While we love our idlis, dosas and rice baths, we can’t help but admit that sometimes, nothing beats good old Chinese food {greasy, Indian Chinese to be precise}. Especially when we can tuck into an elaborate meal that doesn’t cost the earth either. Here are our picks of budget restaurants around town which offer everything from Manchurian to noodles and much more.
LBB’s loving
Wanley
Readers’ vote
Delicacy
When in doubt about where to turn for budget Chinese fare, you can always count on Delicacy. Start off with their Chicken Manchow soup or some steaming wantons, before you dig into their Chinese Roast Chicken. With its list of options {from Szechwan to Beijing Oriental} for noodles, chopsuey and rice, you’ll have a hard time deciding your order. And, all of this without burning a hole in your pocket.
When: Monday to Sunday, noon
Price: INR 450 for two {approx.}
With its red and white themed decor, perfect ambience and delicious fare, China Pearl is possibly one of the very few restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine at a reasonable price. While their range of appetisers are tempting enough, make sure you also try their Drunken Chicken {sliced chicken dish cooked with homemade Chinese rice wine}.
When: Noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11pm
Price: INR 1,000 {approx.} plus tax for two
This pocket-friendly restaurant has a huge menu which includes lamb, fish and prawn specialties {apart from chicken and vegetarian, of course}. Tuck in to their crunchy Golden Fried Spicy Prawns or Hunan Lamb and choose from their rice or noodles options. Oh, and did we mention they also serve great mocktails to go with your meal?
When: 11m-3.30pm, 6.30-11pm
Price: INR 800 {approx.} for two
If you’re willing to compromise on ambience for the sake of scrumptious Chinese food, head to Kim Lee. The Chicken Noodles and Hunan Chicken at this restaurant are enough to make you come back for more. A haven for non-vegetarians in particular, Kim Lee also serves pork in yummy avatars {Pork Blackpepper Sauce, anyone?}.
When: Noon-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11pm
Price: INR 650 {approx.} for two
With bamboo structures separating the tables and dim lights, Popsies has an ambience that complements their delectable fare. Dig into the piquant Chilli Lemon Fish to start your meal. If you’d like to try more dishes without feeling too stuffed, we suggest you go for the subtle-flavoured Butter Garlic Noodles with a side {or two} of your choice.
While pure vegetarian Chinese may not seem too tempting, we suggest you give Luo Han a visit. Starting with one of their steaming bowls of soup or perhaps, their Fried Tofu Balls and following up with a Crispy Chinese Chopsuey, you can tuck into a good, filling meal without worrying about it taking a toll on your wallet.
When: 11am-3pm, 7pm-11pm
Price: INR 400 {approx.} for two
While you must try their Seafood Soup and some of the appetizers they offer {Bacon Wrapped Prawns, anyone?}, we suggest you leave room for their Chicken Chilly Garlic Fried Rice which goes perfectly with their spicy side dishes {a helping of Peking Spicy Prawn , perhaps?}.
When: Noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11pm
Price: INR 700 {approx.} for two
Green Onion opened its doors in 2000 and since then, the restaurant has been a favourite of Chinese food enthusiasts, especially for its value-for-meal factor. You can easily make a satisfying meal of their Chicken Triple Szechwan or Dragon Chopsuey {in veg and chicken versions} if you are looking for a quick lunch.
When: 11am-11pm
Price: INR 500 for two {approx.}
Wanley, known for its Indianised Chinese fare, might prove to be a haven for pork lovers in particular. From their Chilly Roasted Pork to Burnt Pepper Pork, the dishes here will please your taste buds with their punch of flavours.
When: noon-3pm and 6.30pm-11pm
Price: INR 600 {approx.} for two
Their Crispy Lee Fu Chicken is a great way to start your meal here. For main course, opt for their Shredded Chicken with Green and Red Pepper and you might just find yourself in foodie haven. And, all without feeling the pinch in your pocket.
When: Noon-4pm, 7pm-11pm
Price: INR 600 for two {approx.}
After digging into their flavourful Chilli Squid, opt for their meal or combo options which give you a portion of rice, noodles or chopsuey, with a generous helping of gravy of your choice.
When: noon-3pm, 7pm-10.30pm
Price: INR 800 plus tax for two {approx.}
A pocket-friendly eatery frequented by the college-going crowd in the area {given that the place is opposite Jyoti Nivas College}, Khawa Karpo lets you gorge on Chinese fare {and Tibetan, as well} without letting your pockets get too light. Apart from the usual suspects like varieties of noodles and fried rice, their Manchurian and beef starters stand out for the taste factor.
When: 11am-10.30pm
Price: INR 250 for two {approx.}
With around 30 outlets all over the city, Beijing Bites is an all-time favourite for budget Chinese. Dishing out a generous quantity of grub for reasonable prices, this place has Super Saver Combos that give you fried rice, noodles, a portion of starter, gravy and salad for just INR 170.
When: 11am-11pm
Price: INR 950 for two {approx.}
Another chain of restaurants which has won us over with their dishes, Chung Wah offers delectable Mixed Seafood Soup and Cantonese Chowmein. With almost 20 outlets spread across the city, we think Chung Wah would be a perfect solution when you’re craving for a fix of Chinese food.
When: noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm
Price: INR 800 for two {approx.}
