Khana khazana: A feast of cheap delicacies at DUcanteens
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 ` 30, chicken tikka roll for ` 35 and a wholesome thali of shahi paneer with lachcha parantha for ` 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 ` 30.
Most college canteens are popular among students as they serve hygienic food at student rates. “Besides serving mouth- watering chicken tikka roll at ` 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 thirdyear 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 ` 50.
Hindu College canteen, easy on the pocket, serves both vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes. Famous for its North Indian food, the most popular items on the menu are samosas, for ` 7 a piece, rajma chawal for ` 18, shahi paneer for ` 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 ` 5, followed by egg fried rice and French fries with mint chutney. The food at Ramjas canteen costs between ` 5 and ` 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 ` 30 and ` 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 sambaridli 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 ` 20.