To estimate your Diwali food budget, multiply the number of people you want to feed by the cost of one meal box, then add 10 percent extra so nobody is left out. For example, feeding 500 people with a meal box that costs AED 6.99 comes to about AED 3,845 with the buffer included.
That is the whole formula. The rest of this guide shows you how to use it for groups of 100, 500, and 1,000, and how to keep the cost low when you are planning Diwali meal offers for workers, community groups, or charities in Dubai.
How to Calculate Your Diwali Meal Budget in 3 Steps
Step 1: Count your guests
Write down how many people you plan to feed. If you are not sure, use last year’s number or ask your group leaders for an estimate.
Step 2: Add a 10 percent buffer
Diwali crowds are hard to predict. Family members, neighbors, and colleagues often show up unannounced. For 100 people, order 110. For 500, order 550. For 1,000, order 1,100.
Step 3: Multiply by the cost of one meal box
Take your final number of boxes and multiply it by the price per box. That is your food budget.
Diwali Food Budget Calculator for 100, 500, and 1,000 People
Public Kitchen meal boxes start from AED 6.99 per box. The table below uses that starting price. All meals come individually packed and ready to hand out.
| Group Size | Boxes With 10% Buffer | Estimated Cost |
| 100 people | 110 boxes | AED 768.90 |
| 500 people | 550 boxes | AED 3,844.50 |
| 1,000 people | 1,100 boxes | AED 7,689 |
If you do not need a buffer, the base cost for exactly 100, 500, and 1,000 boxes is AED 699, AED 3,495, and AED 6,990.
How Much Does Each Meal Type Cost?
Your total changes a little depending on which meal box you pick. Here is the base cost with no buffer.
| Meal Box | 100 People | 500 People | 1,000 People |
| Vegetarian Biryani (from AED 6.49) | AED 649 | AED 3,245 | AED 6,490 |
| Chicken Biryani (from AED 6.99) | AED 699 | AED 3,495 | AED 6,990 |
| Chicken Biryani with Dates (AED 7.99) | AED 799 | AED 3,995 | AED 7,990 |
| Chicken Biryani with Laban Up (AED 8.99) | AED 899 | AED 4,495 | AED 8,990 |
| Chicken Biryani with Fruit (AED 9.99) | AED 999 | AED 4,995 | AED 9,990 |
Many Diwali groups include vegetarian boxes so that every guest has something they can eat. You can mix meal types in the same order.
5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Diwali Food Cost
Order one bigger batch: One large order is easier to manage than three small ones. It also saves you the hassle of coordinating with several vendors.
Book early: Diwali week is busy for every food provider in Dubai. Booking ahead means you get the quantity you need and a delivery time that suits your event.
Pool orders with other groups: If two or three community groups in the same area are celebrating on the same day, one combined order is simpler for everyone.
Keep the menu simple: One or two meal types are easier to plan and distribute than five. A filling biryani box keeps the budget clear.
Use everyday bulk meal offers: If you already feed workers, a mosque, or a charity group during the year, ask about a weekly or monthly arrangement. Planning ahead usually makes budgeting much easier than ordering one event at a time.
Who Should Use This Diwali Budget Calculator?
This guide is for groups, not individuals. It works well for:
- Company HR and admin teams planning a Diwali lunch for staff
- Labor camp managers and site supervisors in Al Quoz, Ras Al Khor, and Nad Al Sheba
- Community groups and temple committees in Bur Dubai, Al Karama, and Oud Metha
- Charities planning a Diwali meal drive in Deira, Al Nahda, and International City
- Building management and facility companies feeding large teams
Diwali Meal Offers and Everyday Bulk Meal Offers at Public Kitchen
Public Kitchen is an affordable bulk meal delivery service in Dubai. We deliver individually packed meals to labor camps, construction sites, mosques, charities, and companies across the city.
Diwali is one of many occasions we support, but our bulk meals are available all year. That is what we mean by everyday bulk meal offers.
You can order once for Diwali, set up a weekly delivery, or arrange a monthly plan, whichever suits your group. There is no fixed commitment.
If you are looking for current Diwali meal offers, just message the team and ask what is available for your date and group size.
Here is how booking works:
- Place your order 24 to 48 hours before delivery
- Cancel up to 24 hours before delivery
- One-time, weekly, or monthly orders are all fine
- Meals arrive packed and ready to hand out
- Vegetarian options can be added to the same order
You can also order bulk meals for charity through the same simple process.
To book your Diwali meals, call or WhatsApp Public Kitchen on +971 52 686 0022.
Areas Covered for Diwali Bulk Meal Delivery in Dubai
- Bur Dubai
- Al Karama
- Oud Metha
- Deira
- Al Nahda
- Hor Al Anz
- Al Quoz
- Ras Al Khor
- International City
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Academic City
- Business Bay
- Sheikh Zayed Road
- Al Warqaa
- Mirdif
- And other areas across Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to feed 500 people on Diwali in Dubai?
Feeding 500 people costs about AED 3,495 with Public Kitchen’s starting meal box. If you add a 10 percent buffer for extra guests, plan for around AED 3,845. The final amount depends on the meal box you choose, since options with dates, Laban Up, or fruit cost a little more.
How early should I book Diwali meals for a large group?
Book at least 24 to 48 hours before delivery. For larger groups of 500 or more, booking a few days earlier is safer because Diwali week is busy. You can cancel up to 24 hours before delivery if your plans change.
Can I get vegetarian meals for a Diwali event?
Yes. Vegetarian biryani boxes can be included in the same bulk order. Just tell the team how many vegetarian boxes you need when you place your order, and they will be packed and delivered together with the rest.
