The Record Room
The Record Room (also known as Masha - The Record Room), perched in the lively Hauz Khas Village, is a vibrant restro-bar and party destination offering stunning lake views, electrifying music, and a multi-cuisine...
I’ll never forget the day I arrived in Delhi as a broke college student back in 2018. With just ₹300 in my pocket after a long train ride, I wandered into Paharganj and spotted Sita Ram Diwan Chand. The aroma of sizzling bhature pulled me in like a magnet. One plate of chole bhature,massive, fluffy, spicy, with pickled onions on the side,cost ₹100, and it filled me up for the entire day. That meal wasn’t just food; it was my introduction to Delhi’s incredible budget dining scene, where locals eat like kings without emptying their wallets.
Fast forward to late 2025, and that love affair continues. Delhi’s budget restaurants,dhabas, street-side stalls, hole-in-the-wall joints,are where real life happens. These are the spots packed with office workers at lunch, families on weekends, students cramming for exams, and cab drivers grabbing quick bites. No fancy decor, no overpriced menus, just generous portions, bold flavors, and unbeatable value. In a city where inflation hits hard, these places keep meals under ₹500 per person (often way under), focusing on hearty North Indian classics, street chaat, momos, South Indian thalis, and Mughlai treats.
What makes them authentic? High turnover means fresh ingredients, recipes unchanged for generations, and crowds of locals voting with their feet (and rupees). Accessibility is key , most are metro-friendly or in bustling markets. Popular orders are simple but legendary: chole bhature for breakfast, butter chicken with naan for dinner, gol gappe for anytime snacking. Portions are massive; one plate often feeds two light eaters.
Here’s my curated list of timeless favorites, based on years of eating my way through Delhi. These aren’t trendy pop-ups; they’re institutions locals swear by. Prices are current as of late 2025, expect ₹150-400 for a full meal.
1. Sita Ram Diwan Chand – Paharganj’s Chole Bhature Legend
My all-time comfort food spot. This tiny shop in Paharganj has been serving since the 1950s, run by generations of the same family. The chole simmer dark and tangy with anardana, while bhature puff up golden and crisp.
Popular local order: Special chole bhature plate with lassi. Portions are huge, one plate easily satisfies.
Personal story: During a rainy monsoon day in 2024, I queued for 20 minutes and devoured it standing on the sidewalk. Pure bliss.
Accessibility: Near New Delhi Metro, perfect post-train meal.
Price point: ₹120-180 per plate. Full meal under ₹250.
2. Paranthe Wali Gali – Chandni Chowk’s Stuffed Paratha Paradise
No budget Delhi list is complete without this iconic lane. Narrow, chaotic, aromatic, shops like Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan (since 1872) fry parathas in pure ghee.
Popular orders: Aloo, gobhi, or mixed veg parathas with curd, pickle, and sabzi. Locals mix sweet (rabri) and savory.
Portions: Two parathas fill you up.
Story: I once ate five varieties here with friends, papad, khurchan, even banana, laughing as oil dripped down our elbows.
Accessibility: Chandni Chowk Metro; combine with Old Delhi exploration.
Price: ₹60-100 per paratha. Meal ₹200-300.
3. Rajinder Da Dhaba – Safdarjung’s Butter Chicken Haven
This no-frills dhaba is where locals head for creamy, smoky non-veg. Takeaway window is cheapest, eat in the parking lot like everyone else.
Popular order: Butter chicken or chicken curry with tandoori roti/naan. Galouti kebabs melt.
Portions: Half plate serves one generously.
Story: Late-night post-movie cravings led me here; the buttery gravy mopped with fresh naan is unforgettable.
Accessibility: Near AIIMS/Safdarjung, easy auto ride.
Price: ₹200-400 full meal.
4. Ama Café – Majnu-ka-Tilla’s Tibetan Comfort
Escape to Little Tibet for affordable momos and thukpa. Cozy, prayer-flag decor.
Popular: Steamed/fried momos, chicken thukpa, butter tea.
Portions: One plate momos (8-10 pieces) + soup = full.
Story: Winter mornings here, warming hands on thukpa bowls, watching monks pass by.
Accessibility: Near Vidhan Sabha Metro.
Price: ₹150-300.
5. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner – Chandni Chowk Chaat King
Legendary for soft, spongy dahi bhalle drowned in curd and chutneys.
Popular: Dahi bhalla papdi chaat, aloo tikki.
Portions: One plate overwhelms.
Story: Sweet-tangy explosion on hot afternoons.
Accessibility: Old Delhi hub.
Price: ₹100-200.
6. Saravana Bhavan – Connaught Place South Indian Classic
Chain serving authentic dosas, idlis, filter coffee.
Popular: Masala dosa, thali meals.
Portions: Massive dosas.
Story: Quick office lunches here, crispy, sambhar-rich.
Accessibility: Multiple outlets, CP central.
Price: ₹200-400.
7. Kake Di Hatti – Chandni Chowk Giant Naan Specialist
Famous for oversized naans with dal or paneer.
Popular: Dal makhani + naan.
Portions: One naan feeds two.
Story: Sharing giant naan with friends, messy fun.
Price: ₹200-350.
8. Aslam Chicken Corner – Jama Masjid Butter Chicken Street
Charcoal-grilled chicken slathered in butter.
Popular: Butter chicken plate.
Portions: Hearty.
Story: Ramadan nights, aromas drawing crowds.
Accessibility: Old Delhi.
Price: ₹250-400.
9. Lotan Chole Wala – Kamla Nagar Student Favorite
Spicy chole kulche near DU North Campus.
Popular: Chole kulche with onions.
Portions: Filling.
Story: Exam-season fuel.
Price: ₹100-150.
10. Prince Chaat Bhandar – Greater Kailash Chaat Gem
Gol gappe, papdi chaat perfection.
Popular: Pani puri rounds.
Story: Spicy water challenges with friends.
Accessibility: Moolchand Metro.
Price: ₹100-200.
These spots prove Delhi’s magic: incredible food without pretense or high bills. Value comes from generations-perfect recipes, fresh prep, and portions that satisfy. Whether solo quick bite or group feast, under ₹500 buys joy.
Pro tips: Go off-peak to avoid waits, carry cash (many small spots), embrace standing/eating on cars, part of charm. In 2025, many offer Zomato/Swiggy, but in-person tastes best.
Delhi’s budget scene thrives because locals demand flavor over frills. Next time hunger strikes, skip chains head to these sworn-by gems. Your wallet (and taste buds) will thank you.
FAQ
What are the best budget chole bhature spots in Delhi?
Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj) and Lotan Chole Wala (Kamla Nagar) both under ₹200.
Where to find authentic butter chicken under ₹500?
Rajinder Da Dhaba (Safdarjung) or Aslam Chicken Corner (Jama Masjid).
Best places for street chaat in Delhi on a budget?
Natraj Dahi Bhalla (Chandni Chowk) or Prince Chaat (GK) ₹100-200 plates.
Affordable South Indian meals in Delhi?
Saravana Bhavan outlets full thali/dosa under ₹400.
Where do locals eat momos cheaply?
Ama Café in Majnu-ka-Tilla plates ₹150-250.
Are these budget restaurants accessible by metro?
Yes most near stations like Chandni Chowk, Rajiv Chowk (CP), or Vishwavidyalaya (North Campus).
