Chef Silvena Rou compares food prices in Bulgaria and Dubai

Chef Silvena Rou has conducted a price comparison between essential food items in Bulgaria and Dubai, revealing that seven out of eleven studied products are more expensive in Bulgaria. Using non-promotional prices from Carrefour in Dubai and Kaufland in Bulgaria, the comparison measured items by kilogram, liter, or units, such as 10 eggs.

According to the findings, bread, fresh milk, eggs, lemons, tomatoes, olive oil, and yogurt are cheaper in Dubai than in Bulgaria. Rou expressed particular shock regarding yogurt, noting that despite Bulgaria being the home of yogurt, it remains more costly there than in the United Arab Emirates. One exception noted was Bulgarian Krina rice, which Rou stated is of unsurpassed quality and is cheaper per kilogram than basic rice in Dubai.

Rou also highlighted the different regulatory environments, noting that the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism monitors nine essential food categories. In the UAE, price increases in these categories require official approval, and a state platform tracks over 8,000 products across 525 stores daily. She noted that while geopolitical factors like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have forced longer shipping routes and increased logistics costs in Dubai, many staples remain more affordable there than in Bulgaria.