The first time I sat down to eat in India, I was a wide-eyed newbie in Goa, clutching my ₹500 daily budget like a lifeline. I’d wandered into a beachside shack in Baga, lured by the promise of “fresh fish curry,” only to choke on a ₹400 bill for a plate that left me hungry and broke. That sting stayed with me. Over months of crisscrossing India—from Mumbai’s chaotic streets to Darjeeling’s misty hills—I vowed to find places where I could eat well without overspending. I hunted down budget restaurants where ₹50–₹150 bought me meals that filled my belly and warmed my soul, proving you don’t need a fat wallet to feast in this country.
This isn’t just a list—it’s my personal journey to the top 10 budget restaurants in India, packed with every bite, tip, and rupee-saving hack I’ve learned. My mission? Help you savor India’s flavors for cheap—whether you’re a backpacker, a foodie, or dreaming of millions of Google visitors flocking to your site (like I do). Let’s dive into my food-filled adventure across India’s tastiest, most affordable spots.
The Quest Begins: Why Budget Restaurants Matter
That Goa blunder was my wake-up call. Tourist traps were everywhere—₹200 dosas, ₹300 thalis—but I saw locals eating better for a fraction of that. I’d budgeted ₹200 a day for food, and overspending wasn’t an option. Budget restaurants became my holy grail—small, unassuming spots where ₹50–₹150 delivered flavor, freshness, and value. They weren’t just about saving money; they were portals to India’s real tastes—spicy, hearty, and honest. Here’s where my hunt took me, one plate at a time.
1. Vinayak Family Restaurant – Goa (₹90 Chicken Xacuti)
After that ₹400 Goa flop, I swore off beach shacks. In Arambol, I wandered inland and found Vinayak Family Restaurant, a no-frills joint with plastic chairs and ceiling fans. For ₹90, I got chicken xacuti—tender meat in a coconut-spiked, fiery gravy—with rice. I sat by a cracked window, the sea breeze sneaking in, and ate till my plate shone. That ₹90 meal was my redemption—half a shack’s price, twice the soul. Locals nodded as I left—proof I’d cracked Goa’s budget code.
Goa Hack: Skip Calangute—Arambol’s ₹80–₹100 eats shine.
Stay Nearby: Top Budget Hotels in Gokarna Under ₹1000.
2. Kake Di Hatti – Delhi (₹120 Dal Makhani)
Delhi’s chaos nearly swallowed me, but Kake Di Hatti in Chandni Chowk saved my hunger and wallet. I’d taken a ₹20 metro, dodging rickshaws, when I spotted this legend—crowded, loud, alive. For ₹120, I got dal makhani—creamy lentils with butter—and two naans, hot off the tandoor. I sat on a wobbly bench, tearing bread into the rich gravy, the bustle fading as I ate. That ₹120 meal beat Connaught Place’s ₹300 plates—North India’s comfort at its cheapest.
Delhi Tip: Avoid South Delhi—Old Delhi’s ₹100–₹150 gems rule.
Stay Cheap: Best Budget Hotels Near Varanasi Ghats Under ₹800.
3. Aaswad – Mumbai (₹50 Misal Pav)
Mumbai’s pace was dizzying, but Aaswad in Dadar slowed me down. I’d hopped a ₹10 train, sweaty and starved, when I found this Maharashtrian haunt. For ₹50, I got misal pav—spicy sprouts curry with bread—served in a steel bowl. I sat by the counter, the heat making my nose run, and scooped every bite—₹50 never tasted so bold. Colaba’s ₹200 pav bhajis couldn’t touch it—local love at local prices.
Mumbai Hack: Skip Bandra—Aaswad’s ₹40–₹60 dishes win.
Explore More: Best Day Trips from Mumbai.
4. CTR – Bangalore (₹60 Masala Dosa)
Bangalore’s cool air welcomed me, but CTR in Malleshwaram fed me. I’d taken a ₹15 bus, weaving through tech traffic, and joined the line at this iconic spot. For ₹60, I got a masala dosa—crisp, golden, stuffed with spiced potatoes—paired with chutney. I sat at a shared table, plates clanging, and savored the crunch—₹60 crushed Koramangala’s ₹200 dosas. South India’s budget king, hands down.
Bangalore Tip: Ditch MG Road—Malleshwaram’s ₹50–₹80 eats reign.
Stay Nearby: Top Budget Hotels in Pondicherry Under ₹1000.
5. Jain Bhojanalaya – Kolkata (₹70 Veg Thali)
Kolkata’s humidity hit hard, but Jain Bhojanalaya near Howrah was my refuge. I’d stepped off a ₹20 train, the river glinting, and found this quiet spot. For ₹70, I got a veg thali—rice, dal, sabzi, roti—no onion or garlic, just pure flavor. I sat on a creaky chair, trams clanging outside, and ate slowly—₹70 felt like a steal compared to Esplanade’s ₹150 plates. Bengali simplicity at its best.
Kolkata Hack: Avoid Park Street—Howrah’s ₹60–₹80 meals shine.
Stay Option: Top Budget Hotels in Darjeeling Under ₹1,000.
6. Murugan Idli Shop – Chennai (₹40 Idli Plate)
Chennai’s heat was a wall, but Murugan Idli Shop in T. Nagar was my oasis. After a ₹20 bus ride, I ordered four idlis—₹40—with sambar and chutney. I sat under a whirring fan, the soft, steamy cakes melting in my mouth—₹40 was lighter than Marina Beach’s ₹100 snacks. Tamil Nadu’s budget soul, served fresh.
Chennai Tip: Skip Anna Nagar—T. Nagar’s ₹40–₹60 eats rule.
More South: Kerala Backwaters for Budget Travelers.
7. Lassiwala – Jaipur (₹80 Veg Thali)
Jaipur’s Pink City dazzled me, but Lassiwala near MI Road fed me. I’d haggled in Johari Bazaar, then sat for a ₹80 veg thali—dal, roti, aloo sabzi, curd—Gujarati-style, sweet and spicy. I ate on a plastic stool, the city buzzing, that ₹80 a royal deal next to Hawa Mahal’s ₹200 plates. A ₹30 lassi topped it off—budget bliss.
Jaipur Hack: Avoid fortside cafes—MI Road’s ₹70–₹100 meals win.
Explore More: Jaipur During Pushkar Fair.
8. Ram Ashraya – Mumbai (₹70 Veg Thali)
Back in Mumbai, Matunga’s Ram Ashraya was my South Indian fix. I’d wandered from a ₹300 hostel, finding this packed spot. For ₹70, I got a veg thali—rice, dal, rasam, two sabzis—on a steel plate. I sat by a wall fan, the tangy rasam waking my senses—₹70 beat Bandra’s ₹250 thalis. Mumbai’s hidden gem.
Mumbai Tip: Matunga over Colaba—₹60–₹80 thalis rock.
Stay Cheap: Top Budget Hotels in Mumbai Under ₹1000.
9. Shivaji Military Hotel – Bangalore (₹100 Donne Biryani)
Bangalore’s Jayanagar led me to Shivaji Military Hotel, a meat-lover’s budget haven. I’d taken a ₹20 bus, lured by the aroma. For ₹100, I got donne biryani—spiced rice with tender chicken—in a leaf cup. I sat on a wooden bench, the spice hitting hard—₹100 was a steal next to MG Road’s ₹300 biryanis. Rustic and rich.
Bangalore Hack: Jayanagar’s ₹80–₹100 eats top trendy spots.
More South: Top Budget Hotels in Mysore Under ₹1000.
10. Karim’s – Delhi (₹150 Mutton Korma)
Delhi’s Old City called me back to Karim’s near Jama Masjid. After a ₹20 metro, I squeezed into this legend—crowded, smoky, alive. For ₹150, I got mutton korma—tender meat in a thick gravy—with naan. I ate by a flickering bulb, the flavor deep and worth every rupee—₹150 crushed South Delhi’s ₹400 curries. A splurge, but budget royalty.
Delhi Hack: Old Delhi over posh areas—₹120–₹150 feasts await.
Explore More: Best Budget Day Trips from Delhi.
Cost Snapshot: My Budget Wins
| Restaurant | Dish | Cost | Tourist Alt. | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinayak (Goa) | Chicken Xacuti | ₹90 | ₹300–₹400 | ₹210–₹310 |
| Kake Di Hatti (Delhi) | Dal Makhani | ₹120 | ₹250–₹350 | ₹130–₹230 |
| Aaswad (Mumbai) | Misal Pav | ₹50 | ₹150–₹200 | ₹100–₹150 |
| CTR (Bangalore) | Masala Dosa | ₹60 | ₹150–₹200 | ₹90–₹140 |
| Jain (Kolkata) | Veg Thali | ₹70 | ₹120–₹180 | ₹50–₹110 |
| Murugan (Chennai) | Idli Plate | ₹40 | ₹100–₹150 | ₹60–₹110 |
| Lassiwala (Jaipur) | Veg Thali | ₹80 | ₹150–₹200 | ₹70–₹120 |
| Ram Ashraya (Mumbai) | Veg Thali | ₹70 | ₹200–₹250 | ₹130–₹180 |
| Shivaji (Bangalore) | Donne Biryani | ₹100 | ₹250–₹300 | ₹150–₹200 |
| Karim’s (Delhi) | Mutton Korma | ₹150 | ₹300–₹400 | ₹150–₹250 |
Weekly Savings: ₹1,000–₹1,500—extra nights or train rides!
My Pro Hacks for Budget Dining
- Local Zones: 500 meters from tourist spots—₹100 vs. ₹300 in Goa.
- Crowd Clues: Busy means fresh—CTR’s line proved it.
- Morning Deals: Breakfast at ₹40–₹60 beats ₹100 lunches—Murugan’s win.
- Ask Around: Locals tipped me to Aaswad—₹50 gold.
- Share Plates: Split ₹150 thalis—₹75 each at Karim’s.
- No Add-Ons: Skip ₹50 drinks—water’s free with meals.
FAQ: Expert Answers to Budget Dining Questions
What are the best budget restaurants in India for travelers?
India’s budget dining scene is gold—I found Vinayak in Goa (₹90 xacuti), CTR in Bangalore (₹60 dosa), and Karim’s in Delhi (₹150 korma) topping the list. These spots offer authentic flavors under ₹150, far from tourist traps charging ₹300+. They’re crowded with locals—my sign of freshness and value—perfect for travelers like me who ate well on ₹200 daily.
How can I eat cheap in India without compromising taste?
Stick to local joints like Aaswad in Mumbai (₹50 misal pav) or Murugan Idli Shop in Chennai (₹40 idlis)—₹50–₹100 buys bold, fresh flavors. I skipped ₹200 tourist menus, asking locals for tips—Jaipur’s Lassiwala (₹80 thali) was a gem. Morning meals or sharing thalis—like ₹70 split at Ram Ashraya—kept costs low, taste high.
Are budget restaurants in India safe to eat at?
Yes, if you pick wisely—I ate at Kake Di Hatti (₹120 dal) and Shivaji Military Hotel (₹100 biryani) with no issues. Look for busy spots—high turnover means fresh food, like CTR’s packed tables. Avoid empty places or street carts with flies—my ₹40 chaat in Delhi once backfired. Clean hands, bottled water—₹5 RO refills—and you’re golden.
How much does a meal cost at budget restaurants in India?
Meals range from ₹40–₹150 at my top picks—₹40 idlis at Murugan, ₹70 thalis at Jain Bhojanalaya, up to ₹150 korma at Karim’s. Tourist spots charge ₹200–₹400 for less—my Goa mistake was ₹400 vs. Vinayak’s ₹90. I averaged ₹100 daily, mixing ₹50 lunches with ₹60 dinners—plenty for a full belly.
Which cities in India have the cheapest restaurants?
Mumbai (₹50 at Aaswad), Delhi (₹120 at Kake Di Hatti), and Bangalore (₹60 at CTR) lead—street food and local joints keep costs low. Chennai’s ₹40 idlis and Kolkata’s ₹70 thalis follow close—Old City areas beat posh zones. I saved most in Mumbai—₹15 vada pavs nearby stretched my ₹200 budget further.
Can I find vegetarian budget restaurants in India?
Absolutely—India’s veggie game is strong. Jain Bhojanalaya (₹70 thali), Ram Ashraya (₹70 thali), and CTR (₹60 dosa) served me meat-free feasts under ₹100. Even non-veg spots like Lassiwala offered veg thalis (₹80)—I never missed meat, saving ₹100+ over ₹200 tourist plates.
The Feast Goes On: Your Budget Bites Await
These 10 budget restaurants turned India into my affordable food haven. From Goa’s xacuti to Delhi’s korma, I ate like a king for ₹50–₹150, dodging overspending traps and pocketing ₹1,000+ monthly. It’s not just about cheap eats—it’s about tasting India’s heart without the markup. Next, I’ll hunt Hyderabad’s ₹50 biryanis—join me? Got a budget spot? Share below—I’m hungry for more!
Happy eating!