20 best restaurants in delhi where you can enjoy college budget (2023)

Last update:19 January 2019Jatin

"Travel and food are the incomparable combinations that you always want to have."

The city of Delhi offers travelers some of the best travel experiences. The capital is also a coveted destination for foodies as it offers tantalizing delights that are even on the budget. Every youngster in Delhi dreams (in some corner of their heart) of exploring and savoring the scent of the abundance of food. From tempting chole bhature to delicious biryani, from crispy samosa to spicy momo, from spicy gol gappe to Indian-style noodles (chaowmeen), and from buttery parathas to savory buns, there is a multitude of flavors in Delhi's food regions and countries. On top of that, Delhi also serves up some very tempting shakes and mojitos like no other city or state does. These shakes and mojitos are an irresistible choice of the city's youngsters, especially during the scorching summer season. Luckily if you are a young Delhiian you are in a city where you don't need to think twice before heading out to eat some savory and sugary delights as it offers a huge range of flavorful dishes, and also for a discerning gourmet.

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Here is the list of Delhi restaurants, cafes and eateries known for offering great food at rock-bottom prices:

1. Big Yellow Door (BYD), Satya-Niketan-Markt

A combination of ambience and flavor, BYD is located on the South Campus near Sri Venkateswara College. The place remains occupied most of the time due to college students. But after a while you can still get a seat here. The small café offers delicious Italian food and fast food, as well as delicious drinks ranging from mojitos to shakes. They have a cute custom at billing time where they give you a sticky note to write a feedback, offer or something positive you like and put it on their offer board.

• Timed coordination:10 a.m. to 11 p.m
• Cost:$600 for two
• Must try:Tipsy pasta and virgin mojito
• Nearest metro station:Racetrack

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2. Das Rolling Joint, Connaught Place

It's a small joint that must be on your list of the best places to eat in Delhi. Tucked away in the middle lane of Connaught Place, The Rolling Joint is housed in a small minibus which is very appealing because of its front panel. This bus serves as a counter and in the front yard they have set up temporary seating with garden chairs. The specialties of this place are buns and kebabs, as well as fast food. You can get both veggie and non-veggie buns here.

• Timed coordination:11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m
• Cost:$500 for two
• Must try:Rolls (especially Chicken & Cheese Cigar Roll) and Hippy Hippy Shake
• Nearest metro station:Rajiv Chowk

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3. Kennedys, West Patel Nagar

Kennedy's is the best place in Patel Nagar to enjoy delicious food. The small joint offers such a high-quality meal without burning a hole in your pocket. The outlet is known for its Chinese and fast food options. The place doesn't have a seating plan, but it's very popular among students. From shawarma and momos to chowmein and pasta, the eatery cultivates a variety of delicious fast food dishes.

• Timed coordination:1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m
• Cost:$450 for two
• Must try:Chilly Chicken Burgers, Hakka Noodles and Butter Chicken Pasta
• Nearest metro station:Patel Nagar and Shadipur

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4. KC-Restaurant, Dwarka-Sector-7

"A worthwhile place for momo junkies", Kitchen Caboodle or famously known as KC Restaurant offers an extensive selection of momos along with fast food. Along with the enriching aroma of their momos, the ambiance of the place looks wonderful in the evenings. Additionally, they offer some solid serving facilities with stand-and-eat or takeaway arrangements. The place is a "famous meeting place" in Dwarka among the college students and youth. If you ever visit Dwarka don't miss this place.

• Must try:Malai momos and tandoori momos
• Timed coordination:1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m
• Cost:$450 for two
• Nearest metro station:Dwarka-Sector-9

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5. Rajinder Da Dhaba

Although the place is a little pricey compared to other joints in the list, it's totally worth it. I only mentioned this food corner for the quality and consistent taste of their food, which ultimately justifies the money. Rajinder Da Dhaba is a famous joint among all chicken lovers in Delhi. Also, Dhaba is the heart of Delhi's nightlife as it offers food until midnight. No matter what you order here, you'll get the best version of your meal. They have both seating and standing in front of the joint, but prices for both vary. Also, they have self service, you have to place your order at the counter. Although they have the average prices, it would be wise to visit the outlet in a group or with at least two people to fit your budget.

• Must try:Mutton korma and chicken kebabs
• Timed coordination:17:00 to 00:00
• Cost:$800 for two
• Nearest metro station:I.N.A und Green Park

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6. Echos Hudson Lane, University of Delhi

“A café with an intoxicating concept” that used to be only found on the South Campus and has now opened another branch on Delhi University's Hudson Lane. Echoes specializes in serving Continental, Mexican, American, Italian, Chinese and Indian dishes. It is by far the best themed cafe on the list. Many of you may not be aware that all Echoes employees are deaf and dumb. However, the café has gotten used to the fact that everything is impeccable there. Each table has a button that you need to press to call a server. To place an order, you must write it on a notepad or show a sign placed on your table with the quantity and personalization that the waiter will pass on to the chefs. The beautiful impression of this cafe will seduce you.

• Must try:Paan shake and fiery chicken
• Timed coordination:11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m
• Cost:$600 for two
• Nearest metro station:GTB Nagar

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7. Mathews Café, RK Puram

Mathew's Cafe is an authentic South Indian sidewalk cafe. If you want to make a list of places to eat while in Delhi, this cafe should be at the top of your list. All the foods they offer have the real crunchy texture of South Indian cuisine. Whether you want to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, the place is for you. With a wide selection of Southern fare, Mathew's Cafe is integrated into an outdoor minivan where standing and dining options are available. From crispy vada and dosa to tantalizing sambhar and coconut chutney, the café offers real flavors in its dishes.

• Must try:Porota Kurma and Vadas
• Timed coordination:7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m
• Cost:$250 for two
• Nearest metro station:AIIMS

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8. Street Vendor, Vasant Kunj

Hawkers, a famous street shop in Vasant Kunj, is the real McCoy when it comes to Chinese food. Integrated into a bus stand, the turnstile is known for serving the best foodie street food with quicktime service. The special thing about this place is that there is a half quantity option for almost every food item. Whenever you visit the place, its taste never lets you down. So far the tang remains the same as when the joint was incorporated. Additionally, the standing and eating options in front of their booth make the place a perfect quintessential street eatery.

• Must try:Honey Chili Potatoes and Chili Garlic Pasta
• Timed coordination:11:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m
• Cost:$500 for two
• Nearest metro station:Chattarpur

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9. Imly, Rajendra Square

For all North Indian foodies, this food hub is a perfect pit stop to satisfy your hunger. It's one of thebest restaurants in delhi for vegetarian food. The Indian fusion restaurant is set up in train compartments. The concept of this restaurant is so enticing that you should visit the place once in your lifetime. Besides the intriguing exterior and interior, the Food Hub has always managed to live up to its expectations. It serves some of the best Indian dishes with impeccable fusion of street food. The in house seating arrangement will definitely make you fall in love with this place.

• Must try:Cheese Burst Soda and Jalebi with Rabri
• Timed coordination:12:00 p.m. to 00:00 a.m
• Cost:$700 for two
• Nearest metro station:Rajendra Square

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10. Chowringhee, Karol Bagh

Known as one of the most popular street food spots in Delhi, Chowringhee is a small diner known for serving buns and fast food. The place is just perfect for students who are on a budget to have tasty buns at a decent price. However, there is no seating, but you can stand and eat outside. The selection of buns is the main attraction of the joint. Additionally, the juicy and flavorful filling of these buns will definitely make you want to come back to this place.

• Must try:Double spring roll and double paneer roll
• Timed coordination:11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m
• Cost:$250 for two
• Nearest metro station:Karl Bagh

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11. Green Chick Chop, Defense Colony

At Green Chick Chop you can have a meal that caters to taste and health. The small grocery store in the Defense Colony offers some delicious chicken dishes. The quality of their chicken is so fresh you can taste it. The eatery is one of the must-visit places to eat non-veg since it serves not only cooked food but also processed foods that are suitable for the microwave. They also have an extensive selection of dips to purchase.

• Must try:Chicken malai tikka and smoked breast
• Timed coordination:10 a.m. to 10 p.m
• Cost:$400 for two
• Nearest metro station:Lajpat Nagar

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12. Amigos Hub, Satyaniketan

Amigo is one of the coolest cafes in Satyaniketan in terms of food and ambiance. The cafe serves the most delicious food in Delhi, one would never refuse to come in here and catch the aroma of their delicacies. With some refreshing music and smacking fast food, the place is perfect to hang out with friends. The special thing about the Amigo is that the café is tax-free. Thus, the price of their food does not burden the pocket. In addition, the interior of this cafe is very attractive and the services are also great.

• Must try:Momos in garlic sauce and Oreo shake
• Timed coordination:10 a.m. to 10 p.m
• Cost:$500 for two
• Nearest metro station:Racetrack

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13. Billus Hut, NSP

For those who like to eat cheese, mayonnaise and spicy food, this place is best for you. Billu's Hut is famous for its Chinese and fast food. Although the eatery has no seating, it can still feel crowded due to its enticingly delicious food. What is also most attractive is their prompt service as well as the price and quality of their offerings.

• Must try:Punjabi Pasta and Choco Mud Shake
• Timed coordination:11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m
• Cost:$400 for two
• Nearest metro station:NSP

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14. Bistro 57, Netaji Subhash Square

The café is one of Bistro's franchisee restaurants and is also known as the 'King of Drinks'. Also, the Food Joint is considered one of the best value restaurants in Delhi. It serves fast food and drinks with unforgettable taste. In addition, the taste of their dishes exclusively determines their prices. Apart from that, the hygiene level of this cafe is also very high, which is a plus. There is no seating in the cafe but it is still well organized and managed which creates a lot of hype about the unrivaled cafe in NSP.

• Must try:Passion fruit mojito and garlic toast
• Timed coordination:11 a.m. to 11 p.m
• Cost:$400 for two
• Nearest metro station:NSP

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15. Moolchand Parantha, Lajpat Nagar

Moolchand Parantha is the classic place for Desi Parathas. It's a small shop under Moolchand tube station with a stand and food options. The place has a huge fanfare for its rage on parathas and entrees. Crunchy in texture and loaded with butter, the parathas are simply irresistible. Additionally, this place can be considered as the ideal spot for parantha lovers who want to have them late at night as well. Keep that in mind; One paratha is so heavy that you will hardly feel the urge to eat another.

• Must try:Gobi Parantha and Keema Parantha
• Timed coordination:9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m
• Cost:$350 for two
• Nearest metro station:Moolchand

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16. Uncle Chicken Shawarma, Dwarka Sector-10

Dwarka is the best place to hunt for smacking shawarmas in Delhi. The taste of Uncle Chicken's shawarmas is so out of this world that you'll cherish every bite of it. They contain no vegetables, which is what most shawarma makers do. What's more, their filling is so good that the shawarma is just perfect and when combined with the mayo and green sauce they provide to go with it, becomes irresistible. The shop can only be visited during the night, although it opens in the late morning. They ran a small shawarma stand in front of their shop in the evenings.

• Must try:Schawarma
• Timed coordination:5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m
• Cost:$150 for two
• Nearest metro station:Dwarka-Sector 11

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17. Young Wild Free Café, Satya Niketan

It's a great hangout cafe for students. The cafe mainly deals in Italian, Chinese and Continental cuisines and is one of the affordable restaurants in Delhi. From the ambience to the taste of the food, everything is just right. In addition, the cafe has a unique seating arrangement that attracts a large number of students and adults. They put some mattresses on the customized flooring. In addition, they have drawn borders around these mattresses using ropes and small bamboo sticks. Aside from the decor, the food and service are also impressive. The most enticing thing about this place is that you can sit here as long as you like as the cafe is not a crowded meeting place.

• Must try:Baked Nachos and Virgin Mojito
• Timed coordination:11 a.m. to 11 p.m
• Cost:$500 for two
• Nearest metro station:Racetrack

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18. Karim, Jama Masjid

Karim's is the talk of the town restaurant in Old Delhi and caters to the die-hard non-vegetarian in Delhi. Established in 1913, the food center is now one of the oldest restaurants in Delhi. The delicious taste of their Mughlai and North Indian food makes this food joint the "King of Non-Vegetarian Restaurants". Not only residents of Delhi but also tourists from all over the world are amazed by the food of this restaurant. However, the place is not for health conscious people as the food is pure ghee.

• Must try:Mutton korma and mutton burra
• Timed coordination:11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m
• Cost:$800 for two
• Nearest metro station:Jama Masjid

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19. QDs, Satyaniketan

Since Satyaniketan is the hub for affordable restaurants and cafes, here comes another one from there in the list. QD's is the focal point for some irresistible delights. From their variety of delicious dishes, Tandoori Momo is the talk of the restaurant. The restaurant offers Chinese, North Indian, Italian and fast food, but its tandoori momos are always a customer favorite. Also when it comes to the best restaurants for fine dining on South Campus, this place is in the top 10. From taste, quantity, price to presentation, the Food Hub is impeccable in everything it serves. The ambiance is also quite decent but the place stays full most of the time due to demand.

• Must try:Tandoori momos and chocolate monster shake
• Timed coordination:11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m
• Cost:$700 for two
• Nearest metro station:Racetrack

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20. Beeryani, SDA-Markt

This is the type of food court that shouldn't be ignored. The term “Beeryani” is a portmanteau for beer+biryani. It is one of the most popular food courts among students due to its out-of-the-box concept. Apart from that, the price of their food and drinks is also quite good. The restaurant offers a selection of Biryani and Mughlai dishes with delicious taste. In addition, they also have some vegetarian options for their veg visitors which are amazing in taste as well. Besides the food, the ambiance is another point that also attracts many young people here.

• Must try:Mutton Biryani and Paneer Lababdar
• Timed coordination:12 p.m. to 1 a.m
• Cost:$700 for two
• Nearest metro station:Hauz Khas

All of the above cafes, restaurants and eateries are some of the favorite places among college students and youngsters to hang out. If you haven't found the place of your choice in this blog, check out our other blog you won't be able to resist. You can also assume that we know something about other states, cities and cultures through our blogs, so keep visiting our site.