It’s that time of the month again. When wallets begin to get reasonably lighter, the endless wait for next month’s salaries begins, and suddenly going out for fun and frivolous coffees and elaborate buffets seems near-impossible. Help is here, with our handy list of where to eat – or rather eat like a king, at the budget of a college student (all under 500 bucks per person) at Food central: Indiranagar.
A meal for one will technically cost you just shy of INR 500, but really if you have one Sloppy Joe (INR 275) and an Ice Tea (INR 110) , you can end with A chocolate tart (INR 50) with a full tummy and some change to spare! Or just as easily have a plate of their fries (with their special mayo if you're so inclined) and a coffee and be just as full.
Stop here for your snacking needs, the chill ambience, and the long list of teas (INR 59). We love the potato wedges (INR 135) and the wicked brownie (INR 130). Plus points for their cute store, if you're looking for nick nacks!
The last 500-rupee note in your wallet is good for several desserts and gelato at this dessert cafe. From luscious OTT sundaes, to gourmet gelato flavours (their cheesecake ones are a hit), even ones with some booze in them! If you don't have much of a sweet tooth, they have a good variety of fries and sandwiches as well.
Snacks and comfort fare rule the roost here. We can’t think of anything better than a plate of freshly-fried onion pakodas (INR 70), Corn Churmur (INR 70) and a cup of Kullad Chai (INR 50 upwards) to pass the time on a rainy evening.
Those who claim that they will never go to eat at an Empire are probably lying. Haven’t we all been in that situation, when, after bar hopping, we have ended up late at night at Empire tucking into its version of greasy Butter Chicken, totally not authentic but oh-so-good (INR 195 for half and INR 345 for a full portion), and Ghee Rice (INR 66)? Wash this down with one of Empire’s rather good freshly-squeezed fruit juices (INR 58 upwards).
If you can manage to find seating, and then find someone to actually attend to you in this ever-crowded but charming coffee-house, head straight for the cupcakes (INR 50): the red velvet is a crowd favourite. Pair with a good, strong cup of coffee (INR 50).
One of the city's (and our) most favourite tea chains, they have everything for the standard chai consumer. Be it their ginger-lemon tea for when you're feeling a tickle at the back of your throat, or cutting chai to clear out your 3pm funk. Their carrot cake and Maggie somehow tastes better than the regular counterparts, so you can eat and drink for under INR 500 twice if you need to!
Craving retro fare? Lakeview Milk Bar’s old-school ice cream sundaes and sandwiches are here for you, and up to around 2 am on those long weekend nights. One of the oldest and most iconic ice cream parlours in town, their recipes have stayed true to their roots. We like the roast lamb sandwich (INR 120) and the peach Melba (INR 160).
Take our advice. Just order the veg meal here first and then add on those spicy, peppery and fiery Chicken Fry, Mutton Roast or the Fish Curry. Their Chicken Biryani (INR 220) in a size small is perfect for a mini indulgence. Their full meal (let us remind you, that it's unlimited) is INR 200!
For home-style Punjabi fare, look no further than Sethji. Set in the ground floor of a house, the menu here comprises parathas (INR 80) served with curd, Rajma Masala, Chana Palak and other veg gravies (INR 80 upwards) and a veg meal that costs a mere INR 80.
The bricks on the walls are replete with ecstatic messages praising Tayabb’s, and for good reason. This little eatery is the perfect post-drink stop. For less than INR 500, you can get more than enough fare for two. Try the Roomali rotis, Mutton Kheema Rolls, and the the Mutton Baida Roti. Even simpler rolls start at INR 40.
This hole-in-the-wall Bengali joint offers snacks and savouries such as cutlets and samosas (INR 20 upwards) and Kolkata-style Kathi rolls (egg, veg, chicken and mutton priced at INR 50 upwards). They have some heavier snacks such as Bengali breakfast staples like Luchi with Aloor Dum, Mutton Kosha and Mutton Kheema (INR 100 upwards).
We know, we know – Toit is where you go to celebrate, not to pinch pennies. Still, with carefully picked choices – a beer and a plate of bruschetta or nachos, perhaps – this brewpub needn’t be out of bounds.
Classic diner fare, keto friendly food, and even hearty breakfasts are all available here, especially if you're looking to share (because their portions are pretty large). A full continental style breakfast platter (with a juice or coffee included) will set you back by INR 300! Even a regular main course with a drink, will not cost you more than INR 350.
For fully filling eats on the go, these guys have rolls, sandwhiches and momos all for a sweet INR 100. If you're in the mood to splurge, then they even have options for INR 120, and you can add cheese to it for an extra INR 15.
If you're in need for something wholesome, warm, and filling (like a thukpa), Just Khao Suey has more than just that. With nothing over INR 250 on the menu, you'll have a full, happy, tummy on something that's relatively healthy too!