High on taste, low on budget

The jumbo vegetable masala cheese grill sandwich and mango milkshake dosa stall at om Sandwiches

Spending on food is going to be a daily affair as a college student, and sometimes a few of these establishments can be a little too expensive for your pockets. But living on a budget need not mean compromising on taste. Ask these college students! So whether it is the Jumbo Vegetable Masala Cheese Grill Sandwich at Dhobi Talao or the Mysore Masala Dosa at Bhulabhai Desai Road, dozens of students have been visiting these hole-in the wall centers or restaurants to nosh on some delectable food. We asked five college stydents to share their usual haunts, so that you stay well within your budget every month.

Oindrilla Gupta, TYBMM student at Sophia College says: Anna’s Dosa Stall outside the main gate at Sophia College is one place that should be on every college-goer’s list. I had always heard about how popular a joint it is but I have tried it only recently. Now I regret the fact that I didn’t give this a try earlier. The Mysore Masala Dosa will be among the best versions you have tasted. It costs a measly 60 bucks, and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Tip for freshers: As a college student, take it upon yourself to explore what your college and adjoining food joints have to offer. Don’t get too worried about eating from a roadside stall, as long as the food is tasty and pocket-friendly. Isn’t that what every student wants in a costly city like Mumbai

Jeremy Fernand, fybmm student at St. Andrews College, says: A1 Bakery is just around the corner from our college and serves some delicious snacks. The food served in our college canteen and Andorra’s can get quite boring after some time. That’s when we head to A1. The food is amazing and the prices are dirt-cheap. I personally think that their mutton rolls are the best. The snacks at this counter are wiped off pretty fast, so it makes sense to get there early. This place is so economical that you have have a meal for two within just Rs 100! Tip for freshers: The Schezwan Sauce at Andorra’s is legendary. In fact, I would recommend people buying absolutely anything from this place just to taste the sauce!

Bhuvan Majmudar, FYBA student at St. Xavier’s College says: In a lane just after the Gol Masjid, outside Jaffer Bhai's, there is this food stall called Om Sandwiches that serves the best sandwiches and milkshakes. There is a big list to choose from the menu. Although the lane is wide, there are always several groups of people enjoying their favourite sandwiches here. College students must try the Jumbo Vegetable Masala Cheese Grill Sandwich and the watermelon juice or mango milkshake during summers. This place is economical and perfect for college students. Then there’s Kitab Khana in Fort that serves the best hot chocolate. It doesn't matter if you are with friends or alone, Kitab Khana is a treasure chest of wonderful books and delicious food, The ambience of a café amidst a book store with good food is what brings us to Kitab Khana every time. The place does tend to be a little on the slightly expensive side but the ambience, food, and service makes up for the price one pays for the meal. Tips for freshers: As a senior, I would insist that the juniors try the chaat counter in our college since it is not only cheap but also satiating. My personal favourite is the papdi chaat, which is only for Rs 35 and is a meal in itself.

Rajeev Mathew, syba student at Wilson College says: One name that pops up among every college student at Wilson is Café Ideal. This place is perfect for simply a glass of lemonade on a hot day or for an elaborate lunch to celebrate your vacations. These guys also have a jukebox, which plays classics throughout the day. I wouldn’t call Café Ideal to be a cheapplace to eat at, but it isn’t expensive either. With an amazing ambience and that gorgeous beach view, I’d say it’s totally worth it. Tips for freshers: The food stalls at Charni Road East, next to the railway station, is another option. You’re spoilt for choice here — you get everything from pav bhaji to frankies to tawa rice. As a college student, one is always looking for good food at cheap rates, So this place is definitely something I would suggest.