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How to eat well on AED 15
Karama, Deira, International City, Al Nahda — not Downtown every night.
- Cafeteria plate
- AED 12–25
- Karak + paratha
- AED 6–12
- Mall food court
- AED 30–55
- Marina dinner
- AED 80–150 a head, easily
The city runs on cafeterias. Rice, meat, dal, shawarma, manakish, biryani. Find one near your bus stop in the first week. That habit is how warehouse and hotel salaries survive.
Specialty coffee at AED 28 is a weekend. Karak at AED 4 is a commute. Both exist. You need the second one more than the first.
Practical notes, not official law. Confirm on ICP, MOHRE, RTA, KHDA and your employer before you act.