Cheap, Secret & Delicious – Where to Eat on a Budget in Delhi
India has long been a budget travel destination with an incredible food scene. Like most capital cities, Delhi tends to be more expensive than the rest of the country, but it’s still possible visit Delhi on a budget and eat very well.
It takes time to know a city like a local, but I’ve lived in Delhi since 2020 and have learned a few of its foodie secrets!
While I do enjoy a fine dining experience, the freshest and tastiest meals I’ve enjoyed in Delhi have been in the most unexpected places. And they have been super cheap! This is a list of my favourite spots to eat on a budget in Delhi.
Cheap, Secret & Delicious Places to Eat on Budget in Delhi
Almost of all these places were introduced to me by locals. I almost never see tourists or expats dining in any of them. That doesn’t mean the food isn’t good – on the contrary! The food is usually excellent. Here are my favourite places to eat on a budget in Delhi:
1. State Bhawans
State bhawans are the best place to find delicious food at budget prices in Delhi. These are government buildings, each representing its respective state.
Many state bhawans have canteens that are open to the public. They prepare and serve food from their home state at very affordable prices.
Because Delhi is India’s capital, it has bhawans from all over the country. It’s a fantastic way to try regional foods. I love eating in the state bhawans – the food is delicious, fresh and super cheap.
Most canteens serve 3 meals a day and are closed in between meal times. Typical hours are breakfast: 8-10:00 am, lunch: 12:30-3:00 pm and dinner: 7:30-10:00 pm, but this varies depending on the canteen.
👉 Insider tip: If there is thali tray on the menu, order that. You will get a variety of regional specialties, rice and some sort of Indian bread, like poori or rotis. It’s basically a buffet on a plate!
My favourite state bhawan canteens are:
- Andhra Pradesh Bhawan: 1 Ashoka Road (near India Gate), New Delhi
- Gujurat Bhawan: 11 Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
- Tamil Nadu House: 6 Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
- Delhi Karnataka Sangha: Rao Tularam Marg, Sector 12, Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi,
2. India’s ‘Fast Food’ Giants: Halidram’s or Bikanervala
Haldiram’s and Bikanervala are the two largest cafeteria style food chains in India. It’s basically the Indian equivalent of McDonald’s and Burger King. There’s definitely some rivalry between the two.
Both serve a variety of Indian meals and street style snacks in casual, cafeteria style restaurants. Haldiram’s has more locations across Delhi, so you’ll probably see them more often, but I’ve noticed Bikanervala catching up lately, with more and more shops opening.
Everyone has their favourite (I’m a die hard Haldiram’s fan), but you be the judge and try them both! Both companies have locations all across Delhi (and India).
3. Street Food
You don’t need to go to Old Delhi to eat street food. There is literally street food everywhere in Delhi.
I’m not knocking Old Delhi, it’s a very historic part of the city and considered ground zero for street food. But Delhi has other spots that aren’t as chaotic, with even better street food.
There are 3 markets that I prefer to Old Delhi for street food: Connaught Place, Central Market Lajpat Nagar and Amar Colony Market.
Both Amar Colony Market and Central Market Lajpat Nagar are pretty compact, and the street food joints are close together.
Connaught Place is a bit more spread out, but very central. Even if you don’t go for street food, you’ll probably end up in Connaught Place anyway – many of Delhi’s most amazing sites are around there.
Is Street Food Safe to Eat?
Sometimes street food is safer to eat than restaurant food. Street food is super fresh, and cooked to order in front of you.
Choose a stall that looks busy, be extra cautious about meat, and avoid all street food during monsoon and summer (May and June). Food spoils quickly during these seasons. And most importantly: wash your hands before eating or use sanitizer wipes!
👉 Do you want to try street food with a local? Take this highly rated street food tour in Old Delhi!
4. University of Delhi North Campus & St. Stephen’s College Cafeterias
I can’t remember how I found out that anyone could eat here, but when I was exploring the British monuments in North Delhi, my friend and I went to the cafeteria at University of Delhi. We just walked in like we knew where we were going and nobody questioned us.
The cafeteria is basic and the food was simple, but we go both got large veg thali trays that included gulab jamun for dessert, and it was very, very cheap.
An even better option, is the Cafe in St. Stephen’s College. St. Stephen’s is a very respected college associated with the University of Delhi. This is where the upper crust send their kids. The St. Stephen’s cafeteria is nicer, with a large outdoor seating area. Food is fresh, good and very budget friendly.
5. Dhabas
Technically dhabas are roadside food stalls, located on highways and at gas stations. But now dhabas are an essential part of the Delhi food scene, located in many middle class neighbourhoods. They offer fresh, home style food in a casual setting.
You may have to wait or share a table at these dhabas, but the food is top notch and at super budget prices. Like I said, these are humble establishments – rustic wooden seats and tables, open style kitchens, often no toilets (but always a sink to wash hands).
Some dhabas refill your plate at no extra charge. They serve local, Indian food.
These are the dhabas I regularly eat at:
- Kake da Hotel: located in Connaught Place, it serves North Indian food (a bit spicy), and is an iconic Delhi food joint
- Rajinder da Dhaba: a famous South Delhi dhaba, go in the evening when the take out window is open and eat chicken curry with roti in the parking lot with all the locals (the take out window is the cheapest option, but there are sit down restaurants too – the downstairs one is the most budget friendly)
- Karim’s: this is Old Delhi’s most famous eatery, it was the very first dhaba I ever went to – very casual, but they serve delicious Mughal style food
6. Evergreen Sweet House
If you are in South Delhi, this is an excellent place to stop for lunch or dinner. It’s located in Green Park Market, an upscale residential area.
I have eaten there numerous times, and everything it always very good. The restaurant is upstairs, above the sweet shop. It’s sit down service, and they have clean washrooms.
Several knock-off Evergreen restaurants have opened up around Delhi, but this is the authentic one.
Incidentally, this is one of the best sweet shops in Delhi for traditional Indian sweets. I often pick up some after my meal to bring home.
You will probably pass by a couple of the 15th century Green Park tombs on your way to Evergreen. Check them out while you’re in the area – entry is free.
- Location: S-29 & 30, Green Park Market, New Delhi
- Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily
7. Mysore Cafe
Mysore Cafe is the perfect place for breakfast or lunch if you are sightseeing in central Delhi. It’s popular with local office workers for breakfast.
The food is South Indian (dosas, uttapam and South Indian style coffee). I had uttapam here. It’s India’s version of a savoury pancake, and made with rice or lentil batter. Sounds weird, but it tastes good and it’s healthy!
Mysore Cafe opens early, so if you’re jet lagged and looking for somewhere to have breakfast other than the hotel, this is an excellent option.
- Location: Teen Murti Marg area, New Delhi
- Hours: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm, daily
8. Kaleva
My landlady introduced me to Kaleva. She thinks they have one of the best chole kulchas in Delhi (chick peas in gravy with fluffy breads), and she is right!
It’s close to Connaught Place and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, so we would often stop here on the way home from the gurudwara.
It’s a well known sweet shop, but they sell meals as well. I highly recommend the chole kulcha, it really is terrific.
- Location: 109 Bangla Sahib Rd, Gole Market, New Delhi
- Hours: 8:30 am – 11:00 pm, daily
9. Bengali Sweet House
This local sweet shop serves North and South Indian food, like chole, dhal and dosa. I ended up here while on a Delhi cycling tour one morning. The local guide took my group here for breakfast.
It’s located very near Connaught Place, and is a wonderful place to eat on a budget if you are in Central Delhi. I actually fell in love with the area. It’s in the middle of everything, but feels like a secret neighbourhood – something rare in a mega city like Delhi.
There’s a few sweet shops and restaurants here, all located around the roundabout. This one is on the corner, opposite Nathu’s Sweets.
- Location: 27-29 Bengali Market, Mandi House, New Delhi
- Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily
The Wrap-up on Cheap, Secret & Delicious – Where to Eat on a Budget in Delhi
Delhi is full of places to eat on a budget; you don’t have to stick to this list. Just look for spots that are busy with locals. Delhiites love food, and they won’t eat somewhere if the food is sub-par. I have found a few hidden gems that way. If the place is busy, you know it will be good!
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- 78 Free Places to Visit in Delhi
- Riding the Metro: the Best Way to Get Around Delhi
- Old Delhi Street Food Tour: An Insider’s Food Walk
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
