Hey, fellow food lover! Think eating out in India’s bustling cities means draining your wallet? Think again. I’ve roamed Goa’s beaches, Delhi’s alleys, Mumbai’s streets, and Bangalore’s lanes with barely a few hundred rupees—and still eaten like royalty. Picture this: ₹20 vada pavs in Mumbai that hit harder than a five-star burger, ₹50 dosas in Bangalore crisp enough to crack a smile, ₹80 fish curries in Goa that taste like the sea itself, and ₹30 parathas in Delhi that warm your soul. Over years of budget travel, I’ve hunted down the cheapest, tastiest spots where locals eat, and I’m here to share every bite with you.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through the cheapest places to eat in Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, weaving in my own food-filled adventures, practical costs, and hacks to stretch your rupees further than a rubber band. Whether you’re a backpacker dodging tourist traps, a student counting coins, or just someone who loves a steal, these spots will keep your hunger in check and your savings intact. Ready to feast? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why These Cities Are Budget Food Paradises
Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore aren’t just travel hotspots—they’re treasure troves for anyone who loves good food on a tight budget. Here’s why they shine:
- Street Food Kings: From ₹15 pavs to ₹50 thalis, the streets are where flavor meets value.
- Local Gems: Small dhabas and stalls undercut fancy restaurants by miles.
- Diverse Tastes: Seafood, chaat, biryani, dosas—every craving’s covered cheap.
- Crowd-Driven Deals: Vendors compete, so prices stay low and portions stay generous.
With a daily food budget of ₹100–₹300, you can eat three meals and still have change for chai. Let’s break it down city by city with my favorite finds.
Cheapest Places to Eat in Goa
Goa’s laid-back vibe extends to its food—if you skip the tourist traps, you’re in for a budget treat. Here’s where I’ve eaten cheap and grinned ear to ear.
1. Bhatti Village – Panjim
- What to Eat: Goan fish thali (₹100–₹150)
- Why It’s Awesome: Hidden in the colorful Fontainhas quarter, this family-run joint dishes out fresh fish—think kingfish or mackerel—with rice, curry, and a side of pickle. I stumbled here after a long bus ride, paid ₹120 for a pomfret thali, and nearly cried from the spicy, tangy goodness. It’s no-frills—plastic chairs, loud chatter—but the taste is pure Goa.
- How to Reach: Bus to Panjim from Calangute or Mapusa (₹20–₹30), then a 10-minute walk.
- Pro Tip: Go early—fresh catch runs out fast.
2. Vinayak Family Restaurant – Calangute
- What to Eat: Chicken xacuti with rice (₹80–₹120)
- Why It’s Awesome: Tucked off Calangute’s busy streets, this spot serves authentic Goan fare without the tourist markup. My ₹90 chicken xacuti was a coconutty, fiery dream—paired with rice, it was a meal I still dream about. The vibe’s simple—think ceiling fans and friendly locals—but the flavor’s rich.
- How to Reach: Local bus from Mapusa (₹15) or a ₹50 auto.
- Pro Tip: Ask for extra curry—it’s free if you smile!
3. Mapusa Market Stalls – Mapusa
- What to Eat: Pao bhaji or sausage bread (₹30–₹50)
- Why It’s Awesome: Mapusa’s Friday market is a foodie chaos I adore. Vendors hawk pao bhaji (spiced veggies with bread) and Goan sausage rolls—greasy, cheap, and oh-so-good. I grabbed a ₹40 sausage bread once—salty, spicy, and perfect on the go.
- How to Reach: Bus from Panjim or Baga (₹20).
- Pro Tip: Bargain a little—vendors expect it.
4. Arambol Beach Shacks – Arambol
- What to Eat: Veg curry with chapati (₹50–₹80)
- Why It’s Awesome: Smaller shacks off Arambol’s main strip serve fresh, affordable meals with ocean views. I sat cross-legged on a mat, eating a ₹60 veg curry—potatoes and peas in a mild gravy—while waves crashed nearby. It’s basic but blissful.
- How to Reach: Bus to Arambol from Panjim (₹30) or a ₹100 auto.
- Pro Tip: Bring your own water—beach prices sting.
Goa Budget Hack: Ditch Baga and Candolim’s overpriced menus—head inland or to quieter beaches like Arambol.
Stay Nearby: Check Top Budget Hotels in Gokarna Under ₹1000 for a cheap coastal base.
Cheapest Places to Eat in Delhi
Delhi’s food is loud, messy, and dirt cheap if you stick to the streets. Here’s where I’ve filled up without emptying my pockets.
5. Parathe Wali Gali – Chandni Chowk
- What to Eat: Aloo paratha with curd (₹30–₹50)
- Why It’s Awesome: This narrow lane is paratha paradise—hot, greasy flatbreads stuffed with potatoes, served with curd and pickle. I squeezed onto a bench, ate two for ₹40, and waddled out happy. The chaos—vendors yelling, oil sizzling—is part of the charm.
- How to Reach: Metro to Chandni Chowk (₹20) or a ₹50 rickshaw.
- Pro Tip: Try the mix paratha if you’re extra hungry—still under ₹50.
6. Bengali Market – Central Delhi
- What to Eat: Chole bhature (₹50–₹70)
- Why It’s Awesome: Fluffy bhaturas and spicy chickpeas draw crowds here. I paid ₹60 for a plate—golden, puffed bread and a curry that packed a punch. It’s busy, but the taste makes up for the elbowing.
- How to Reach: Metro to Rajiv Chowk (₹20), then a short walk.
- Pro Tip: Pair with a ₹20 lassi from nearby.
7. Jama Masjid Area – Old Delhi
- What to Eat: Nihari or kebabs (₹50–₹100)
- Why It’s Awesome: Near the mosque, this meat-lover’s haven serves slow-cooked nihari (beef stew) and juicy kebabs. My ₹80 nihari with naan was melt-in-mouth magic—rich, oily, and worth every rupee.
- How to Reach: Metro to Jama Masjid (₹20).
- Pro Tip: Go post-prayer for the freshest batches.
8. Moolchand Paratha – Lajpat Nagar
- What to Eat: Mix veg paratha (₹40–₹60)
- Why It’s Awesome: This roadside stall churns out stuffed parathas—peas, carrots, potatoes—hot off the tawa. I grabbed one for ₹50 with a dollop of butter; it fueled a whole afternoon of exploring.
- How to Reach: Metro to Lajpat Nagar (₹30).
- Pro Tip: Ask for extra pickle—it’s free and zesty.
Delhi Budget Hack: Skip South Delhi’s posh cafes—Old Delhi’s lanes are where flavor meets savings.
Stay Cheap: See Best Budget Hotels Near Varanasi Ghats Under ₹800 for a vibe you’ll love.
Cheapest Places to Eat in Mumbai
Mumbai’s food is fast, cheap, and iconic—here’s where I’ve eaten like a local on pennies.
9. Khao Galli – Fort
- What to Eat: Vada pav (₹15–₹25)
- Why It’s Awesome: This alley near CST is Mumbai’s snack HQ. A ₹20 vada pav—spicy potato fritter in a bun—was my go-to lunch. Greasy, quick, and oh-so-Mumbai.
- How to Reach: Local train to CST (₹10).
- Pro Tip: Add extra chutney—free and fiery.
10. Cannon Pav Bhaji – CST
- What to Eat: Pav bhaji (₹40–₹60)
- Why It’s Awesome: Buttery mashed veggies with soft pavs—this street stall’s a legend. My ₹50 plate was a messy, delicious chaos I scooped up in minutes.
- How to Reach: Walk from CST station.
- Pro Tip: Go at dusk—fresher and livelier.
11. Aaswad – Dadar
- What to Eat: Misal pav (₹30–₹50)
- Why It’s Awesome: Spicy sprouts curry with pav—Maharashtrian comfort at its best. I paid ₹40; the heat and crunch kept me coming back.
- How to Reach: Local train to Dadar (₹10).
- Pro Tip: Ask for less oil if you’re watching it.
12. Bade Miyan – Colaba
- What to Eat: Chicken seekh roll (₹80–₹120)
- Why It’s Awesome: A late-night classic—smoky kebabs wrapped in roti. My ₹100 roll was juicy and worth the wait in the crowd.
- How to Reach: Bus to Colaba (₹20) or a ₹50 taxi.
- Pro Tip: Hit it post-9 PM for the full vibe.
Mumbai Budget Hack: Avoid Bandra’s trendy spots—station-side stalls are cheaper and tastier.
Explore More: Check Best Day Trips from Mumbai for nearby escapes.
Cheapest Places to Eat in Bangalore
Bangalore’s food scene mixes South Indian classics with unbeatable value—here’s my list.
13. CTR – Malleshwaram
- What to Eat: Butter dosa (₹50–₹70)
- Why It’s Awesome: Crisp, golden dosas dripping with ghee—this old-school spot’s a must. My ₹60 dosa was a crunchy, buttery hug.
- How to Reach: Metro to Mantri Square (₹20).
- Pro Tip: Arrive early—lines get long.
14. Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) – Lalbagh
- What to Eat: Masala dosa (₹60–₹80)
- Why It’s Awesome: An institution since forever—crisp dosas with perfect chutney. I paid ₹70 and left stuffed and smiling.
- How to Reach: Bus to Lalbagh (₹15).
- Pro Tip: Try the filter coffee (₹20)—a steal.
15. Shivaji Military Hotel – Jayanagar
- What to Eat: Donne biryani (₹70–₹100)
- Why It’s Awesome: Leaf-wrapped biryani with tender meat—rustic and rich. My ₹80 plate was a spicy, aromatic win.
- How to Reach: Bus to Jayanagar (₹20).
- Pro Tip: Pair with a ₹10 buttermilk.
16. VV Puram Food Street – Basavanagudi
- What to Eat: Idli or gobi manchurian (₹30–₹50)
- Why It’s Awesome: A foodie carnival—soft idlis, crispy manchurian, all cheap. I had a ₹40 idli plate—light and flavorful.
- How to Reach: Bus to Basavanagudi (₹15).
- Pro Tip: Sample multiple stalls—small portions rock.
Bangalore Budget Hack: Skip MG Road’s hip cafes—old areas like Malleshwaram save you big.
Stay Nearby: See Top Budget Hotels in Pondicherry Under ₹1000 for a South India base.
Cost Snapshot: Eating Cheap Across Cities
Here’s my real-world tally:
| City | Cheapest Meal | Average Cost/Day | Top Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goa | ₹30 (pao bhaji) | ₹100–₹250 | Mapusa Market Stalls |
| Delhi | ₹20 (gol gappa) | ₹80–₹200 | Parathe Wali Gali |
| Mumbai | ₹15 (vada pav) | ₹80–₹200 | Khao Galli |
| Bangalore | ₹30 (idli) | ₹90–₹200 | CTR |
Costs vary by appetite and haggling skills.
My Top Budget Eating Hacks for 2025
Here’s how I’ve kept food costs low:
- Street Over Sit-Down: ₹20–₹50 street eats beat ₹200 restaurant bills every time.
- Lunch Deals: Midday meals are cheaper—saved me ₹50 daily.
- Share the Love: Split thalis or rolls with a friend—half the cost, all the taste.
- Peak Hour Power: Busy stalls mean fresh food—go when crowds hit.
- Water Wise: Carry a bottle—₹20 savings per refill adds up fast.
- Ask Locals: They’ve led me to hidden gems—better than any app.
- Skip Add-Ons: Extra cheese or drinks hike prices—stick to basics.
FAQ: Your Cheap Eats Questions Answered
What’s the cheapest food city in India?
Mumbai—₹15 vada pavs are tough to beat for value and taste.
Can I eat three meals for ₹100 a day?
Absolutely—₹20 breakfast, ₹50 lunch, ₹30 dinner if you stick to streets. I’ve done it for a week!
Are these spots hygienic?
Most are—pick busy ones with quick turnover. I’ve eaten tons and stayed fine.
What’s the best cheap dish in each city?
- Goa: Fish thali (₹100)
- Delhi: Paratha (₹40)
- Mumbai: Vada pav (₹20)
- Bangalore: Dosa (₹50)
Wrap-Up: Savor India’s Cities on a Shoestring
These cities have fed me more than meals—they’ve given me stories, flavors, and lessons in living large on little. From Goa’s seaside shacks to Mumbai’s vada pav carts, Delhi’s paratha lanes to Bangalore’s dosa dives, you don’t need cash to eat well—just a knack for the cheap and cheerful. I’ve survived days on ₹100, and you can too. Tried these spots? Found a better deal? Drop it below—I’m always up for a food hunt!
Happy feasting!