Sharjah, the UAE’s cultural capital, is a paradise for foodies on a budget. While Dubai dazzles with luxury dining, Sharjah delivers authentic, flavorful meals under 50 AED—from Emirati home cooking to Pakistani biryani and Syrian street food.
Here’s EMIRAQ’s curated list of 10 must-try affordable spots, where every dish tells a story.
1. Al Fanar Restaurant – Emirati Comfort Food
📍 Al Majaz Waterfront | 💰 40–50 AED
Step into a retro Emirati setting and savor:
- Harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat)
- Machboos (spiced rice with chicken/lamb)
Why go? One of few places serving authentic Emirati cuisine at these prices.
2. Automatic Restaurant – Legendary Lebanese Grill
📍 Multiple locations | 💰 30–45 AED
A Sharjah staple since 1979, famous for:
- Chicken shawarma plate (35 AED) with garlic sauce
- Crispy falafel and mixed grills
Why go? Consistently delicious Middle Eastern street food.
3. Pak Lyari – Karachi’s Best Biryani
📍 Al Qasimia | 💰 15–25 AED
This no-frills spot serves:
- Fragrant biryani with tender meat (under 25 AED)
Why go? The most affordable biryani in town.
4. Al Mughaidi Cafeteria – Late-Night Bites
📍 Al Nahda | 💰 10–20 AED
Open 24/7 for:
- Cheese paratha (12 AED)
- Ginger burgers and karak chai
Why go? Perfect post-midnight snack stop.
5. Sadaf Iranian Restaurant – Hearty Persian Kebabs
📍 Al Khan | 💰 40–50 AED
Try their:
- Kubideh kebab with saffron rice (50 AED)
Why go? Authentic Persian flavors without the markup.
6. Calicut Paragon – Kerala Coastal Cuisine
📍 Al Taawun | 💰 25–40 AED
South Indian specialties like:
- Fish curry meal (35 AED)
- Appam with stew (20 AED)
Why go? Fresh, spicy seafood on a budget.
7. Al Mallah – Shawarma King
📍 Al Qasba | 💰 20–30 AED
A local favorite for:
- Mixed shawarma plate (30 AED)
Why go? Quick, tasty, and reliable.
8. Robi Restaurant – Pakistani Comfort Food
📍 Al Wahda Street | 💰 25–40 AED
Hearty dishes like:
- Half-chicken karahi (40 AED)
- Buttery naan and dal fry
Why go? Home-style Pakistani at unbeatable prices.
9. Arous Damascus – Syrian Feast
📍 Al Majaz | 💰 30–45 AED
Generous portions of:
- Mixed grill platter (45 AED, feeds two)
- Creamy hummus and falafel
Why go? Levantine classics without fancy prices.
10. Lafa – Ultimate Budget Bites
📍 Al Nahda | 💰 10–30 AED
Famous for:
- Falafel sandwich (10 AED)
- Crispy shawarma wraps
Why go? Tastiest cheap eats in Sharjah.
Sharjah proves gourmet flavors don’t need gourmet prices. Whether you crave Emirati traditions, Pakistani spices, or Syrian street food, this city delivers big tastes for small budgets.