Best Cheap Eats in New Delhi (2026) – Best Budget Food Places

Delhi has a strange and wonderful relationship with food.

You can spend thousands of rupees on dinner in a fancy restaurant, and a few streets away, eat something equally memorable for a fraction of the price. That is one of the reasons food lovers keep coming back to the capital.

The best cheap eats in New Delhi are not limited to one neighbourhood or one type of cuisine. You will find buttery paranthas in Old Delhi, chole bhature in Paharganj, momos in Lajpat Nagar, kachoris in Chandni Chowk, student-friendly meals around North Campus and hearty dhaba food around South Delhi.

And “cheap” does not necessarily mean poor quality.

Some of Delhi's most memorable dishes are served from small shops, neighbourhood eateries and old family-run establishments where the food has been perfected over decades.

This guide brings together some of the best affordable places to eat in New Delhi, with a practical focus on what to try, where to find it and how much you should roughly expect to spend.

Budget note: Prices mentioned in this guide are approximate. Menu prices, portions, taxes and opening hours can change, so check the individual restaurant listing before visiting.

Quick List: Best Cheap Eats in New Delhi

Approximate spending varies according to what you order.

1. Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk

If you are visiting Delhi for the first time and want to experience its old-school food culture, start in Chandni Chowk.

Paranthe Wali Gali is one of the city's most famous food lanes, known for stuffed paranthas cooked in a traditional style.

You will find different fillings, from familiar potato and paneer to more unusual combinations. The paranthas are rich, filling and unapologetically indulgent.

This is not the place to visit if you are counting calories.

It is the place to visit when you want to understand why Delhi's food culture is so closely connected with its old markets.

What to try

• Aloo parantha
• Paneer parantha
• Mixed stuffed parantha
• Seasonal or unusual fillings
• Lassi or another traditional drink

Approximate budget

₹100–₹250 per person, depending on what you order.

Best for

First-time visitors, traditional Delhi food and food walks.

2. Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Paharganj

Sita Ram Diwan Chand is one of those places that has become almost synonymous with Delhi's chole bhature culture.

The menu is simple, but that is part of the appeal.

You come here for chole bhature rather than a long restaurant menu. The chickpeas are heavily spiced and served with fluffy bhature, making it a filling breakfast or lunch.

The current local listing places the restaurant on Rajguru Marg in Paharganj and shows its operating hours as roughly 8 AM to 6 PM, although checking before travelling is sensible.

What to order

Chole Bhature

That's the obvious choice.

Approximate budget

₹100–₹200 per person.

Best for

Breakfast, tourists, budget travellers and anyone serious about chole bhature.

3. Khandani Pakode Wala, Sarojini Nagar

Delhi's love for pakoras goes far beyond rainy evenings.

Khandani Pakode Wala in Sarojini Nagar is a useful stop if you want something quick, crispy and inexpensive.

The attraction here is variety. Depending on availability, you can find different types of pakoras and fritters, usually accompanied by chutneys.

What to try

• Onion pakora
• Paneer pakora
• Mixed pakora
• Seasonal vegetable pakoras

Approximate budget

₹100–₹200.

Best for

Quick snacks, shopping breaks and evening cravings.

4. Moolchand Parantha, Lajpat Nagar

Moolchand has earned a reputation among Delhi food lovers for its hearty paranthas.

The area around Moolchand is particularly useful when you want a filling meal without spending restaurant-level money.

The paranthas are substantial, making this more of a proper meal than a tiny snack.

What to order

• Aloo parantha
• Paneer parantha
• Egg parantha
• Parantha with curd and pickle

Approximate budget

₹100–₹250 per person.

Best for

Breakfast, late-night cravings and filling budget meals.

5. Bille Di Hatti, Kamla Nagar

North Campus has no shortage of affordable food, but Bille Di Hatti continues to stand out for people looking for a straightforward, filling North Indian meal.

The neighbourhood itself is worth exploring if you are a student or simply enjoy inexpensive food.

What to try

Chole Puri

The combination is simple, heavy and satisfying.

Approximate budget

₹100–₹200 per person.

Best for

Students, breakfast and quick North Indian meals.

6. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Chandni Chowk

If chole bhature is one side of Delhi's breakfast culture, kachori is another.

Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala is a small Old Delhi stop associated with spicy kachoris and traditional accompaniments.

The food is rich and spicy, so this is better approached as a quick street-food stop rather than a leisurely restaurant meal.

What to order

Kachori with the accompanying curry or chutney.

Approximate budget

₹50–₹150.

Best for

Street-food lovers and Old Delhi food walks.

7. Dolma Aunty Momos, Lajpat Nagar

Delhi's affordable food scene is not just about North Indian food.

Momos have become one of the city's most popular quick meals, and Dolma Aunty is one of the names frequently associated with Delhi's momo culture.

Located around Lajpat Nagar, it is an easy option when you want something inexpensive and filling.

What to order

• Steamed momos
• Fried momos
• Momos with spicy chutney

Approximate budget

₹100–₹250.

Best for

Students, quick snacks and evening street-food cravings.

8. Chache Di Hatti, Kamla Nagar

Chache Di Hatti is another North Delhi favourite, particularly popular among students and people exploring Kamla Nagar.

Its straightforward appeal is exactly what you expect from a good student-area eatery: filling food, strong flavours and no need for a large budget.

What to order

Chole Bhature

Approximate budget

₹100–₹250 per person.

Best for

North Campus students and budget breakfast or lunch.

9. Laxman Dhaba, Qutub Institutional Area

Laxman Dhaba has long been associated with the student crowd around South Delhi.

The appeal is not fine dining. It is hearty food, casual surroundings and the kind of pricing that makes sense when you are hungry after classes or a late evening out.

Depending on the menu, you may find options such as paranthas, egg dishes, North Indian meals and thali-style food.

What to try

• Egg parantha
• Keema dishes
• Thali
• North Indian meals

Approximate budget

₹150–₹350 per person.

Best for

Students, late-night hunger and casual meals.

10. Roshan Di Kulfi, Karol Bagh

Not every cheap eat needs to be a full meal.

Sometimes you simply want dessert.

Roshan Di Kulfi is a popular Karol Bagh stop for traditional Indian desserts, especially kulfi and kulfi-based desserts.

After a day of shopping or eating through the neighbourhood, it is an easy way to finish the outing.

What to order

• Kulfi
• Kulfi falooda
• Traditional Indian desserts

Approximate budget

₹100–₹250.

Best for

Dessert lovers and post-dinner cravings.

11. Kake Da Hotel, Connaught Place

Connaught Place is not usually the first place people think of when they hear “cheap food.”

But affordable food does exist here if you know where to look.

Kake Da Hotel is one of the better-known old-school North Indian options around CP.

It is a useful choice when you want a proper North Indian meal in one of Delhi's busiest central neighbourhoods without immediately jumping into premium restaurant prices.

What to try

• Butter chicken
• Dal
• Paneer dishes
• Roti
• North Indian curries

Approximate budget

₹250–₹450 per person, depending on your order.

Best for

Central Delhi, tourists and affordable sit-down meals.

12. Rajinder Da Dhaba, South Delhi

If your idea of cheap eats includes kebabs, rolls and hearty North Indian food, Rajinder Da Dhaba deserves a place on your list.

Rajinder Da Dhaba is located near Safdarjung Enclave and has become a major name in Delhi's casual dining scene.

It is especially popular in the evening.

What to order

• Seekh kebab
• Chicken tikka
• Butter chicken
• Rolls
• North Indian sides

Approximate budget

₹250–₹500 per person, depending on how much you order.

Best for

Non-vegetarian food lovers and evening outings.

13. Kala Cafe, Parliament Street

For people who want affordable food in central Delhi but don't necessarily want street food, Kala Cafe is an interesting alternative.

The café is located within the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts area and offers a broad menu ranging from Indian snacks and chaat to South Indian dishes, pasta and beverages.

CrownDevour's current listing places its typical spend around ₹400–₹600 for two, with several individual dishes priced below ₹200.

What to try

• Chole bhature
• Masala dosa
• Chaat
• Maggi
• Pizza slice
• Kulhad chai
• Chocolate shake

Best for

Office workers, students, tourists and casual central-Delhi meals.

14. Tadka, Paharganj

If you are around Paharganj and want a vegetarian meal without spending heavily, Tadka is another option to consider.

The current local listing shows a strong review base and identifies it as a vegetarian restaurant in the Paharganj area. Tadka4986

Best for

• Vegetarian meals
• Families
• Budget travellers
• Paharganj visitors

15. Sardar Ji Parathe Wale

Paranthas are one of the easiest ways to eat filling food on a modest budget in Delhi.

Sardar Ji Parathe Wale, located around Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, is another option for people looking for a traditional, casual parantha meal.

What to order

• Stuffed paranthas
• Curd
• Pickles
• Traditional accompaniments

Approximate budget

₹100–₹250.

16. White Oak Restaurant, Sadar Bazar

Sadar Bazar is better known for shopping than food tourism, but that is precisely why exploring its local eateries can be rewarding.

White Oak Restaurant is a North Indian option in the Sadar Bazar area and can work for people who want something more substantial than street snacks.

Best for

• North Indian meals
• Groups
• Casual lunch or dinner
• Sadar Bazar visitors

17. Cheap South Indian Food in Delhi

Delhi's budget-food scene would be incomplete without South Indian food.

Dosa, idli, vada and uttapam can be some of the most reliable ways to get a filling meal without spending heavily.

Neighbourhoods such as Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar and South Delhi have plenty of South Indian eateries.

A basic dosa or idli-vada meal can often be much easier on the wallet than a café-style lunch.

What to order

• Masala dosa
• Rava dosa
• Idli sambhar
• Vada
• Uttapam
• Filter coffee

For example, CrownDevour's current Vikaspuri listings include several South Indian restaurants with approximate meal prices around ₹300–₹400.

18. Cheap Food Around North Campus

If you are a student, North Campus is one of the easiest parts of Delhi to explore on a limited food budget.

Look around:

• Kamla Nagar
• Vijay Nagar
• Hudson Lane
• GTB Nagar
• Mukherjee Nagar

You will find everything from chole bhature and momos to rolls, sandwiches, dosas, burgers and inexpensive cafés.

The advantage is competition.

With so many students looking for affordable meals, restaurants in these neighbourhoods have strong incentives to keep portions reasonable and prices accessible.

19. Cheap Eats in Paharganj

Paharganj is particularly useful for travellers staying around New Delhi Railway Station.

You don't have to spend heavily to eat well here.

Look for:

• Chole bhature
• Thalis
• Paranthas
• Momos
• North Indian curries
• Vegetarian meals
• Local breakfasts

Apart from Sita Ram Diwan Chand, the surrounding streets have numerous small restaurants and food counters.

The important thing is to distinguish between genuinely local eateries and tourist-oriented restaurants, especially around the busiest parts of Main Bazaar.

20. Cheap Eats in Chandni Chowk

If you only have one day to explore Delhi's food culture, Chandni Chowk should probably be near the top of your list.

This is where cheap eats become part of the sightseeing experience.

You can build an entire food walk around:

Paranthas → kachori → chaat → jalebi → lassi → kulfi

The best part is that many stops are close enough to walk between.

Just don't try to eat a full portion at every stop.

Delhi portions have a way of defeating even enthusiastic food explorers.

Best Cheap Food in Delhi Under ₹100

Finding a complete meal under ₹100 is becoming less predictable in central Delhi, but inexpensive snacks and simple dishes are still widely available.

Look for:

• Kachori
• Samosa
• Chaat
• Momos
• Pakoras
• Idli
• Vada
• Small portions of chole
• Tea and snacks

If your budget is extremely tight, local markets and student neighbourhoods are generally better choices than premium commercial areas.

Best Cheap Food in Delhi Under ₹200

₹200 gives you considerably more flexibility.

Depending on the area, you can look for:

• Chole bhature
• Parantha meals
• Momos
• Dosa
• Kachori combinations
• Thali
• Rolls
• Street-food combinations

For students, this is often the most practical daily food budget.

Best Cheap Food in Delhi Under ₹300

With ₹300, you can usually move beyond snacks and look for a proper meal.

You may be able to include:

• Main course
• Bread or rice
• Beverage
• Dessert or small side

The best areas to search are North Campus, Paharganj, Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh and neighbourhood markets.

Best Areas for Cheap Eats in New Delhi

Chandni Chowk

Best for: traditional street food

Try:

• Paranthas
• Kachori
• Chaat
• Jalebi
• Kulfi

Paharganj

Best for: filling meals and traveller-friendly food

Try:

• Chole bhature
• Thali
• North Indian food
• Breakfast dishes

Kamla Nagar

Best for: students

Try:

• Chole bhature
• Momos
• Rolls
• Sandwiches
• Cafés

Lajpat Nagar

Best for: street food and shopping breaks

Try:

• Momos
• Paranthas
• Chaat
• Snacks
• Desserts

Karol Bagh

Best for: shopping + food

Try:

• Kulfi
• North Indian meals
• Street food
• Snacks

Connaught Place

Best for: central Delhi on a moderate budget

The trick here is to look beyond premium restaurants.

Cheap Eats vs Street Food: What's the Difference?

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.

Street food generally means food sold from stalls, carts, kiosks or small roadside shops.

Cheap eats is broader.

A cheap eat can be:

• A dhaba
• A small restaurant
• A café
• A food counter
• A takeaway shop
• A street-food stall

That distinction matters because sometimes the best value is not the cheapest street stall.

A ₹180 restaurant meal with a comfortable seat and generous portion can offer better value than spending ₹150 on several small snacks.

How to Eat Cheaply in Delhi Without Missing the Good Food

You don't need to eat only the cheapest item on the menu.

Instead, use a few simple strategies.

Eat where locals eat

Student neighbourhoods and established market areas are usually safer bets for value.

Order the speciality

If a restaurant is famous for chole bhature, order chole bhature.

If it is known for momos, don't order an expensive unrelated dish.

Share heavier dishes

Two people can often share larger portions of chaat, pizza, paranthas or North Indian dishes.

Don't fill up on beverages

Coffee, shakes and mocktails can quietly double your bill.

Explore on foot

Some of Delhi's best food experiences happen when you walk through a neighbourhood instead of sitting in one restaurant.

A ₹500 Delhi Food Trail

Want to turn cheap eats into an actual food adventure?

Try this kind of plan:

Morning

Chole bhature

Budget: ₹100–₹150

Afternoon

Kachori or chaat

Budget: ₹50–₹100

Evening

Momos or pakoras

Budget: ₹100–₹150

Dessert

Kulfi

Budget: ₹100–₹150

You can create a surprisingly satisfying Delhi food day for around ₹350–₹550, depending on portions and where you stop.

The trick is to taste rather than order a full meal everywhere.

Is Delhi Really One of India's Cheapest Food Cities?

It can be, but it depends heavily on where and how you eat.

Delhi has every price level imaginable.

You can have:

₹50 street snack → ₹150 local meal → ₹500 café meal → ₹2,000+ restaurant dinner

within the same city.

That range is exactly what makes Delhi interesting for food lovers.

You don't need a huge food budget to explore the city. You just need to know which neighbourhoods and dishes offer the best value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cheap eats in New Delhi?

Some of the most popular budget-friendly options include Paranthe Wali Gali, Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Khandani Pakode Wala, Moolchand Parantha, Bille Di Hatti, Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Dolma Aunty Momos and Chache Di Hatti.

Where can I eat for under ₹200 in Delhi?

Look for local chole bhature shops, kachori stalls, momos, paranthas, South Indian eateries and student-area restaurants. Kamla Nagar, North Campus, Paharganj and parts of Old Delhi are good areas to explore.

Which area of Delhi is best for cheap food?

Chandni Chowk is excellent for traditional street food, while Kamla Nagar and North Campus are particularly useful for students. Paharganj is another strong choice for filling meals at reasonable prices.

What is the cheapest famous food in Delhi?

Kachori, samosa, chaat, momos and paranthas can all be inexpensive choices. The exact price depends on the neighbourhood and establishment.

Is Chandni Chowk good for cheap food?

Yes. Chandni Chowk is one of the best areas in Delhi for exploring traditional street food, particularly if you enjoy walking between multiple small food stops.

Where can students eat cheaply in Delhi?

North Campus, Kamla Nagar, Vijay Nagar, GTB Nagar and Hudson Lane have a large selection of student-friendly food outlets.

Is street food in Delhi safe?

Food safety depends on the individual vendor. Prefer busy stalls with high turnover, freshly cooked food and good hygiene practices. Avoid food that has been sitting uncovered for long periods.

How much money is enough for a Delhi food tour?

For a simple budget food trail, around ₹500–₹800 per person can be enough for several small tastings. If you want multiple full meals, keep a larger budget.

Final Verdict

The best cheap eats in New Delhi are not necessarily the places with the lowest prices.

They are the places where price, portion, flavour and experience come together.

For classic Delhi food, head towards Chandni Chowk.

For chole bhature, explore Paharganj and North Delhi.

For student-friendly food, look around Kamla Nagar, North Campus and Hudson Lane.

For momos and snacks, Lajpat Nagar is a good starting point.

For traditional desserts, try Karol Bagh.

And if you are around Connaught Place, don't assume everything nearby is expensive. There are still old-school eateries and affordable food options hidden among the more polished restaurants.

Delhi's greatest food advantage is its variety.

You can start your morning with a plate of chole bhature, grab a kachori in the afternoon, eat momos in the evening and finish with kulfi—all without turning the day into an expensive dining expedition.

That's the real charm of Delhi's cheap eats.

Good food here doesn't always ask for a big wallet. It just asks you to know where to look.

Delhi has a strange and wonderful relationship with food.