5 lunch ideas for under AED30 at the Expo 2020 Dubai

DUBAI: Breaking for lunch will not break the bank at Expo 2020 Dubai, with plenty of affordable options to refuel and refresh along your journey. Here are five of our favourite pre-payday bites to try.

AlBaik, Opportunity District

The buzz around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s home-grown fast-food chain, AlBaik has been electric, and Expo 2020 Dubai offers you the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. AlBaik specialises in fried chicken, but pescatarians and vegetarians are also catered for with fried shrimp and falafel on the menu. Grab a mouth-watering Double Baik fried chicken burger for just AED9.50, and team it with a portion of fries for AED7, or a bargain falafel box for AED5.50.

Alkebulan The Hotdog Stand, Al Forsan Park

If you want to maximise your sightseeing time without taking a long break, the Alkebulan African Dining Hall’s hotdog stand in Al Forsan Park is the answer. For just AED25, choose between chicken or beef sausage, and any three toppings from classics like mustard and mayonnaise, to exotic creations such as jerk barbecue, peri peri mayonnaise or peanut ketchup.

Mama’esh, Opportunity District

This Palestinian street-food café is much loved in Dubai, and now the Palestine Pavilion has its own branch. It is the perfect spot to experience Palestine’s favourite herb mix – za’atar (made with dried thyme and sesame seeds). Grab a fatayer (a thin, folded flatbread) topped with melted cheese and a beautifully fragrant za’atar mix for AED 20.

Project Chaiwala, Expo Street Food, Sustainability District

Expo 2020 Dubai has three food truck parks across the site, located in each of the main districts: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. In the Sustainability District, you will find modern Indian street food at Project Chaiwala, and a menu crammed with affordable snacks. If you are a fan of chaat – an Indian street food salad that typically features a full spectrum of sweet, spicy, aromatic, soft and crunchy delights – try the ‘Smashmosa’, for AED20. Better-known to some in the region as samosa chaat, this dish features a choice of The Desi (sweet potato, beetroot and carrot) or The Medi (za’atar and cheese) samosas, smashed and topped with tomatoes, pomegranate, yoghurt and mint sauce. With your change, grab yourself an AED9 masala chai.

Ravis Restaurant, Mobility District

This long-standing Dubai favourite of affordable Pakistani dining is now available at Expo 2020 Dubai for visitors looking for a budget-friendly lunch spot. Options include chicken tikka from the grill for AED9 and dhal from AED8.50. For a complete, hearty, filling lunch, order one of Ravis’ delicious biryanis (vegetable AED14, chicken AED15, mutton AED16). This is a complete meal of slow-cooked, aromatic rice with vegetables or meat, that will refuel you to explore throughout the afternoon.

Source: Expo 2020 Website