DU Diary: DU-de Where's My Food?

It isn’t easy living on a student’s budget. With the bulk of our pocket money spent on the endless metro and auto rides, it doesn’t come as a surprise when meals at Chili's and Big Chill are deemed as pipe dreams; something to be enjoyed at the expense of parents and distant relatives.

So here is my list of best places to eat in and around Delhi University’s North and South Campus. Some tried and tested from the times when our parents attended DU (yes that really happened!) and some relatively newer ones.

Satya Niketan Market

As you walk out from Sri Venkateswara College in South Campus, head straight here. QD’s (also located in Kamala Nagar) provides you with innovative Tandoori Momos, and though they’re somewhat more expensive (Rs. 75 a plate), it’s definitely one of those items you can’t afford to miss. Another option available is the Chicken Egg Roll at Chowringhee. It’s a light yet filling alternative, especially in between consecutive lectures. Big Yellow Door is a newer addition and though I’ve only tried their scrumptious Cheese Nachos, there’s plenty available to excite your taste buds.

Majnu Ka Tila

 

Momos are a staple of our lives at Uni and the ones here are one of the reasons why. There are about 20 food stalls in this Tibetan colony situated in New Aruna Nagar, dishing up these gems of Himalayan cuisine. Whether a Delhi University student or not, these steamed beauties stuffed with pork, mutton and chicken are a must-try.

Chache Di Hatti

 

On the bylanes of Kamala Nagar, you’ll find this delicious eatery serving up hot off the tava Bhature with Amritsari Chhole. Hot, fresh and spicy, the smell is enticing enough for you to order a plate within seconds!

Moolchand Paranthas

Life in Delhi is incomplete without eating these, after all they were in fact ‘’Shah Rukh Khan’s favourite’’. Whether or not you’re a SRK fan, these Stuffed Paranthas are the ultimate energy bites at any time of the day. Packed with oodles of butter and chilli pickle, order one with the stuffing of your choice and you’re in for a delight.

Lajpat Nagar IV Market

 

In the same vicinity as LSR, this market has numerous food joints. A few places worth mentioning would be Kathi Corner and Tony’s (in Gurunanak market). Both are easy on the pocket and serve some delicious food items. While there’s nothing really new in the Kathis served at Kathi Corner, the kebab pieces here are relatively chunkier and great value for money. For those in the mood for some indo-Chinese, try the Crispy Honey Chicken and Chilli Potatoes at Tony’s, one of the best I’ve had so far, with its perfect blend of spice and crispiness.

Bille Di Hatti

 

Skipped breakfast? Head here. Poori-Chhole and Lassi are the perfect starters to your day (think 5 Pilates sessions to burn that). Kamala Nagar eateries really know how to spice it up.

Tom Uncle’s Maggi Point

 

At the crossing between Daulat Ram and Ramjas College, you see this historical landmark synonymous with North Campus. This is probably the only place where you need to specify the kind of Maggi you’d like to eat, because the options are galore! (Think- cheesy, spicy, egg, butter and so on). Remember to order some Banta to go with it.

The Canteen Grub

 

From the Mince Cutlets at St Stephen’s Canteen to the Seekh Rumali Rolls at LSR’s café. Served with chutney and packed with some great flavours, both serve as grand meals. Another canteen that makes it to the list would be that of Delhi School of Economics (DSE), which features its famous Mutton Dosa and Masala Coke, at JP Tea Stall. While the Dosa provides that kick with its chunky meaty filling, the latter satiates your thirst in the sweltering Delhi summers.

The list could go on and I’m sure I’ve missed out on many, so do write in and comment with your favourite places to eat in and around Delhi University.