Budget Meals in Mumbai

Mumbai has fast turned into an expensive city. Real estate is practically unaffordable to the masses, public transport is not cheap and without a doubt, eating out has turned into an expensive proposition. Most of us grudgingly accept this and blame it on inflation, taxes, import curbs and so many other reasons.

It doesn't stop many from eating out, but there are many who find it difficult to indulge on a regular basis because they simply can't afford it. If you're in college and on the meager pocket money or earning a stipend, you tend to feel this pinch even more. It is next to impossible to expect good food at a reasonable price and a lot of people think, if it's cheap then it isn't very good. Here are a few restaurants and food outlets that dispel that myth. To make eating out with your friends more pocket friendly, here are a few places where you can eat at least one thing if not more for Rs.100 or less.

Snack Shack - One of the few and possibly only restaurants catering to Parsi food in Bandra, also has a list of snacks that are incredibly adorable and some well under Rs.100. The best being their burgers, including their signature Ashmick Burger, which is a meal in itself. While the heavy dhansak and curries are more expensive (understandably so), you'll be surprised that all their rolls, puffs, sandwiches (not the grilled ones), desserts and even a few burgers are all priced under Rs.100. Ideal for a meal out on a budget and provides enough choice.

Candies - Bandra's favourite eatery is a haven for tasty and affordable food. Sometimes the pricing is so low that you wonder how they manage to pull it off. You'll be surprised to find more than a few items priced under Rs. 100. From desserts, cupcakes (including some adorable little angry birds themed ones) to pastries almost all their desserts are under Rs.100. From the savory lot, there are sandwiches, rolls & wraps. You could also squeeze a sandwich and a dessert together in this budget.

Kyani and Co. - One of the best cafes in the city, offers you everything from snacks to full blown meals at reasonable prices. Apart from the iconic bun maska and chai, which is well under Rs.100, there are other interesting items as well on the menu like sandwiches, milkshakes, egg items & Kheema dishes. Even a Parsi style chicken farcha is well in the price range. They have special chicken and mutton biryani also priced at Rs.100 and you can eat well within the budget at this adorable cafe.

The Bombay Canteen - This one is a real surprise entry on this list. We didn't expect to find a single item under Rs.100 in this restaurant, but a quick glance at their adorable bakery counter had us include them in this list. While the focus is on bringing back old Bombay favourites like nankhatai biscuit and Parsi style Mawa cakes, the price point of this take away bakery is perfect. Almost everything from their beautiful chicken patties to the Mawa cakes, to banana and jaggery bread are under Rs.100.

While it might seem impossible to eat anything substantial at a restaurant for less than Rs.100, there are actually plenty of places if you look. These are our picks, but if you have a favourite let us know! 

Follow Roxanne @The Tiny Taster