The charming lanes of Delhi-NCR are teeming with places to eat, and that is no news to any Townie! But when a large chunk of the city's population comprises of students, the element of affordability becomes a major screening factor. Especially if you tend to go out often, spending a pretty penny on every meal is not exactly feasible, or even pleasant. Thank the stars for there are umpteen options for those looking to venture out on the streets of Delhi and leave with their life savings intact!
Affordable Cafes For Small Bites
Hipster, affordable and quirky, the Big Yellow Door Cafe is an essential visit for anybody scanning for reasonably priced delicious food in the colourful lanes of Satya Niketan. A large majority of DU South Campus students regularly flock to this rustic cafe and for good reason!
Image Courtesy - Little Black Book
Highlights: Student Friendly Ambience, College Hangout Spot, Quirky Decor
Must-Try: Chilli Chicken Spaghetti, Cheese Nachos, White Sauce Pasta, Kitkat Shake
Cost For Two: INR 800 (Approx)
Cuisine: Cafe, Italian, Fast Food
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: +91 7042294297, +91 7042294298
Where: Satyaniketan (Get Directions)
If you believe that the key to achieving world peace is a refreshing cup of tea, we believe we are leading you to just the right place! This beautiful cafe recognised for its delicious snacks and lightning-fast service gives you the holistic college cafe experience by being light on the pocket!
Image Courtesy - magicpin
Highlights: Breakfast Deals, Ideal Workspace
Must-Try: Pao Bhaji, Keema Pao, Ginger Tea, Hibiscus Iced Tea, Garlic Bread
Cost For Two: INR 300 (Approx.)
Cuisine: Cafe, Fast Food
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 9 AM to 3 AM
Contact: +91 8882447722, 011 41420516
Where: Begumpur, Malviya Nagar (Get Directions)
Wrapped in modern, chic decor and resonating with a comfortable, casual ambience, Rico's is a great place to satisfy your hunger pangs at without incurring exorbitant prices. The graffiti adorned walls and the colourful vibe further amplify the irresistible taste of the cafe food.
Image Courtesy - Little Black Book
Highlights: Trendy Background For Instagram Pictures, Alluring Burgers
Must-Try: Chicken Burger, Creme Sauce Veg, Waffles, Chicken Florentine Steak, Peach Iced Tea
Cost For Two: INR 900 (Approx.)
Cuisine: Cafe, American, Italian
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 011 66103821
Where: GTB Nagar (Get Directions)
One of the most popular hang-out spots in all of Delhi NCR, Cha Bar features as a favourite for most book lovers in town. An almost extended part of Oxford bookstore, this place is perfect to grab a quick, reasonably priced bite while picking a new read.
Image Courtesy - D For Delhi
Highlights: Cosy Ambience, Great Collection Of Books, Conducive For Conversations
Must-Try: Kulhad Pav Bhaji, Tiramisu, Maggi Sandwich, Hot Chocolate, Chai
Cost For Two: INR 600 (Approx.)
Cuisine: Cafe
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Contact: +91 9958005985
Where: Connaught Place (Get Directions)
Economic Full Meal Eateries
If you are looking to grab the full flavour of Delhi food without spending a fortune, QD's should be your go-to option. The food here is good enough to make your mouth water and the laid-back atmosphere adds to the classic QD's charm!
Image Courtesy - Just Dial
Highlights: Friendly Staff and Prompt Service, Aesthetic Decor
Must-Try: Chicken Tandoori Momos, Clear Soup, Dahi Ke Sholey, Arrabiata Chicken Pasta
Cost For Two: INR 1,000 (Approx.)
Cuisine: Chinese, North Indian, Fast Food
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 11:30 AM to 1 AM
Contact: +91 8882997777
Where: Hudson Lane, GTB Nagar (Get Directions)
Approved by a majority of the Delhi populace, Khan Chacha is a restaurant recognised by most for its mouth-watering kebabs and rolls. The delectable food options at Khan Chacha are replete with excellent quality and general quantity, all at sensible prices.
Image Courtesy - LimeTray
Highlights: Perfect For Casual Dining, Convenient Location, Popular Favourite
Must-Try: Spicy Chicken Roll, Chicken Biryani, Mutton Khati Roll, Mutton Kakori Kebab
Cost For Two: INR 650 (Approx.)
Cuisine: Mughlai, North India, Kebabs
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 011 43680449, 011 24633242
Where: Khan Market (Get Directions)
Home-like comfort at a reasonably priced restaurant offering appetising choices. What more could you ask for? This casual dining place located near the gorgeous JNU campus offers delectable North Indian dishes, full of flavour and zing.
Image Courtesy - magicpin
Highlights: Lightning Fast Service, Family Friendly, Flavoursome Local Food
Must-Try: Dosa, Malai Kofta, Mattar Mushroom
Cost For Two: INR 700 (Approx.)
Cuisine: North Indian
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 10 AM to 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM to 10 PM
Contact: +91 11 2696 6398
Where: Secular House, JNU (Get Directions)
The combination of mesmerising, dreamy decor and gratifying dishes is not one to be missed out on! The food is scrumptious and the beverages are refreshing, but the prices remain low. If that isn't reason enough, there is also a roof-top area filled to the brim with a vibrant, young crowd! You can also celebrate you birthday here with college friends.
Image Courtesy - Baromeeter
Highlights: Impressive Music, Great Ambience, Casual Hangout Spot
Must-Try: Keema Pav, Mama's Sangria, Chicken Spring Rolls, Pizzas
Cost For Two: INR 1,000 (Approx.)
Cuisine: Continental, Italian, Chinese, Tibetan
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 11 AM to 12 AM
Contact: +91 11 3310 555
Where: Hudson Lane, GTB Nagar (Get Directions)
A crowd favourite restaurant for casual dining, Saravana Bhawan offers fresh, hygienic and mouth-watering preparations at affordable prices. Simple food, cosy area and homely feeling, this pocket-friendly restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a breezy dinner with friends!
Image Courtesy - Flikr
Highlights: Breakfast Deals, Family Friendly, South Indian Delights
Must-Try: Ghee Paper Masala Dosa, 12 Mini Idli, Basundi, Thalis, Filter Coffee
Cost For Two: INR 500 (Approx.)
Cuisine: South Indian
Timings: Monday to Sunday; 8 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 011 28844305, 011 23345577
Where: Connaught Place (Get Directions)
Nostalgic Campus Canteens Of Delhi
1. St. Stephens
When it comes to St Stephens, everything has a legacy of its own including the canteen. The rustic old coffee house charm, dirt-cheap food and the vast variety in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes make this one of the top features in a list of affordable campus canteens of Delhi.
Image Courtesy - D For Delhi
Where: Sudhir Bose Marg, University Enclave (Get Directions)
Must-Try: Mince Cutlets, Chicken Curry Rice Dish, Dill Pickle Sandwiches, Scrambled Eggs With Toast
2. Lady Shri Ram College For Women
Elsas (as the students call themselves) pride themselves on their beautiful lush green campus always buzzing with enthusiasm and activity. A crucial feature of this quaint campus is the expansive canteen. Wait sorry, the "cafe". The cafe at LSR is resplendent with wide options from a variety of different cuisines and flavours. Pro tip from an ex-Elsa? There is a Chinese food stall right outside the back gate which was opened by the previous cafe contractors. Their prices are very low due to the on-going business "war" and their food is exceptional! However, getting inside the campus might be an ordeal if you are a guy (obviously).
Image Courtesy - Shiksha
Where: Nandi Vithi Rd, Lajpat Nagar 4 (Get Directions)
Must-Try: Amritsari Naan, Masala Dosa, Rajma Chawal, Brownies
3. Hansraj College
Suffice it to say, there is more to Hansraj than Sharukh Khan. Looking beyond the obvious like the academic rigour and excellent faculty, the canteen in Hansraj enjoys the reputation of being one of the best DU canteens, ever. It reminds you of a college canteen straight out of a Bollywood movie, with a seamlessly managed self-service counter. The low prices and the delish food are worth visiting the Hansraj campus for!
Image Courtesy - Hansraj College
Where: Mahatma Hans Raj Marg (Get Directions)
Must-Try: Spring Rolls, Honey Chilli Potato, Samosa
4. Hindu College
The canteen in Hindu College is known for its clean, tasty and hygienic food. The wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes makes for an extensive menu with an abundance of yummy bites to snack on. If you wish to feast on some flavour-some street food without actually venturing out on the streets of Delhi, this is the perfect place to grab that plate of Bhel Puri from!
Image Courtesy - The Better India
Where: Sudhir Bose Marg, University Enclave (Get Directions)
Must-Try: Aloo Parantha, Bhel Puri, Gol Gappe, Shahi Paneer Dosa
5. Ramjas College
The following words will change the way you look at life: three-floor DU canteen. That might seem like a thing of fantasy, but with Ramjas's spacious canteen offering a range of regional dishes, it is a dream come true. One floor is even air-conditioned, a fact we are still struggling to come to terms with, to this day!
Image Courtesy - Whatsup Life
Where: University Enclave (Get Directions)
Must-Try: Chole Bhature, Chole Rice, Veg White Sauce Pasta, French Fries
Now that we have provided you with ample budget-friendly options, the only thing you need to do is, text your old college buddies, and make a plan to meet at one of these cafes! What will follow is a great time with great friends and delicious food. All without spending a fortune! Now, that's an offer than can't be refused.
FAQs
Q. Are we allowed to get outside food?
A. No, you are not allowed to get outside food or drinks. If you visit these cafes or restaurants, you will have to order the food and beverages listed on their menu.
Q. Is there any service tax?
A. Some cafes or restaurants do choose to levy a certain proportion of service tax based on their discretion. However, this information will most likely be conveyed to you pre-emptively. If it is not, feel free to ask!
Q. Is there any book cafe in Delhi?
A. There are several cosy book cafes in our capital city. Check THIS out for a list of the best book cafes in Delhi NCR.
Q. Which cafe is the best for a date?
A. There are a number of serene cafes with romantic decor that you can have your perfect date in. To read about the most romantic restaurants in Delhi, check THIS out.