts to feel like royalty.
Sometimes, the real joy lies in Abu Dhabi’s cheap eats scene — fresh shawarmas, bubbling curries, or a bowl of steaming pho — all for under Dhs50. Let’s dig into five spots where taste beats price every time.
Al Bosphor
If Abu Dhabi had a shawarma hall of fame, Al Bosphur would be front and center. Always buzzing, always fragrant, this spot delivers big portions and even bigger flavors.
- Must-try: Shawarma for just Dhs8 or Turkish pide from Dhs25
- Why go: The mezze platter (Dhs35) is a group pleaser, and yes, the free flatbread basket is life-changing.
📍 Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street, Al Dana.
Allo Beirut
Think retro diner with a Levantine soul. Allo Beirut takes Lebanese street food and gives it a neon glow-up — all without denting your wallet.
Why go: Smoky mutabal and retro vibes that feel straight out of a 1950s postcard.
Must-try: Zaatar manakish (Dhs11), beef or chicken shawarma (Dhs22)
📍 Various locations including Al Dana.
Kopitiam by Chandy’s
This cult-favorite Malaysian spot is where serious foodies head for Hainanese chicken rice (Dhs37) before it inevitably sells out.
Why go: The owner, Chandy, often greets guests personally — like dining at your foodie friend’s house.
Must-try: Roti with curry and a shared dessert, all still under Dhs50.
📍 Al Falah Street.
Tadka Mania
Vegetarian Indian food so good even die-hard meat eaters don’t complain. This tiny Tourist Club Area gem has flavor-packed curries starting from just Dhs8.
Why go: Authentic South and North Indian spice explosions — without exploding your budget.
Must-try: Paneer butter masala (Dhs20), creamy lassi (Dhs14).
📍 Tourist Club Area, Al Zahiyah.
Vietnamese Pho
Sometimes all you need is a steaming bowl of comfort. Vietnamese Pho’s legendary noodle soups hit the spot — healthy, filling, and cheap.
Why go: Former winner of Time Out’s Best Budget Restaurant. Fresh summer rolls (from Dhs25) seal the deal.
Must-try: Small beef pho (Dhs30) or chicken pho (Dhs30–40).
📍 Reem Island, Khalifa City, Danat.
Why These Spots Matter
Abu Dhabi’s food scene is more than glitz. From budget-friendly shawarmas to steaming bowls of noodles, the city offers as much flavor at Dhs50 as it does in fine dining. And when you’re ready to splurge again, you can always check out unique Abu Dhabi brunch experiences or explore modern Asian flavors at SLRP Yas Mall.
