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Best Filipino Restaurants Dubai: Where Expats Eat

Where Filipino expats in Dubai go for authentic adobo, lechon, and halo-halo, plus practical tips on getting there and what to order.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
a restaurant with a brick wall and lots of tables
Photo by Timothy Yiadom on Unsplash

Where the Community Eats

Filipino expats in Dubai have built a steady network of restaurants that deliver the flavours they miss. These places focus on home-style cooking rather than tourist versions, so you will find the same dishes served at family gatherings back home.

Top Spots in 2026

Barrio Fiesta in Jumeirah sits near Al Safa Park and keeps its menu consistent with branches in Manila. Expect crisp lechon kawali, sinigang na baboy, and unlimited rice. Most tables fill after 7 pm on weekends, so book ahead or arrive before 6:30.

Lutong Pinoy in Al Quoz is the go-to for workers living in the labour camps. Portions are large, prices stay under 35 AED for most mains, and the menu changes daily based on fresh deliveries. Try their crispy pata and mongo with chicharon.

Manila Grill at Dragon Mart 2 draws families on Friday. The halo-halo station lets you build your own with ube ice cream, leche flan, and pinipig. Parking is free and the food court layout makes it easy to combine with shopping.

Gerry’s Grill in Deira remains popular for grilled items. Their sizzling sisig and grilled bangus come with atchara on the side. The branch stays open past midnight, useful after late flights into DXB.

What to Order

  • Adobo with extra sauce for takeaway rice the next day
  • Pancit bihon when you want something lighter than fried noodles
  • Laing with pork, best paired with a cold San Miguel
  • Longganisa set breakfast, served until 11 am on weekdays

Getting There by Public Transport

RTA buses and the metro reach most locations. From BurJuman, take the Red Line to Nakheel station then switch to bus C9 for Al Quoz. Taxis from Downtown average 35-45 AED. Careem and taxi apps show fixed airport rates if you are landing late.

Budget and Timing

Most mains cost 25-45 AED. Add 20 AED for drinks and dessert. Friday lunch is the busiest slot, so expect a short wait. Many kitchens close between 3 pm and 5 pm for prep, so plan around those hours.

Payment and Dietary Notes

Cash and cards work everywhere. Some kitchens offer halal-certified chicken adobo and skip pork dishes on request. Vegetarian options are limited, but mung bean dishes and vegetable pancit are usually available.

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Frequently asked questions

Which area has the most Filipino restaurants?▾

Deira, Al Quoz, and Dragon Mart host the highest number of spots serving home-style Filipino food.

Are most dishes halal in these restaurants?▾

Many places offer halal chicken versions. Pork dishes remain on the menu unless marked otherwise.

What is the average cost of a meal?▾

Expect 25-45 AED per main dish plus drinks. Full meals with dessert stay under 70 AED per person.

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