Delhi has a special talent for making a small food budget feel surprisingly generous. You can start the morning with a plate of chole bhature, spend your afternoon exploring Old Delhi's legendary food lanes, and finish the day with momos, dosa or a hearty North Indian meal—all without necessarily spending ₹500 per person.
The trick is knowing where to eat.
Beyond expensive restaurants and fashionable cafés, Delhi's everyday food scene is built around busy market eateries, family-run shops, college-area favourites, neighbourhood dhabas and long-standing restaurants. These are the places where students, office workers, families and local residents return for familiar flavours and satisfying portions.
If you're searching for the best budget restaurants in Delhi under ₹500 per person, this guide covers a mix of Old Delhi classics, affordable restaurants in Connaught Place, South Indian food, Tibetan comfort dishes and popular North Indian meals. It also includes practical suggestions for eating well without stretching your budget.
Budget note: The prices below are indicative estimates for planning, not confirmed live menu prices. Your final bill will depend on what you order, portion sizes, taxes, drinks and whether you dine in or order online.
1. Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Paharganj – Famous for Chole Bhature
Best for: A filling breakfast or brunch
Estimated budget: ₹150–₹300 per person
Few dishes capture Delhi's love for hearty food quite like chole bhature. In Paharganj, Sita Ram Diwan Chand is a familiar name for people who enjoy spicy chickpeas paired with soft, puffed bhature.
The appeal is straightforward: rich chole, a satisfying serving of bread and the kind of meal that can keep you full for hours. It is particularly worth considering if you're arriving near New Delhi Railway Station and want a substantial meal before exploring the city.
What to order
Chole bhature
Extra chole, if available
Lassi or another drink, if it fits your budget
Why it belongs on a budget food list
A single main dish can make a complete meal here, so you don't need to order several starters and sides. Go earlier in the day if you want to avoid the busiest period.
Local tip: Paharganj is convenient for travellers, but check the restaurant's current opening hours before making a special trip.
2. Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk – A Classic Old Delhi Food Stop
Best for: Traditional stuffed parathas
Estimated budget: ₹200–₹400 per person
Paranthe Wali Gali is one of Old Delhi's best-known food lanes. Its narrow streets, traditional shops and bustling atmosphere make the experience as memorable as the meal itself.
The shops are known for stuffed parathas served with accompaniments such as pickles, chutneys and other sides. Depending on the outlet and menu, you may find fillings ranging from potato and cauliflower to other vegetarian combinations.
Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan is one of the historic names associated with the lane.
What to order
Aloo paratha
Gobhi paratha
Mixed vegetable paratha
Chutneys and accompaniments served with the meal
Why visit?
It's a good option for anyone who wants to combine an affordable meal with a walk through Old Delhi. The surrounding area also offers access to historic markets and other famous food stops.
Budget tip: Check the menu before ordering several varieties. Multiple parathas, drinks and extras can increase the bill quickly.
3. Rajinder Da Dhaba, Safdarjung Enclave – For North Indian and Non-Vegetarian Food
Best for: Chicken dishes, kebabs and casual group meals
Estimated budget: ₹300–₹500 per person, depending on the order
Rajinder Da Dhaba is a well-known name among Delhi's non-vegetarian food options. It is popular with diners looking for chicken preparations, kebabs and rich North Indian flavours without necessarily choosing a formal fine-dining restaurant.
The experience is more about the food than elaborate surroundings. It can work well for a casual dinner with friends, particularly when everyone wants to share a few dishes.
What to consider ordering
Chicken curry or butter chicken, where available
Kebabs
Tandoori roti or naan
A shared main course with bread
How to stay below ₹500
If you're dining alone, choose one main dish with bread rather than ordering several starters. For a group, agree on a shared order before adding extras.
Worth knowing: Non-vegetarian meals can cross ₹500 per person if you choose premium cuts, multiple kebab plates or several drinks. Check the current menu for exact prices.
4. Ama Café, Majnu-ka-Tilla – Affordable Tibetan-Inspired Comfort Food
Best for: Momos, noodles and a relaxed café meal
Estimated budget: ₹250–₹500 per person
Majnu-ka-Tilla is a popular destination for Tibetan and Himalayan-inspired food, and Ama Café is among its recognisable café names. It offers a different experience from the chole-bhature shops and dhabas found elsewhere in Delhi.
Think of a leisurely meal built around momos, noodle dishes, baked treats or a hot drink. In cooler weather, a bowl of soup or thukpa-style noodles can be especially appealing.
What to order
Steamed momos
Noodle or soup dishes, depending on the menu
Tea or coffee
A bakery item if your budget allows
Why budget-conscious diners like this area
Majnu-ka-Tilla has several eateries close together, giving visitors options at different price points. You can compare menus and choose a meal that suits your appetite rather than committing to an expensive restaurant.
Local tip: Weekends can be busy. Visit outside peak meal times if you prefer a quieter café experience.
5. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner, Chandni Chowk – A Chaat Favourite
Best for: Dahi bhalla and classic Delhi chaat
Estimated budget: ₹100–₹250 per person
Delhi's street-food culture isn't complete without chaat, and Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner is a well-known stop in the Chandni Chowk area.
Dahi bhalla combines soft lentil dumplings with yoghurt, chutneys and seasonings for a sweet, tangy and savoury flavour in every bite. It's a good choice when you want a snack or a light meal while exploring Old Delhi.
What to try
Dahi bhalla
Aloo tikki or other chaat options, if available
A second snack to share
Why it makes sense on a budget
Chaat is a relatively easy way to sample a famous Delhi food stop without committing to a full restaurant meal. You can also combine it with a walk through the nearby markets.
Budget tip: Treat this as a snack stop, or combine it with another inexpensive meal if you're especially hungry.
6. Saravana Bhavan, Janpath – South Indian Food in Central Delhi
Best for: Dosa, idli and vegetarian meals
Estimated budget: ₹250–₹500 per person
Finding an affordable sit-down meal in central Delhi can be challenging in some areas, but South Indian restaurants offer a useful alternative to more expensive café and lounge menus.
Saravana Bhavan, around the Janpath and Connaught Place area, is a familiar choice for South Indian vegetarian food. It is worth considering when you want a proper meal near offices, shopping streets or central Delhi attractions.
What to order
Masala dosa
Idli or vada
Uttapam, depending on the menu
South Indian meals or thali options, where available
Filter coffee
Why visit?
Dosa, idli and similar dishes can make a satisfying meal without requiring several expensive courses. The restaurant's central location also makes it convenient to combine lunch with sightseeing or shopping.
Budget tip: Check current menu prices before adding desserts, beverages and multiple side dishes.
7. Kake Di Hatti, Chandni Chowk – Giant Naans and Vegetarian North Indian Food
Best for: Sharing a North Indian meal
Estimated budget: ₹250–₹500 per person
Kake Di Hatti is associated with oversized naans and generous North Indian food. For diners visiting Chandni Chowk with friends or family, it can be a useful stop when everyone wants familiar vegetarian dishes.
A shared meal of bread, dal or paneer can be more economical than ordering a separate starter, main course and dessert for every person.
What to order
Dal-based dishes
Paneer preparations
Naan or other breads
A shared curry with rice, if preferred
How to keep the bill manageable
Ask about the size of the naan and main-course portions before ordering. If the servings are large, sharing can help avoid both food waste and unnecessary spending.
Best for: A relaxed lunch after exploring Old Delhi's markets and historic streets.
8. Aslam Chicken Corner, Jama Masjid – A Popular Stop for Chicken
Best for: Non-vegetarian street-food-style dining
Estimated budget: ₹300–₹500 per person, depending on the order
The Jama Masjid area is one of Delhi's most recognisable destinations for Mughlai-style and Old Delhi food. Aslam Chicken Corner is a familiar name for diners seeking its signature chicken preparations.
This is a good area to explore if your idea of a budget meal includes bold flavours, grilled meat and a lively street-food atmosphere.
What to look for
The restaurant's signature chicken preparation
Chicken portions to share
Bread or accompaniments, if offered
Why include it?
A meal in the Jama Masjid area can become part of a broader Old Delhi food walk. You can explore the surrounding lanes and compare several food stops during the same visit.
Important: Confirm current menu availability and prices. If you order several plates or extras, the total can exceed the budget.
9. Lotan Chole Wala, Kamla Nagar – A North Campus-Style Budget Meal
Best for: Chole and quick, filling food
Estimated budget: ₹100–₹250 per person
Kamla Nagar and the wider North Campus area have a strong student-food culture. The neighbourhood is full of places where diners look for quick meals between classes, shopping and everyday commitments.
Lotan Chole Wala is a name worth checking out if you're exploring this part of Delhi and want a simple, flavourful meal.
What to order
Chole with kulcha or another available bread
Onions and accompaniments
A drink if you want to make it a larger meal
Why it suits a tight budget
Chole-based meals are often more affordable than multi-course restaurant orders. They can also be convenient when you want something filling without spending much time at the table.
Student tip: Compare nearby menus and visit during regular meal hours for the best chance of finding your preferred dish available.
10. Prince Chaat Bhandar, Greater Kailash – Chaat in South Delhi
Best for: Gol gappe and savoury snacks
Estimated budget: ₹150–₹350 per person
South Delhi is often associated with stylish cafés and expensive restaurants, but it also has affordable places for chaat and quick bites. Prince Chaat Bhandar in Greater Kailash is a familiar name for people looking for a traditional snack stop.
What to order
Gol gappe
Papdi chaat
Aloo tikki or other available chaat dishes
Why go?
It's a convenient option when you want to eat something flavourful without planning a full restaurant meal. It can also fit into an afternoon of shopping around Greater Kailash.
Budget tip: If you're visiting with friends, order a few different snacks to share and compare.
11. Saravana Bhavan Alternatives in Connaught Place – Kutty Restaurant
Best for: An affordable meal around Connaught Place
Estimated budget: Check the current menu; aim for ₹200–₹500 per person
Connaught Place is not just about expensive lounges and formal restaurants. Its older market streets and casual eateries offer options for visitors looking for a straightforward lunch or dinner.
Kutty Restaurant appears in Justdial's inexpensive restaurant listings for the Jantar Mantar Road and Connaught Place area. It is worth comparing with nearby restaurants if you want to stay within a fixed budget.
What to check before visiting
Current menu and vegetarian options
Whether the dishes you want are available
The total bill, including beverages and taxes
Current opening hours
Why it makes the list: It's a reminder that budget dining in central Delhi isn't limited to street food. A little menu research can help you find a casual sit-down meal too.
12. Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen, Connaught Place
Best for: Himalayan-inspired dishes
Estimated budget: Check the current menu; some combinations may fit under ₹500 per person
If you want something different from North Indian curries and South Indian dosas, Himalayan-inspired food is another option to explore in central Delhi.
Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen appears in Justdial's listings around Connaught Place. Its cuisine makes it a possible choice for diners interested in Himalayan and Tibetan-style dishes.
What to consider ordering
Look for dumplings, noodle dishes and other Himalayan-inspired preparations on the current menu.
Is it always under ₹500?
Not necessarily. Your total will depend on the dishes and drinks you select. Check the menu and build your order around one main dish rather than assuming every combination will fit the budget.
Best for: Friends who want to try a different cuisine while staying mindful of their spending.
13. Biryani Blues, Connaught Place – For a Rice-Based Meal
Best for: Biryani and quick casual dining
Estimated budget: Check the current menu; individual meals may fit under ₹500
Sometimes the simplest budget meal is a well-portioned rice dish. Biryani Blues has a presence in the Connaught Place area and is an option to compare when you're craving biryani.
What to consider
Chicken or vegetarian biryani, depending on preference
A smaller portion if you want to add a side
Takeaway if it is more convenient
Why it works for budget diners
A single biryani can be a complete meal, making it easier to control the bill than ordering multiple courses. However, premium portions, kebabs, drinks and add-ons can increase the total.
Tip: Compare dine-in prices with takeaway and delivery prices before ordering.
14. G.S. Pishori Dhaba, Connaught Place – A Casual Dhaba Option
Best for: Simple, hearty food
Estimated budget: Confirm current menu prices before visiting
Justdial lists G.S. Pishori Dhaba in the Connaught Place and Palika Bazaar area among inexpensive restaurant options. For diners who prefer a casual meal over a café or lounge, it is worth checking the current menu.
How to order economically
Choose a main dish with roti or rice, and ask about portion sizes before adding sides. A straightforward order is usually easier to keep within budget than several starters and drinks.
Why consider it? It gives you another option to compare when eating near central Delhi's shopping and business districts.
Which Delhi Neighbourhoods Are Best for Budget Food?
The best area depends on whether you want a full meal, a quick snack or a sit-down restaurant.
| Neighbourhood | What to look for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Paharganj | Chole bhature and casual eateries | Breakfast and brunch |
| Chandni Chowk | Parathas, chaat and North Indian food | Old Delhi food walks |
| Jama Masjid | Mughlai and chicken dishes | Non-vegetarian food |
| Majnu-ka-Tilla | Momos, noodles and cafés | Tibetan and Himalayan-inspired food |
| Connaught Place | South Indian food, biryani and casual restaurants | Office lunches and central Delhi outings |
| Kamla Nagar | Chole, kulche and student-friendly eateries | Quick, inexpensive meals |
| Greater Kailash | Chaat and snack shops | South Delhi food stops |
| Safdarjung Enclave | Dhabas and casual non-vegetarian restaurants | Dinner with friends |
How to Eat Well in Delhi for Under ₹500 per Person
A budget meal is easier to plan when you focus on the complete bill instead of the price of one dish.
1. Choose a main dish before ordering starters
A plate of chole bhature, a dosa, a biryani or a curry with bread may already be enough. Order additional dishes only if you need them.
2. Share large portions
Some restaurants serve large naans, curries and rice dishes. Ask about serving sizes and share where practical.
3. Compare dine-in, takeaway and delivery prices
Delivery apps may include packaging charges, delivery fees and other costs. Dining in or collecting an order can sometimes be cheaper, but compare the final total rather than assuming one option always costs less.
4. Don't confuse the cost for two with the cost per person
Restaurant directories often display an estimated price for two people. That figure is not a guarantee of your actual bill, and it may not include every extra. Check the menu and divide the total according to what your group plans to order.
5. Visit during regular meal hours
Popular eateries can become crowded around lunch and dinner. Visiting slightly earlier or later may make the experience more comfortable, although opening hours and queue times vary.
6. Check the location before travelling
Delhi's food districts can have several branches or similarly named businesses. Confirm the correct address, latest hours and route before leaving.
Budget Restaurants in Delhi for Different Cravings
Best for chole bhature: Sita Ram Diwan Chand
Best for traditional parathas: Paranthe Wali Gali
Best for a North Indian non-vegetarian meal: Rajinder Da Dhaba
Best for momos and Himalayan-inspired comfort food: Ama Café, Majnu-ka-Tilla
Best for chaat: Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner
Best for South Indian food: Saravana Bhavan
Best for vegetarian food in Old Delhi: Kake Di Hatti
Best for chicken around Jama Masjid: Aslam Chicken Corner
Best for a student-friendly meal: Lotan Chole Wala
Best for chaat in South Delhi: Prince Chaat Bhandar
Options to compare in Connaught Place: Kutty Restaurant, Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen, Biryani Blues and G.S. Pishori Dhaba
These are suggestions by food type and location, not a guarantee that every order at every restaurant will cost less than ₹500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best budget restaurants in Delhi under ₹500 per person?
For a mix of traditional and casual food, consider Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Paharganj, Paranthe Wali Gali and Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner in Chandni Chowk, Ama Café in Majnu-ka-Tilla, and Saravana Bhavan around Janpath. Check current menus to confirm your preferred order fits the budget.
Where can I get chole bhature in Delhi on a budget?
Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Paharganj is a well-known option to consider. Lotan Chole Wala in the Kamla Nagar area is another name to check if you're exploring North Delhi. Confirm current prices and hours before visiting.
Which areas are good for inexpensive food in Delhi?
Paharganj, Chandni Chowk, Kamla Nagar, Majnu-ka-Tilla and parts of Connaught Place offer a variety of casual eateries and budget-friendly dishes. The best choice depends on your preferred cuisine and how much you want to spend.
Can I eat at Connaught Place for under ₹500 per person?
Yes, it can be possible if you choose your dishes carefully. South Indian meals, a single biryani, or a simple main course at a casual restaurant may fit the budget. More elaborate meals, beverages and add-ons can push the total higher.
What is the best budget food for students in Delhi?
Chole kulche, chole bhature, dosa, momos, parathas and biryani can all make practical student meals. Compare portion sizes and current prices in areas such as Kamla Nagar, Paharganj and Majnu-ka-Tilla.
Are restaurant prices online always accurate?
No. Directory listings and online menus may be outdated, and prices can differ between dine-in, takeaway and delivery. Confirm the current menu with the restaurant before travelling or placing a large order.
Can I plan a food walk in Delhi for less than ₹500?
Yes, particularly if you focus on snacks or choose one main meal and one smaller stop. Chandni Chowk is suitable for a food walk, but set your budget in advance and avoid ordering a full portion at every stop.
Final Thoughts
Delhi's budget food scene is about more than finding the cheapest item on a menu. It's about knowing which neighbourhood to visit, choosing dishes that offer a satisfying meal, and discovering places with flavours that keep people coming back.
From chole bhature in Paharganj to parathas in Chandni Chowk, momos in Majnu-ka-Tilla and dosas near Janpath, there are plenty of ways to explore the city's food culture without planning an expensive dinner.
Before you go, check the latest menu, opening hours and location. Then follow your appetite, keep an eye on the total bill and leave room to discover another favourite.
Explore more on CrownDevour: Link this article to your existing Delhi street-food guide, Old Delhi restaurant guide, budget cafés in Delhi NCR article and Connaught Place food guide to help readers discover more places.
