Before reading this post, must read the master post on Places to visit in Delhi: Dilli Darshan
Going out to eat is an experience which everyone loves. However, the one thing everyone complains about is the pocket pinch. We’re talking about the common people of course. Not the ones carrying Louis Vuitton clutches, interchanging clothes from Prada and Gucci as frequently as drinking water! If you’re in Delhi craving food and willing to try different cuisines but have a budget, the various state-run Bhavans would be your best bet. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. The Andhra Bhavan
The Andhra Bhavan canteen is always crowded, believe me. Either go early before the lunch hour rush begins or after 2.30 pm when the crowds begin to disperse. With the set-course unlimited vegetarian thali (meal) you can choose to add mutton, chicken or prawn. Everyone is served rice, roti, various vegetables, lentils, yogurt and a sweet. The entire experience is just divine.
Recommended: Mutton Fry, Chicken Fry, Andhra Thali
Cost For Two: Rs 200
Cuisine: South Indian, Andhra
Address: Ferozeshah Road, Delhi (Get Directions)
2. Samrudhi - Kerala House
Can’t visit Kerala? Why not try the authentic food at the Kerala House staff canteen? You can walk to Jantar Mantar Road from the Rajiv Chowk metro station and then tuck into a hearty meal of brown rice with sambar and seasonal vegetables. And the best part is, it’s super pocket-friendly!
Recommended: Fish Curry, Veg Thali, Meat Fry
Cost For Two: Rs 35
Cuisine: Kerala, South Indian
Address: Janpath, Delhi (Get Directions)
3. Nagaland House
Love pork? Visit Nagaland House for the ribs. The spices are just right and the meat is sinful. You can have the rice and lentils served with a helping of boiled vegetables along with the famous fish chutney (made with dried fish, tomatoes, chilies and secret spices), but it’s the pork which makes the meal unforgettable.
Recommended: Pork Ribs
Cost For Two: Rs 500
Cuisine: Naga
Address: Aurangzeb Road, Delhi (Get Directions)
4. Viva O’Viva - Goa Niwas
Missing the Goa beaches? I can’t promise you the beach view, but Goa Niwas in Chanakyapuri serves authentic Goan food which will take your taste buds down memory lane. This eatery is a gift for those who crave authentic Goan food. The ambiance gives you a feel as if you are in Goa and are enjoying your food with Goan music playing in the background. It does a great job in delivering the delicacies of this wonderfully crafted cuisine.
Recommended: Pork Vindaloo, Prawn Peri Peri, Bebinca
Cost For Two: Rs 1000
Cuisine: Goan, Seafood
Address: Chanakyapuri, Delhi (Get Directions)
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5. Jakoi - Assam Bhavan
Enjoy authentic Assamese cuisine in the form of Chicken cooked in Bamboo, Gooseberry Soup, fish and duck preparations and more. They also have Thali meals where one could savor Assamese food in all its splendor. Along with these dishes they also have normal Chinese and North Indian dishes, that are a treat for the taste buds.
Recommended: Chicken bamboo gravy, Fish Tenga, Bhut Jolokia Chicken
Cost For Two: Rs 400
Cuisine: Assamese, Chinese
Address: Chanakyapuri, Delhi (Get Directions)
These are only a few examples. There are plenty of other state-run Bhavans to try out. For instance, the Banga Bhavan (for the typical Bengali food lover), Jammu and Kashmir House, Maharashtra Sadan, Tamil Nadu Bhavan, Orissa Bhavan (a must for crab lovers) and Sikkim House. So go ahead. Eat without feeling the pinch. With great food at such reasonable rates, what’s stopping you?
FAQs
Q. What are the best budget restaurants in Delhi?
A. Cafe brown sugar, chowringee lane, big yellow door, Ricos, QD's
Q. What are the best Family restaurants in Delhi?
A. Soda Bottle opener wala, Tamra, Dakshin, Barbeque Nation, Smoke House Deli
Q. What are the best roof-top restaurants in Delhi?
A. 10 Beautiful Rooftop Restaurants In Delhi To Relax On Lovely Winter Evenings
Q. What are the romantic restaurants in Delhi?
A. Top 13 Romantic Restaurants In Delhi/NCR For A Perfect First Date
Q. Where to go in Delhi for a good fine-dine experience or date?
A. Lavaash, Sky Lounge