Photo: Google Maps
Cost of Food in India
Daily food budget: $5–$12 per person. Here's what meals actually cost.
Budget
$5
per person/day
Mid-range
$12
per person/day
Luxury
$26
per person/day
What Meals Cost
Thali meal (street stall)$1-2
Dosa with chutney$0.50-1.50
Biryani at local restaurant$2-5
Upscale restaurant dinner$15-30
Money-Saving Food Tips
- ✓Eat thali meals and street food from busy stalls for filling meals under $2.
Dining in India
Eating well in India doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your food budget:
- ✓Look for lunch specials — many restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during midday.
- ✓Street food and markets are the best value and often the most authentic local cuisine.
- ✓Ask locals for recommendations — tourist-area restaurants typically charge 30-50% more.
- ✓Self-catering for breakfast (grocery store bread, fruit, coffee) saves $5-15/day per person.
- ✓Use apps like Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find highly-rated budget restaurants nearby.