Dubai’s food delivery scene is a high-stakes race where Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem Now battle for dominance. Each platform promises speed, variety, and convenience—but which one truly delivers?
Whether you crave a midnight shawarma, gourmet burger, or acai bowl, this breakdown reveals their strengths, weaknesses, and secret perks to help you order smarter.
The Contenders at a Glance
1. Talabat – The Market Leader
📱 *12,000+ restaurants* | 🚚 Widest coverage | 💰 Frequent deals
The OG of Dubai delivery dominates with sheer variety, from street food to fine dining.
✔ Pros:
- Largest selection (including 24/7 options)
- Talabat Pro (AED 19.99/month) for free delivery & discounts
- Cash payments accepted
- Talabat Mart for groceries
✖ Cons:
- Higher fees for remote areas
- Inconsistent customer service
Best for: Night owls and those who prioritize choice over speed.
2. Deliveroo – The Premium Performer
📱 Curated quality | 🚚 Fastest delivery | 💰 Exclusive partners
The go-to for foodies partners with high-end spots like Nusr-Et and SushiSamba.
✔ Pros:
- Lightning-fast (25–40 min avg.)
- Live rider tracking
- Deliveroo Plus (AED 19.99/month) = unlimited free delivery
- Best for healthy/trendy eateries
✖ Cons:
- Fewer budget options
- Rarely accepts cash
Best for: Those who want gourmet meals delivered at lightning speed.
3. Careem Now – The Affordable All-Rounder
📱 Ride-hailing + food | 🚚 Low fees | 💰 Cashback rewards
Careem’s super app bundles food delivery with rides, groceries, and payments.
✔ Pros:
- Cheapest fees (AED 5–8)
- Careem Pay cashback
- Karim grocery delivery
- Simple interface
✖ Cons:
- Smaller restaurant roster
- Fewer exclusives
Best for: Budget shoppers who want everything in one app.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Talabat | Deliveroo | Careem Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selection | 🏆 12,000+ options | Premium-focused | Mid-range & local |
| Speed | 30–50 min | 🏆 25–40 min | 30–50 min |
| Fees | AED 8–15 | AED 7–12 | 🏆 AED 5–8 |
| Membership | Talabat Pro (AED 20) | Deliveroo Plus (AED 20) | None |
| Cash Payment | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Yes |
| Groceries | ✅ Talabat Mart | ❌ No | ✅ Karim |
Final Verdict
- For unlimited choices & late-night bites: Talabat
- For speed and premium meals: Deliveroo
- For budget savings & all-in-one convenience: Careem Now
Pro Tips to Save More
- Talabat: Order during “Happy Hours” for flash discounts.
- Deliveroo: Subscribe to Plus if you order 3+ times/month.
- Careem Now: Use Careem Pay for extra cashback.
Dubai’s delivery battle isn’t just about food—it’s about which app fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re a night owl, gourmet lover, or multitasker, there’s a clear winner for you.