If you're on a budget and looking for a place to eat in the city, you'll find plenty of options across India. We’re never too far from a budget-friendly restaurant, a reasonably priced lunch buffet or a quick snack that also tastes great. This is a problem of abundance, not scarcity. But which ones are the pick of the lot? There are several places that offer tasty, healthy food at very reasonable prices.
Also Read: After Unlimited Thalis At INR 10, Here Are Some Budget-Friendly Thali Eateries You Can Try In Delhi
Best Budget Food Options In Mumbai
If you're on a tight budget, you can try a vegetarian snack at one of the many street food stalls in Mumbai. This city is a hard one to make Best-of lists for, given that one can find quality food all over. But if had to recommend the most popular budget-friendly food option, it’s the humble vada pav. The vada vav in places like Ashok Vada Pav, near Kirti College in Dadar, has achieved legendary status in the city. Some claim it was invented in this restaurant. You can also try Pav Bhaji, a vegetarian dish made of leftover vegetables, and paired with a buttery roll. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try the cheese version.
Another vegetarian option is Nutan. Despite its small size, this restaurant offers a selection of great tasting vegetarian dishes at affordable prices. The Paneer Makhanwala, Tawa Pulav, and Dal are popular dishes. Where else, these days, can you have all of those in one meal and run up a bill of only Rs 250?
One thing Mumbai is not appreciated enough for, is the ubiquity of the inexpensive poha outside colleges as a breakfast option. Across the city, these budget breakfast options taste great and are served fresh. It’s a common sight to see a husband-wife duo serving freshly-cooked poha, sabudana khichdi etc. for as little as Rs 10-20. It’s the consistency of taste at that inexpensive price that sets a high benchmark.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a romantic setting or a date night for you and your SO, it can be a difficult prospect in this expensive city. There are a few that are a bit far afield, while not being cliched, allow privacy and don’t leave you broke - the WaterHouse Deli in Thane is a nice choice. This place is laid back and offers a pleasant ambiance. It's not overly open, and there are plenty of tables that offer the privacy one craves in Mumbai for a heart-to-heart conversation. It's best to visit on a weekday because the crowd here is smaller and the service is more attentive.
Best Budget Foods In Delhi
Whether you're in Delhi for business or pleasure, there are plenty of places to find good budget food. Delhi has a variety of high-quality restaurants that offer excellent meals at an affordable price. For example, the famous Cafeteria & CO. is a popular spot for students who want to eat out but don't want to break the bank. The place is has friendly staff, tasty food, and reasonable prices.
If you're looking for a hearty meal, try the stuffed parantha, which is inexpensive and filling. You can get a stuffed parantha with meat, vegetables, or a mixture of both. Moolchand parathas are some of the best in the city. You can find them in Chandni Chowk and in the Gole Market.
Dhabas are another great option for fast, fresh, and delicious food on a budget. They have many popular Indian and (indian-) Chinese dishes that are sure to satisfy your craving. Rajinder Da Dhaba in Safdarjung started out as a tiny eatery, but over time has expanded into a large strip mall. The restaurant offers several popular dishes, and its service is lightning-quick, giving rise to a loyal clinetele.
Another place for budget food in Delhi is The GT Road. This restaurant offers an Indian buffet for reasonable prices, and its decor and atmosphere make for a enjoyable experience overall. The menu includes traditional dishes such as chaat and desserts. Be sure to book ahead of time to avoid missing out. If you're visiting Delhi with friends and want a break from the overkill of Indian cuisine, The Barbeque Company is a great place to meet and have a delicious meal on a budget.
Best Budget Food Options In Kolkata
Kolkata flies under the radar these days but the city has several places that offer delicious food for a very low price. One of the most famous chains of budget restaurants in the city is Aminia, which is known for its delicious biryanis. If you are looking for a quick bite while visiting the city, you should stop by one of these places.
You can also indulge in street food, which is a popular way to enjoy a meal on a budget. Street stalls selling everything from omelettes to chowmein are a great way to eat in the city on a budget. These places are also great for all-day snacks.
In addition to street food, you can also find great restaurants that serve a wide variety of dishes for a very low price. One of the best places to try momos is the Rabindra Sadan Metro Exit, which is surrounded by Tibetan restaurants. You can choose from a wide selection of momos from all over the world for a very low price.
If you have a small budget, you can try Aaira, a new restaurant that makes great North Indian food, but also serve Chinese and Bengali dishes. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is good enough to feed a family. The restaurant is also known for its Butter Chicken, which is an excellent choice for a meal out. Afterwards, you can end the meal with a sweet dish like Halwa.
If you’re looking for old school favorites in Kolkata, The Grub Club in Hindustan Park, is a regular for students and young people looking for great food that doesn’t burn a hole in their pockets. Similarly, Tasty Corner in Mandeville Gardens has great food at low prices. Kachori Sabzi at Rs 20? Yes please! Bachan’s Dhaba on Rashbehari Avenue is another popular low-cost option that has been popular in the city for ages.
Best Budget Food Options In Chennai
If you're on a budget, there are a number of excellent food options in the city. Many of these are vegetarian and serve a variety of different flavors. For lunch, you can grab a South Indian Thali (a plate full of unlimited items for about 30 INR), or you can spend a little more and try more traditional dishes.
While Chennai high-end restaurants tend to grab the headlines, you can find plenty of affordable options in the city. When in a city, the best breakfast options are always local. Now, we know the average idli and vada is great but when in Chennai, you must make your way to Rayar’s Mess on Arundale Street. They serve some of the best pongal, idly and filter coffee in the city. That’s a filling breakfast done right!
Fusili Reasons has become a favorite with youngsters in the city. Why? Budget-friendly Italian food, that’s why. Their pastas and gralic bread have built a steady, loyal following that contonues to grow. A lovely White Sauce Pasta at Rs 150 is a great way to win customers over.
Bombay Lassi is another name that comes up often. The lowest priced item on their menu cost Rs 14! Lassi, kachori, jalebi – great picks for a quick snack at approximately Rs 20 per dish. Yes, Jalebi, because the one served here something approaching a following of its own. Food coma stuff, this. As one reviewer on Trip Advisor put it, “just tasty food, no crap”. Indeed.
Another option is to try chaat. Chennai folks usually head to Sowcarpet for chaat, but you can also enjoy the variety of onion and mint samosas at Sri Karpagambal Kapali Sweet Stall in Mylapore – menu filled with delicious food, and easy on the wallet/purse.