India is globally admired for its rich culinary diversity—and the best part is that you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy it. Every Indian state offers affordable restaurants that serve authentic, flavorful meals at reasonable prices. From small family-run eateries to popular local food joints, budget dining in India is both satisfying and culturally enriching. This guide provides state-wise affordable restaurant recommendations across India, carefully curated for travelers and locals seeking quality food without overspending.
Why This Guide Is Trustworthy
- Based on popular local recommendations
- Focuses on publicly accessible restaurants
- No misleading claims or exaggerated pricing Informational, non-promotional, and helpful
- Suitable for families, travelers, and general readers
Affordable Restaurants in North India
Delhi
Delhi is famous for affordable yet iconic food options.- Karim’s (Old Delhi) – Known for Mughlai cuisine at reasonable prices
- Saravana Bhavan – Budget-friendly South Indian vegetarian meals
- Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfiwala – Affordable traditional Indian desserts
Punjab
Punjab offers filling meals with rich flavors.- Kesar Da Dhaba (Amritsar) – Affordable Punjabi thalis
- Bharawan Da Dhaba – Popular for budget home-style food
Uttar Pradesh
A hub for kebabs and traditional cuisine.- Tunday Kababi (Lucknow) – Famous kebabs at affordable prices
- Sharma Tea Stall – Budget breakfast and snacks
Affordable Restaurants in West India
Maharashtra
A blend of street food and traditional meals.- Aaswad (Mumbai) – Affordable Maharashtrian thali Prakash
- Shakahari Upahar Kendra (Pune) – Budget vegetarian food
Gujarat
Well-known for vegetarian cuisine.- Gordhan Thal (Ahmedabad) – Value-for-money
- Gujarati thali Honest Restaurant – Affordable fast food chain
Rajasthan
Royal flavors at budget prices.- LMB (Jaipur) – Affordable Rajasthani meals
- Janta Sweet Home (Jodhpur) – Budget snacks and sweets
Affordable Restaurants in South India
Tamil Nadu
Simple yet flavorful cuisine.- Murugan Idli Shop – Affordable breakfast items
- Sangeetha Veg Restaurant – Budget South Indian meals
Karnataka
Popular for dosa and tiffin culture.- Vidyarthi Bhavan (Bengaluru) – Affordable traditional dosas
- CTR (Central Tiffin Room) – Budget-friendly breakfast spot
Kerala
Coconut-based cuisine at low cost.- Sree Aryas Bhavan – Affordable vegetarian meals
- Rahmath Hotel (Kozhikode) – Budget Malabar biryani
Affordable Restaurants in East India
West Bengal
- Arsalan (Kolkata) – Affordable biryani Local
- Bengali bhojanalayas – Budget home-style meals
Odisha
Simple and soulful cuisine.- Dalma Restaurant (Bhubaneswar) – Affordable Odia thali
- Chung Wah Restaurant – Budget Indo-Chinese food
Bihar
Traditional flavors at low cost.- Kapil Dev’s Elevens (Patna – budget meals)
- Local Bhojanalayas – Affordable home-style food
Affordable Restaurants in North-East India
Assam
Light, flavorful meals.- Michinga (Guwahati) – Affordable Assamese cuisine
- Paradise Restaurant – Budget-friendly local meals
Meghalaya
Simple food with local ingredients.- Trattoria (Shillong) – Affordable café-style meals
- City Hut Dhaba – Budget North Indian food
Sikkim
Himalayan flavors on a budget.- Taste of Tibet (Gangtok) – Affordable momos and thukpa
- Roll House – Cheap and filling snacks
Affordable Restaurants in Central India
Madhya Pradesh
Rich flavors with reasonable prices.- Guru Kripa (Indore) – Affordable unlimited thali
- Shreemaya Celebration – Value dining option
Chhattisgarh
Underrated and affordable food scene.- Manju Mamta Restaurant (Raipur) – Budget local meals
Why India Is Perfect for Budget Dining
- Local eateries offer authentic flavors
- Wide availability of thalis and combo meals
- Street food culture keeps prices low
- Fresh ingredients and regional cooking styles
Tips to Find Affordable Restaurants in India
- Prefer local eateries and thali restaurants
- Eat during lunch hours for better value
- Avoid tourist-only dining spots
- Ask locals for recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are affordable restaurants in India hygienic?Most popular local eateries maintain good hygiene standards. Checking reviews and observing cleanliness is recommended.
What is the average cost of a budget meal in India?
In most states, a filling meal at an affordable restaurant costs between ₹80–₹250 depending on location.
Is vegetarian food cheaper in India?
Yes, vegetarian meals are generally more affordable and widely available.
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