Guide

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Dubai Named As the Cleanest City in the World Once More

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

What Are the Benefits of Academic Scholarships in Dubai?

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

maid & food allowance

Log in to post new content in the forum.

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 21 October 2014 - 10:52

No,she is from Kenya and we don't eat rice everyday but I'd say 2-3 times a week, we really eat more Europian style (I am Czech) i am from Kenya and i have a kenyan maid. ive lived with them most of my life. Their food is very simple and cheap. Basically they need vegs like cabbage and spinach and they eat beans and corn. they usually make stew either with meat or chicken. the cuts dont have to be expensive. They eat Ugali (maize flour) which is like the pap from SA and this is readilly available from spinneys its called IWESA( green bag not red bag) and costs about AED35 for 2kg of flour which could last a couple of weeks. its as simple as that- if shes fussy then shes playing games

2584

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 16:38

end up having to shop everyday as she either doesn't eat it and then finishes all the mangoes . OP how are your slicing techniques? ;)

41

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 20 October 2014 - 15:14

Maybe you can buy her some kidney beans, potatoes, greens mostly found in C4, rice, chicken you can find two for 15dhs when on sale and flour from South Africa, this will not cost you not more than 200dhs and can last for a month, you can go with her in the supermarket. I have Kenyan maid also but she is very much comfortable with our food, am Indian origin and my DH is German

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 22:38

Thank you for your input ladies, even just "talking" like this helps to get a bit of a perspective about it all, the food thing is really just one part (though really enoying one) and we need to tackle it now or part ways, really, yesterday was late

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 22:31

as for the fruits,we buy a lot,the bowl is always full but having a cup noodles as she was just lazy to cook (sorry but that was obvious) and then over a half a kilo mango... really??? I don't want her to stop eating fruits and she had mangoes before but everytime she had like half and the second half was in the fridge for day later so I knew I could grab it if I needed to... I guess she propably doesn't even know how much these cost here (and my darling sons love these kind of fruits,mangoes and berries top the list...) I guess it's more her attitude, the fact that she never asks. Hubby is coming back on Wed, we'd need to sit down and talk and mainly sit her down, there is things she keep doing around the house as well, being messy just by nature and quite lazy on top...If the whole thing was not so difficult and expensive I think we'd try again. And another concern are my sons,especially the small one is being difficult around strangers and has just started to warm up towards her.

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 22:12

That's my main problem right now,I don't like waisting food but she either doesn't eat what we cook so there is just way too many leftovers and we end up throwing food or there is just not enough (certain meals are not ment to be reheated so I try to cook just the amount) I don't want to have always extra fish/chicken in the fridge if she decides to cook as most will end up in the bin and there is never any extra space in our freezer with all the frozen veggies and ice creams. I normally buy meat/fish/poultry with a specific meal planned, we always have extra veggies,legumes,rice etc at home

904

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 22:03

& if she is not sure if she will like a meal I cooked or not, I give her a taste, if she likes it I fill her plate if she doesnt she cooks, I hate wasting food

904

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 22:01

I'd ask her to stay away from the mangoes as you buy them for your child, or when you buy fruits give her what you see is reasonable for a person to eat over 5-7 days, keep stock of basic food at home & let her cook for herself. I dont give our maid food allowance, I buy her spread cheese & noodles as extras, we don't eat those, we always stock legumes, rice, pasta, meat & frozen veggies in addition to the fresh veggies I buy every 2-3 days. If I cook something she likes she will eat from it otherwise she will have to cook her own food. If she asks for something specific I buy it for her. I dont make a fuss out of it, she's a grown up & she can cook her own food. We buy expensive fruits, we share it with her but I jokingly told her that those fruits are expensive & we all eat those as treats not as main meals throughout the day. <em>edited by wickedangel_78 on 19/10/2014</em>

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 21:44

No,she is from Kenya and we don't eat rice everyday but I'd say 2-3 times a week, we really eat more Europian style (I am Czech)

324

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 20:33

Is she Fillipino? You said your husband is Indian background ( like mine) but do you cook rice every day ? And do you have a rice cooker. If not I recommend you get one and she can always cook herself rice if you are not eating it.

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 19:21

well,I fixed that already, I kind of snapped and told her off after she was sniffing the ghee and telling me how she doesn't like us using that. so I told her she doesn't have to eat it but I am not going to let her dictate how we cook meals in this family and reminded her she has not been honest about her diet (telling us about only the red meat and not milk) and the fact that she is not allergic otherwise she would not eat ice cream and that I don't appreciate her acting like that,that it's very disrespectfull. She apologised and it sort of stopped. She is very young-21 and I think she is just not thinking most of the time... I don't want to start all over again even though she is FAR from perfect but at least the boys are getting used to her. I am hoping the food allowance,getting her to cook her own and stopping access will not just fix the waistage/not enough food circle and me stressing what to cook but also send quite a clear message.

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 19:17

I wouldn't tolerate that behavior from my child, let alone a grown person that I'm paying! But 2000 Dhs monthly for a family of four? I don't know how that's done... We are five and its at least double. I'm sorry for your troubles but it sounds like she is really taking advantage, I'd have lost my temper at the taking extra portions, I.e. Taking from your own family, and that's what it boils down to in my opinion.

4062

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 19:07

well,I kind of tried that but honestly,now I just cannot judge how much to cook or end up having to shop everyday as she either doesn't eat it and [b'>then finishes all the mangoes[/b'> (which seems to be the only fruit my toddler eats so I have to go and buy more Does she prepare the mango for herself or do you cut it for her? Honestly, what a headache. How she eats obviously does not work with how your family eats. She's an adult, she can sort her own food out. Our maid doesn't get a food allowance, she gets an all in decent salary and it's up to her how she wants to spend it. She has a small fridge, a microwave, jug and rice cooker in her room. She is welcome to cook in my kitchen although she very rarely does. She does her grocery shopping in her time off.

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 17:56

I already had a chat with her 2 weeks ago as her pulling faces on my hubby using ghee (he is indian so sometimes we eat curries) or me making soups. With the constant teaching her how to clean house and even basics like wash hands before touching any utensils,food.... it's just getting too much. edited by Visnakova on 19/10/2014 Quite honestly, I think you should step up now or find another maid.

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 17:45

Izzi,I served her the food,the rest was on the side to cool down and I assure you hers was a big portion (like I would serve my hubby) but she just added it on (I was already feeding my toddler...) I already had a chat with her 2 weeks ago as her pulling faces on my hubby using ghee (he is indian so sometimes we eat curries) or me making soups,quite firmly I told her she has an option to eat what we have or sort herself out but I am just stuck with few things to cook and getting Peeped ;-) with it (but I just feel bad that she would have to eat what she doesn't like...). With the constant teaching her how to clean house and even basics like wash hands before touching any utensils,food.... it's just getting too much. I tell you,I was an au pair years back and nobody gave me any allowances or bent over backwards for what I wanted to eat,I ended up just using some of my salary to buy some stuff which I really wanted/craved every week and rest well,I just ate what my family did even if I didn't like it (I wouldn't even dare to ask them for anything else,I was there to help them not to add to their work.. ) but guess that just my nature Waiting for hubby to say what he things (he is out of the county now) but I guess I'll push for fridge and allowance,I keep saying it-she is here to make my life easier and eventually allow me to go back to work,now make my life more difficult... <em>edited by Visnakova on 19/10/2014</em>

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 17:33

Solve the problem of her taking too much - serve her a plate of food. World upside down: madam serving the maid?

IzzyOnTheSeat82823

5334

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 17:30

Solve the problem of her taking too much - serve her a plate of food.

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 17:26

This is ridiculous, she's there to make your life easier, not more difficult. I'm with Izzy: she eats what you eat (pretty normal in any household) or she buys her own. With respect to,eft overs, if you are using them as an extra meal tell her not to eat it! Depending on where you live/shop and how much her salary, I would think 500 AED to be a very generous food allowance. She's only been with you one month, probably trying you out. Set the rules NOW, before it's too late.

41

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 17:24

Give her 250dhs and let her shop for herself, remind her its for the whole month, which nationality, sorrry -:)

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 17:03

well,I kind of tried that but honestly,now I just cannot judge how much to cook or end up having to shop everyday as she either doesn't eat it and then finishes all the mangoes (which seems to be the only fruit my toddler eats so I have to go and buy more and throw the leftowers after 2 days or like yesterday I was making baked potatoes for lunch and made one more (really big like 18-20cm) potatoes to have it for today as I knew I might not be making it home to cook and she just ate both, well again I cooked more for dinner (fried rice) so that extra portion was there and she just ate it again and I am not kidding,that was like double to what my husband would eat and he is not a small guy. Then I feel bad to cook something with cream which I use quite a lot but fed up with all the cooking and figuring out what to cook and buy for it, bad enough most of the time I have to cook separate meals for us and kids and now her as well. oh,and now I need to figure out want to cook for dinner as she ate half of a fish which was ment for todays dinner... I don't want to be unfair but she is just acting like a spoiled kid... And seriously, we eat ok, meat veggies,poultry,fish and most of the time our food only shopping is within 2000Dhs a month 2 adults 2 kids and the boys make up for the portions by their tastes... but I do cook most from scratch and cook a lot with lentils,beens, veg...

180

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 16:43

Izzy is right. Our maid eats what we eat and when I go grocery shopping each weekend with her, she picks up some stuff she likes (brands from back home) but its never more than 50 bucks a time, which I pay for with my shopping.

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 16:42

Hello ladies, we got a new maid a month ago and struggling with our food arrangments... When we interwied her on the food she said she does not eat red meat (allergic), we were ok with that said she could cook something for herself but upon arriving she told us she is also allergic to milk (but eats ice cream ;-) ...) She already ate pork and beef and yoghurt in our meal either by choice or by accident and nothing happened. She is just super picky. So now most of what we eat she does not and she is pulling her face on most of the other stuff and I am kind of sick and tired of it as she is expecting her food cooked... We are waisting so much food now as if she doesn't something she barely touches it (so I end up eating it 4 days in a row) but then hoowers tons of fruits (but somehow only the expensive types...) then when she likes something she'll eat double to what my husband would so even me cooking to have some for following day doesn't work. Well,enough of my rant, I am seriously considering just giving her a food allowance on the top of her salary, getting her a small fridge and getting her cook her own food. If we go that way I'd prefer she'd sort out her complete food shopping and don't touch the family's so I don't have to deal with it again. So now, how much should we give her as food allowance? Just calculating our food shopping/month/person it works out about 500Dhs a head but isn't that too little for a single person? We had a live in some time ago but never delt with this,she ate with us so this is completely new... I couldn't survive on 500 a month. I don't shop at the expensive shops ( waitrose etc) and spend closer to 800-1000 a month ( excluding toiletries)

IzzyOnTheSeat82823

5334

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 16:36

How about the "eat what we eat or buy your own out of your salary" approach and see what happens.

15

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 19 October 2014 - 16:33

Hello ladies, we got a new maid a month ago and struggling with our food arrangments... When we interwied her on the food she said she does not eat red meat (allergic), we were ok with that said she could cook something for herself but upon arriving she told us she is also allergic to milk (but eats ice cream ;-) ...) She already ate pork and beef and yoghurt in our meal either by choice or by accident and nothing happened. She is just super picky. So now most of what we eat she does not and she is pulling her face on most of the other stuff and I am kind of sick and tired of it as she is expecting her food cooked... We are waisting so much food now as if she doesn't something she barely touches it (so I end up eating it 4 days in a row) but then hoowers tons of fruits (but somehow only the expensive types...) then when she likes something she'll eat double to what my husband would so even me cooking to have some for following day doesn't work. Well,enough of my rant, I am seriously considering just giving her a food allowance on the top of her salary, getting her a small fridge and getting her cook her own food. If we go that way I'd prefer she'd sort out her complete food shopping and don't touch the family's so I don't have to deal with it again. So now, how much should we give her as food allowance? Just calculating our food shopping/month/person it works out about 500Dhs a head but isn't that too little for a single person? We had a live in some time ago but never delt with this,she ate with us so this is completely new...

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis

Are "own visa" Domestic Workers legal in the UAE?

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE

Where to See Animals in the Wild in the UAE