Dining Out Without Draining Your Wallet - Affordable Dining Tips

It is hard to pass up dining out when living in the UAE. The variety of options, delicious food, and beautiful ambience make it the perfect weekend plan. Many of us live on tight schedules, leaving eating outside our only option. However, dining out can quickly add up!

Here are three simple ways to enjoy the dining experience without breaking the bank.

1. Cashback Offers: A Chance to Get Your Money Back

At present, many restaurants in the UAE provide cashback offers aimed at helping consumers save up on their dine-in spends.

As consumers become more aware of their spending habits, cashback has gained significant popularity in recent years. This system benefits consumers by giving them a part of their total bill back, allowing them to save up on their next visit. Traditionally, these offers are generally provided through credit cards and online shopping platforms, however recently there has been a growing trend of cashback apps that also provide rewards on spends. Cashback platforms can offer up to 50% of the total amount spent, helping to maximise savings and manage stretched budgets.

So, how does cashback work? When you make a purchase through a cashback platform, a certain amount gets added back to your wallet for your future spends at the same store. Since cashback offers usually come straight from the brand, you save much more money with them compared to using a discount coupon or code. Leveraging cashback also pushes us to be more strategic about the places we dine in. Customers can compare and select from various options that provide the best deal according to their budget.

1. eVouchers: Simple and Fast Access to More Value

Tired of searching through endless bills for discounts? eVouchers make saving simple! These digital vouchers give you more value than what you spend. In the UAE, loyalty apps can help you get an eVoucher worth AED 1500 or more for just AED 1000. Perfect for last-minute plans or frequent diners, eVouchers offer great deals at various restaurants.

You can buy eVouchers ahead of time or even while you're at the restaurant. They’re delivered instantly via SMS, email, or dedicated apps, making them super convenient. Whether you're dining out often or need a quick saving solution, eVouchers are the way to go.

Don’t miss out on this effortless way to boost your spending power!

1. Enjoy Uncompromised Taste for Lower Prices at Off-Peak hours

Many restaurants offer preset menus at affordable price during off-peak hours, such as lunch. Therefore, dining out during times when not many people are out and about can help you save a considerable amount of money.

Many fine dining restaurants offer “Business Lunch” with two to three courses at a much lower price than one would normally pay. Hence, whenever possible, it is best to go out for lunch to access affordable options without compromising quality or taste.

Here’s a bonus tip – Skip the Drinks, Stick to Water

The biggest additions to overall bills are usually the drinks. Restaurants typically hike up prices for sodas, juices and fancy coffees. Therefore, choosing water is a healthy alternative that won’t hurt your pocket. Although it might not seem like much at the time, racking up those extra coins can quickly add up to the cost of a meal for a different day.

By incorporating these smart strategies, you can enjoy the vibrant dining scene in the UAE without worrying about overspending. The key is staying informed about the best savings through cashback offers, eVouchers, or off-peak hours. Remember, dining out is not just about the food but the experience. With a little planning and savvy choices, you can relish the culinary delights the UAE has to offer while keeping your budget intact. So, next time you plan to dine out, use these tips to savour the flavours and savings.

Sulochana Betwala, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder at TOTL