If you’re a student in Delhi, hungry between classes, broke by mid-month, or simply bored of the campus canteen, this guide is your new best friend. Starving Scholars brings you Delhi’s most iconic, pocket-friendly, delicious food spots — all easy to reach and trusted by generations of DU/IPU students.
1. Big Yellow Door (BYD), Satyaniketan
Satyaniketan’s most loved café, Big Yellow Door, is the perfect spot for students who want a cozy vibe without emptying their wallet. The quirky decor, the warm lighting, and the constant buzz of college conversations make this place feel like a second home. Their Cheese Bomb Burger is massive, overloaded with cheese, and a total hunger-killer. The BYD White Sauce Pasta is creamy, smooth, and filling — perfect for sharing. Add their crispy garlic bread or thick Nutella Shake, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal under ₹300. Located right next to Venkateswara College, it’s super convenient for South Campus students.
2. Tom Uncle’s Maggi Point, North Campus
One of Delhi’s most nostalgic student spots, Tom Uncle’s is the ultimate comfort hub. Whether it’s exam stress, winter cravings, or long gaps between lectures, this Maggi point has been feeding DU students for decades. With 50+ varieties of Maggi, you can go wild — Tandoori Maggi, Corn Cheese Maggi, Butter Masala Maggi, Peri Peri Maggi, and even Pizza Maggi! The portions are generous, the flavours addictive, and most plates cost just ₹50–₹120. Located walking distance from SRCC, Hansraj, and KMC, this spot is always packed with hungry scholars.
3. Keventers (Original Outlet), Connaught Place
Before it became a global chain, Delhi students knew the OG Keventers outlet in CP as the go-to spot for chilled, affordable shakes. The retro glass bottles and the simple, classic flavours make you feel like you’re sipping nostalgia. The Cold Coffee Shake and Butterscotch Milkshake are crowd favourites — thick, refreshing, and perfect for the Delhi heat. With prices starting at ₹120–₹150, this is a must-visit during CP strolls or Rajiv Chowk metro changes.
4. Dolma Aunty Momos, Lajpat Nagar
This is where the momo craze in Delhi truly started. Dolma Aunty’s Momos have been iconic for years, known for their soft texture, juicy filling, and that fire-breathing spicy chutney Delhiites adore. The Steamed Chicken Momos and Paneer Momos are must-try classics. Fried Momos, Veg Momos, and soup bowls are also super popular. Everything is budget-friendly — most plates cost ₹70–₹150 — and the location right inside Lajpat Nagar market makes it perfect for grabbing a snack after a shopping spree.
5. QD’s Restaurant, Hudson Lane
One of North Campus’ most loved hangout spots, QD’s is famous for introducing Delhi students to Tandoori Momos — crispy, smoky, and perfectly spiced. Served with hot mayo, they’re the number one dish here. The lively student crowd, comfy booths, and budget-friendly menu make it perfect for society meetings or long gossip sessions. Honey Chilly Potatoes, Veg Spring Rolls, and Hakka Noodles are must-try extras. Most dishes fit into the ₹120–₹250 range and the café is just 5 minutes away from Vishwavidyalaya metro.
6. Jain Chawal Wale, Connaught Place
If you want a hot, homely meal that fills your stomach and soothes your soul, Jain Chawal Wale is the answer. Their Rajma Chawal is thick, flavourful, and tastes exactly like a comforting home lunch. The Kadhi Chawal is smooth, tangy, and pairs perfectly with their spicy chutney. What makes this place a student legend is the pricing — most meals cost only ₹60–₹90. It’s perfect for DU students, coaching students, or anybody on a CP budget.
7. Bille Di Hatti, Kamla Nagar
A beloved North Campus brunch spot, Bille Di Hatti is famous for its extra-thick creamy lassi, served in huge steel tumblers. Their Chole Bhature are soft, lightly fried, and perfectly spiced — making it a favourite among Hindu, Ramjas, and SRCC students. The menu also has stuffed parathas, paneer kulchas, and rice plates — all priced between ₹70–₹120. It’s ideal for days when you need one big, budget meal to survive back-to-back classes.
8. Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj
One of Delhi’s oldest and most iconic food joints, Sitaram Diwan Chand is known for serving some of the best Chole Bhature in the city. The chole are thick, spicy, and slightly tangy; the bhature come stuffed lightly with paneer and puff up perfectly. At ₹60–₹90 per plate, it’s insanely budget-friendly for the portion size. Students, tourists, and locals all line up daily — especially those heading for coaching classes or shopping in nearby Karol Bagh.
9. Fateh Ki Kachori, Civil Lines
This hidden gem near Civil Lines has been serving unbeatable Khasta Kachori with Aloo Sabzi for decades. The kachoris are crisp, stuffed lightly, and topped with spicy chutneys that give them a delicious kick. At just ₹30–₹40 a plate, it’s one of the cheapest and tastiest snacks you’ll ever find. Students from North Campus often walk here after classes, especially in the evenings. They also serve Chole Kulche, Aloo Tikki, and refreshing drinks — all perfect for light snacking.
10. Hashtag Foods, Hudson Lane
Colourful, youthful, and super budget-friendly — Hashtag Foods is the ideal student café for quick fast-food cravings. Their Hashtag Special Burger is overloaded with veggies and sauces, making it extremely filling for the price. The Peri Peri Fries are crispy and seasoned perfectly. Their menu is full of affordable student combos — burgers + fries + shake combos under ₹200 — making it great for long study sessions, group meetups, or casual hangouts.
