The area around Al Ain's central souq, just south of the oasis, holds the highest concentration of working Arabic restaurants in the city. These are not tourist establishments: they are the lunch spots for market workers, taxi drivers, and local families, which means the food is fresh, the portions are generous, and the prices are low. Look for places displaying whole roasted chickens in the window, trays of slow-cooked lamb shank, and the dense, creamy texture of freshly made hummus that supermarket versions never manage to replicate.
The best strategy is to walk the lanes around the souq — particularly along the eastern side near the vegetable and spice section — until you find somewhere busy with locals. Busy is always the reliable indicator in a souq restaurant. Most menus are in Arabic and English; pointing at what someone else is eating is perfectly acceptable. Order the mixed grill if it is on the menu, or ask for whatever the special is that day.
Lunch is the main meal here, and most of these restaurants are busiest between noon and 2pm. Dinner service is lighter and some smaller places close by early evening. A full meal with drinks costs well under 50 dirhams per person.