The perfect guide to eat like a king in Delhi: Meal for two @500

Have just Rs 500 in your pocket and want to eat like a king? Here are some places in the city where you can have a yummy meal.

Is it possible to have a delicious, mood-lifting meal in Delhi without paying a bomb? Is there more to the city’s culinary smorgasbord than what you regularly find in Khan Market, Connaught Place and the Hauz Khas Village?

We, at HT city, went on an Indiana Jones style trip around the capital city with just Rs 500 in our pocket to hunt for places where you can gorge on delicious and authentic food, and enjoy generous proportions. From Kerela Hotel in the buzzing INA Market to the charming Appetite German Bakery hidden in the neony lanes of Paharganj, here are places you must try out for lip-smackingly gorgeous food under Rs 500. It’s time you gave that long pending treat to your friend.

Tibetan Delight

This colourful and tangy American Chop Suey is a must try at this restaurant. (PHOTOS: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT)

Your culinary journey of the city is incomplete without gorging on authentic Tibetan cuisine. Tee Dee restaurant in the colourful Majnu Ka Tila is the place if you have Tibetan food on your mind. Established in 1960, this Tibetan eatery is frequented by people from various walks of life — students, families and local Tibetans. This restaurant’s menu is a total delight for non-vegetarians but at the same time, it does not leave vegetarians starved for choice. We also loved the bright, welcoming ambience of this eatery, complete with Tibetan artefacts. The waiters here are courteous, and they politely hand you a notepad to list up your order. The chef too is super sweet and willing to customise dishes according to your preference. Don’t forget to wash down your meal with chilled fruit beer.

What we had

1) Veg Thupka = Rs 180
2) American Chop Suey = Rs 120
Total = Rs 300

Also try

1) Kung Pao Chicken = Rs 180
2) Tingmo = Rs 20
3) Shabhley = Rs 140

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A yummy mishmash

For all those pancake aficionado, this is place to gorge into delicious nutella pancakes. (PHOTOS: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT)

Located in the neony lanes of Paharganj is a hidden gem — Appetite German Bakery, which is perfect to banish your morning blues. With its laidback, homely vibe, it’s the hangout zone for foreign tourists, who love to sit on the rooftop gazing at the city. With chef Neeraj Ojha at the helm, the eatery has been serving delicious food over the last 10 years to tourists and food lovers in the city.

What we had

1) Pancakes = Rs 190
2) Yak Cheese Salad = Rs 180
Total = Rs 370

Also Try

1) Peanut Chicken = Rs 290
2) Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti = Rs 190
3) Enchilada De Polo = Rs 260

Add some spice in life

Kerala Hotel is famous for serving authentic spicy food and incredibly cheap prices, with prawns biryani being the standout dish. (PHOTOS: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT)

If you are a fish lover, head to Kerala Hotel in the heart of INA Market. This eatery that opened some 18 years ago is a hit among local Keralites and foodies alike. From a variety of spicy fish, meat and chicken dishes to prawns and crabs, this place will not disappoint a non-vegetarian. You’ll always notice a long queue of foodies waiting for a table here, but the food is always worth the wait. You’ll come back with an ear-to-ear grin.

What we had

1) Prawns Biryani = Rs 250
2) Fish Curry = Rs 80
Total = Rs 330

Also try

1) Crab Curry = Rs 200
2) Fish Surma = Rs 200
3) Mutton Stew = Rs 200

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Of kebabs and chai

The meat served at this eatery is tender, juicy and as soft as a marshmallow. (PHOTOS: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT)

There are very few eateries in the city where you can get authentic Afghani food and experience Afghani culture. But Balkh Delhi Restaurant in Saket is one place where you can quietly sip soothing black tea and indulge in delicious kebabs and qormas, take a trip through the lanes of Kabul as you listen to the stories told by Afghanis who have made this restaurant their second home. The meat served here is so tender, juicy and cooked to perfection. Pair your meal with oversized Afghan rotis.

What we had

1) Mutton Kebab = Rs 180
2) Chicken+ Afghani Roti = Rs 180
Total = Rs 360

Also try

1) Egg Karayhi = Rs 180
2) Dupiaza = Rs 200
3) Kabli Uzbaki = Rs 180

Rustic Kashmiri

This eatery uses Kashmiri spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon with fennel powder to perfection. (PHOTOS: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT)

If you love Kashmiri cuisine with a rustic twist, Kashmiri Wazwan in Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid is one place you cannot afford to miss. Run by young wazas from the valley, it’s the hangout zone of Kashmiri traders who visit Delhi for work. This cozy little restaurant serves the juiciest rista and gushtaba, the crispiest tabak maaz. If you don’t mind its nondescript interiors, this joint guarantees a delicious meal. The service is super fast and the waiters are polite, who will never forget to get you a second helping of rice. We loved the authentic flavours of the dishes, and the liberal proportions. Wash off the meal with piping hot kahwa.

What we had

1) Rista = Rs 240
2) Rice = Rs 50
Total = Rs 290

Also try

1) Rogan Josh = Rs 240
2) Tabak Maaz = Rs 100
3) Mirch Korma = Rs 300