Khana khazana: A feast of cheap delicacies at Delhi University canteens

The cut-offs for admissions to Delhi University colleges may be spiralling out of control, but there’s one thing on campus that remains affordable and within easy reach for most — the canteen food DU has a well-earned reputation for.

Parents of most of students will recall with sweet nostalgia and watering mouths the bread-pakoras of Kirori Mal College and scrambled eggs at St. Stephen’s. Thankfully, the menus, like the times, have moved on. The prices, not so much.

Today, a keema dosa at Lady Sri Ram College can be had for just Rs 30, chicken tikka roll for Rs 35 and a wholesome thali of shahi paneer with lachcha parantha for Rs 30.

The café at St. Stephen’s is famous for its mince cutlets and chicken curry rice dish, which is served only on Fridays for Rs 30.

Most college canteens are popular among students as they serve hygienic food at student rates. “Besides serving mouth-watering chicken tikka roll at Rs 35, the best part about the LSR café is that it offers a new sweet and savoury dish daily — ranging from usual vanilla or chocolate cake slice to hot-dogs,” says Hiten Pradhan, a third-year student.

Food is reasonably priced, fresh and clean in Hansraj College, where the canteen is a self-service one with seating for 150 students. The menu includes Chinese, North Indian and South Indian dishes, as well as a generous range of beverages. The most popular combo is chocolate frappe with a grilled sandwich for Rs 50.

Hindu College canteen, easy on the pocket, serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Famous for its North Indian food, the most popular items on the menu are samosas, for Rs 7 a piece, rajma chawal for Rs 18, shahi paneer for Rs 20 and fresh fruit juice. Hindu has another canteen, popularly known as PAM — Pizzas and More — where students rush to when they are craving a veg cheese burger.

Ramjas College prides itself on its three-floor canteen, with a fully air-conditioned first floor. Famous for its spicy food and efficient service, samosas are a hot-selling dish at just Rs 5, followed by egg fried rice and French fries with mint chutney. The food at Ramjas canteen costs between Rs 5 and Rs 50. “Egg fried rice and the green chutney with French fries are the main reasons for this canteen being crowded,” says Ayesha Mathur, a second-year student.

Commonly known as D School, Delhi School of Economics is famous for its deep-fried mutton cutlets and mutton dosas for Rs 30 and Rs 45 respectively.

JP Tea Stall, however, remains the most popular hangout joint in D School, where Raju Bhaiya is every student’s favourite. “He serves us the best steaming hot aloo patties along with tea and coffee. The star dish on his menu is masala coke,” says Mayank Rathi.

Even though Sri Venkateswara College’s canteen is quite small, students spill out carrying steaming plates of sambar-idli and vadas.

Jesus and Mary College canteen, popular in South Campus because of its peppy ambience, is the perfect place to order a plate of chilly potatos for Rs 20.