Dubai can be a pretty expensive city to live in. You could end up going over your budget or maxing out your credit card — that is, if you do not know all the right spots for all your essential needs. And what could be more essential than food?

When it comes to dining in Dubai, you will have the best choices. This is not only because you practically get every cuisine in the world in one area, but also because some of the best chefs and cooks produce some of the best tasting dishes in most restaurants. The best restaurants, Dubai residents know, do not have to be expensive, though.

If you are trying to land a client or hire the best talent in your industry, a great dining experience can be a crucial element. If you’re saving up money for a big expense, planning your meals would be helpful. If you have to host a party but have a limited budget, you would especially need to have a satisfying yet affordable menu.

One of the best ways to eat on the cheap — without sacrificing on the taste — would be to choose items that guarantee satisfaction. A good choice would be a deli shop that offers a multitude of options, and not the usual pastrami on rye sandwich or the generic chicken sandwich.

For meals intended for a meeting, a presentation, or any other business engagement, a deli shop would be a wise choice. The right setting will allow your meeting to go off without any disturbance, and the dishes are not going to be difficult to eat. The person you’re meeting can easily pick up a roasted hoisin duck wrap, for instance, and still be able to focus on your presentation.

For meals that are going to be served to a larger group, you can consider a restaurant that also happens to do catering. Most catering services in Dubai will work with your budget and plan a menu that will be sufficient for your needs. So instead of taking your guests to dine at an expensive restaurant, you could hold a more intimate celebration at your home and still be able to serve sumptuous fare.

Finally, for everyday meals, it pays to plan ahead. You might think it severe to write down what you should be eating for the next several days, but if you need to save money, then it has to be done. Luckily, the best restaurants in Dubai will have their menu (along with the prices) on their website. So you can plot expenses for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner — if you don’t cook at all — with relative ease.