For many travelers, exploring new places isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about eating. From street-side snacks to regional delicacies, food is one of the most exciting parts of travel. But what if you’re hungry for both flavor and savings?
You’re in luck.
With a little planning and the right tools (like travel deals with Dealplex), you can experience India’s top culinary destinations without breaking your budget. Here’s a guide to the best cities for foodies traveling on a budget—plus how to get there with the best travel deals online.
- Amritsar, Punjab – Heaven for North Indian Food
Punjabi food is unquestionably best enjoyed in Amritsar. This city is adept at providing hearty meals on a tight budget, from creamy lassis to buttery kulchas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amritsari Kulcha with chole
Makki di roti & sarson da saag
Sweet creamy lassi
Budget Tip:
Street food around the Golden Temple is both cheap and divine. Many eateries offer full meals under ₹150.
Deal Tip: Use Dealplex to find hotel + transport combos under ₹3,000 for a weekend trip from Delhi or Chandigarh.
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – The Nawabi Food Capital
Craving kebabs, biryanis, and food with centuries of Mughal history? Lucknow is a budget foodie paradise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galouti kebab
Tunday ke kabab
Lucknowi biryani
Sheermal (sweet naan)
Budget Tip:
Head to Aminabad or Chowk for authentic, wallet-friendly fare.
Deal Tip: Browse travel deals with Dealplex for affordable guesthouses and OYO stays, especially during the off-season.
- Kolkata, West Bengal – Street Food with Soul
Whether it’s kathi rolls or fish curry, Kolkata offers some of India’s best street food—and it’s super affordable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Puchka (Bengali pani puri)
Egg/chicken kathi roll
Mishti doi (sweet curd)
Fish curry with rice
Budget Tip:
Hit local stalls at Park Street or New Market. Meals for two often cost less than ₹300.
Deal Tip: Use Dealplex to compare flight prices from any metro city. Combine it with hotel deals for maximum savings.
- Hyderabad, Telangana – Biryani Capital of India
Hyderabad isn’t just about tech—it’s about slow-cooked, spice-rich Hyderabadi biryani. And it doesn’t cost much to indulge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hyderabadi biryani (obviously!)
Haleem (especially during Ramadan)
Mirchi ka salan
Budget Tip:
Skip the chains—try local gems like Paradise, Shah Ghouse, or roadside vendors.
Deal Tip: Search best travel deals online via Dealplex during off-peak months (June–August) for lower airfare and room rates.
- Indore, Madhya Pradesh – India’s Street Food Capital
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves hopping from one snack to the next, Indore is your paradise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poha & jalebi breakfast
Garadu (fried yam)
Bhutte ka kees (spiced corn dish)
Sabudana khichdi
Budget Tip:
Visit Sarafa Bazaar at night—it turns into a full-blown food street, all under ₹100 per dish.
???? Deal Tip: Dealplex offers great deals on trains and budget hotels—perfect for short foodie getaways.
- Kochi, Kerala – Flavors of the Coast
Want seafood, spice, and southern hospitality on a budget? Kochi (Cochin) delivers rich coastal cuisine at pocket-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meen curry (fish curry)
Kerala parotta with beef fry
Appam with stew
Budget Tip:
Local “thattukadas” (street food stalls) offer full meals for ₹50–100.
Deal Tip: Explore travel deals with Dealplex for scenic homestays near Fort Kochi or beach resorts offering off-season discounts.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Spirituality Meets Street Snacks
Varanasi may be India’s spiritual heart, but its street food is just as divine. Every corner hides something delicious and cheap.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kachori-sabzi
Banarasi paan
Tamatar chaat
Rabri and malaiyyo
Budget Tip:
Stick to ghats and local haats—most food items cost less than ₹50.
Deal Tip: Plan weekday travel using Dealplex for the best travel deals online on bus + stay combos.
Why Dealplex is a Foodie’s Best Friend
Whether you're chasing biryanis in Hyderabad or sweets in Kolkata, Dealplex helps you save on what matters—so you can spend more on what you eat.
Here’s how:
Real-time comparison of flights, trains, and hotel prices
Coupons, cashback, and limited-time offers across platforms
Location-specific travel deals for every Indian city
Off-season travel alerts for maximum savings
Instead of hopping across multiple apps, get it all in one place with travel deals with Dealplex.
Final Tips for Food-Loving Travelers
Carry extra cash: Many food stalls are cash-only
Try local markets and fairs: They often have regional specialties
Ask locals where they eat—not where tourists go
Use Dealplex to book early and grab deep discounts
Ready to Eat Your Way Across India?
Start planning your budget food trail with the best travel deals online—flights, stays, and travel hacks all in one place.