What's the best way to keep your family fed and healthy in the most cost-effective way in Dubai?
I had no idea. But we were determined to find out.
If you've watched the channel, you'll know that we've basically cooked no more than 10 meals in over a year. Everything comes via Careem. It's so easy – there's always deals and offers. But we're trying to settle in properly now, and endless takeaways isn't a long-term solution.
So we're starting a mini-series testing all the different meal kit and food delivery services in Dubai. We'll rate them on everything – menu options, value, service quality – with the goal of finding the best food choice for families.
First up: Spring.
What We Ordered
- Subscription: 5 meals per week for 4 people
- Cost: 760 AED per week
- Per serving: 38 AED (~£8)
- Delivery: Split across 3 days (Mon, Wed, Fri)
You can choose your delivery time slots – morning (8-10am), midday (12-2pm), or evening (8-10pm). This flexibility is really helpful when you're juggling school runs and work calls.
The Unboxing Experience
When you sign up, you pay a deposit for the insulated bag. I thought that was a bit cheeky at first, but when it arrived I understood why – these things are properly made.
Inside the bag:
- A cooler box with ice packs
- Recipe cards (similar to Gusto if you've used that in the UK)
- All ingredients numbered and matched to the recipe cards
- Free tote bag (I'm a sucker for a tote bag)
- Fridge magnet
- Referral card
"These are still really cold. I'm actually impressed – one of my concerns was how well this stuff would transport in Dubai heat."
Top tip: When you put the boxes in the fridge, position them so the labels face outward. Makes it much easier to see what's in each box.
Cooking Our First Meal: Cheesy Turkey Enchiladas
We got the whole family involved. The boys were excited – they said they were looking forward to "cooking with the family and spending more time together." (Heart melting moment.)
Now, confession time: we barely know how our oven works. At one point we were Googling "how to use fan oven" while the kids waited. This is why we need meal kits.
The Game-Changer
Everything is already chopped.
The garlic? Chopped. The onions? Chopped. The coriander? Chopped. All measured out and ready to go.
This is different from Gusto in the UK, where you still had to do all the prep work yourself. With Spring, it's genuinely lazy cooking – which is exactly what we needed.
"Oh, Careem, you've lost a customer!"
The enchiladas were amazing. The sauce was thick, slightly spicy, and the kids actually ate it.
Spring vs Gusto (UK Comparison)
We used Gusto for ages in the UK, so here's how Spring compares:
| Feature | Spring (Dubai) | Gusto (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Prep work | Everything pre-chopped | You chop everything |
| Portion sizes | Generous | Often felt small |
| Delivery | Split across 3 days | All in one box |
| Freshness | Excellent (arrives cold) | Good, varied best-before dates |
The split delivery is actually brilliant. Instead of one massive box where half the stuff is going off by the end of the week, you get fresher ingredients throughout.
Cost Breakdown
Let's talk numbers – this is what you're really here for:
| Timeframe | Cost (AED) | Cost (GBP approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Per serving | 38 AED | ~£8 |
| Per week (5 meals, 4 people) | 760 AED | ~£160 |
| Per month | ~3,040 AED | ~£640 |
Is it expensive? Yes, it's not cheap. But compare it to:
- Careem deliveries every night (easily 100+ AED per meal for a family)
- Restaurant dining (200+ AED minimum)
- The time cost of meal planning, shopping, prepping
When you factor in that we were spending 500-700 AED on takeaways some weeks, this actually works out more cost-effective and healthier.
Free Gifts & Loyalty Perks
Spring hooks you in with freebies:
- Order 1: Apron + tote bag + fridge magnet
- Order 4: Salt and pepper grinders
- Order 10: Damascus knife
I have no idea what Damascus means, but it's a knife and I want it.
What About Fussy Eaters?
We were nervous about this. Reggie is a very fussy eater. But we decided it was time for "big boy meals" and went for the full family subscription.
The verdict? The portion sizes were generous enough that even with a fussy eater not finishing everything, there was plenty to go around. And honestly, getting him involved in the cooking made him more interested in eating what we'd made together.
How the Delivery Works
The bag system is clever:
- Food arrives in insulated bag with cooler
- You unpack and store in fridge
- Leave the empty bag outside ready for collection
- They pick it up when they drop off the next delivery
You choose which days work for you – we did Monday, Wednesday, Friday. The time slots fit around school schedules which is essential.
Our Verdict: Is Spring Worth It?
Pros:
- ✅ Everything pre-chopped (game changer for busy parents)
- ✅ Generous portion sizes
- ✅ Food arrives properly cold despite Dubai heat
- ✅ Split deliveries = fresher ingredients
- ✅ Flexible time slots
- ✅ Good variety of recipes
- ✅ Gets the family cooking together
Cons:
- ❌ Not cheap (760 AED/week for family of 4)
- ❌ Have to return bags (minor inconvenience)
- ❌ Need some basic cooking equipment
Overall Rating: 8/10
For a family that's been living on Careem for over a year, this feels like a proper upgrade. It's healthier, more cost-effective than constant takeaways, and has actually got us cooking together as a family.
"Oh, Careem, you've lost a customer!" – Adam, after the first bite
What's Next?
This is just the first in our meal kit series. We're going to test other services to compare:
- Menu variety
- Value for money
- Portion sizes
- Service quality
- Family-friendliness
If you've tried any meal kits in Dubai, drop a comment on the video and let us know which ones we should review next!
Quick Reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Service | Spring |
| Website | springfeeling.com |
| Best for | Busy families who want to cook but hate prep |
| Price | From 38 AED/serving |
| Delivery | Split across week, flexible time slots |
| Fussy eaters? | Manageable – get them involved in cooking |
Want to try Spring? There's a link in our YouTube video description for 50% off your first order.
Planning your move to Dubai? Understanding food costs is a big part of budgeting. Take my neighbourhood quiz to find areas that match your lifestyle, or check out my relocation package for personalised help with the whole process.