University students are notorious for being broke… all the time. But as one myself, I can tell you we also crave a variety of delicious cuisines.

Below is a list of 5 budget-friendly restaurants, where you can feast for under Dhs 100.

Now, you can enjoy tasty delicacies without breaking the bank. You’re welcome. 

1. O’Pao

O’Pao restaurant is the first of its kind in UAE. The main concept of the menu is ‘Sliders with an Indian twist’.  Inspired from Mumbai’s most iconic street food, O’Pao combines fresh ingredients with familiar Indian flavours & fillings, stuffed between soft and scrumptious Pao’s (Pao means ‘the bread’ in Hindi).  

Located in Karama, this budget-friendly restaurant is famous for dishes like O’Butter Chicken Pao, O’Pulled Lamb Pao, O’Paneer Bhurjee (Scrambled Cottage Cheese) Pao, O’Prawns Balchao Pao, O’Pao French Toast, etc. Prices start from Dhs 6.

These delicious dishes are guaranteed to make you say, WHAT-A-PAO!

2. Gulou Hotpot Restaurant

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FUN FACTS about CHINESE HOT POT: Hot pot's roots can be found in the dining practices of Mongolian horsemen who rode across the steppe and into northern China. Legend has it that the Mongols used their helmets as vessels to simmer broth over open fires, and cooked chunks of meat in that broth. The History of Chinese Hot Pot. Hot pot is thought to have originated in Mongolia 800-900 years ago. The primary ingredient originally was meat (including mutton and horse), and the broth was not spicy. Hot pot subsequently spread throughout China, where distinct regional variations developed and persist to this day. . . . Is it makes you hungry ? Why don’t you come to our lovely restaurant and have a taste of our authentic Chinese food . . . #follow #media #followforfollow #instagram #instagood #instafood #hotpot #timeoutmagazine #chinesefood #dubai #dubailife #dubaiexpo2020 #tripadvisor #zomato #talabat #lifestyle #homemade #whatsonmagazine #food #foodie #foodporn #timeoutdubai #foodphotography #healthyfood #youtube

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This Chinese restaurant located in Al Barsha definitely belongs on this list. Not only do they serve fan favourites like sweet & sour chicken, Kung Pao chicken, fried rice, dumplings, etc, they also have scrumptious vegetarian options like tofu, fried vermicelli with cabbage and stir-fried squid.

What I really love about this place is the ‘All you can eat’ offer. Yep, you read correctly. This offer is valid all day, for ONLY Dhs 49, you can fill your tums with food from a limited menu. Beware, the offer expires within 2 hours. Regular menu items start from Dhs 22 and group-sharing platters start from Dhs 128.

3. Dampa Seafood Grill

Located in the Deira City Centre area, this restaurant serves a variety of mouth-watering seafood like Cajun shrimp, Singaporean chilli crab, cheesy lobster and grilled salmon. For the meat lovers, they serve BBQ chicken and beef liver.

All meals come with unlimited rice and you can wash down the meal with colourful mocktails. Individual dishes start from Dhs26, meat dishes start from Dhs14, mocktails start from Dhs12 and group platters cost Dhs145.

4. Al Ustad Special Kabab

This Iranian restaurant, located in Bur Dubai, has been established in the UAE for over 40 years. The rich history and the friendly staff have contributed to the success of the venue. That and the juicy chargrilled meats served there. The meaty bowl of Iranian lentil soup is a must try, guys.

The restaurant serves staple Iranian dishes like Kabab Koubideh, Joujeh Kabab, Cholo Mourgh and Khorak Bahraini. The meats are accompanied with either rice or fries. Prices start from Dhs32. Yum.

5. Bianca

This Italian restaurant, located in JBR, is perfect for pasta lovers. Main dishes start from Dhs52, but I guarantee the price is worth it. The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes like Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Tagliatelle Funghi e Tartufo, Neapolitan pizzas and homemade Lasagna. Come at me. 

Vegetarian options are available on the menu, plus for an extra Dhs10, you can substitute to gluten-free pasta. If you’re still not convinced, Bianca has ‘Buy one Get One’ on pizza and pastas every Monday.

Happy eating. 

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