Indian Food in the UK: Budget Restaurants for Students

Indian Food in the UK: Budget Restaurants for Students

---

For Indian students studying in the UK, adapting to new cuisines can be a challenge. While British food is diverse, many students crave the comfort of Indian spices, curries, and home-style meals. Thankfully, the UK is home to a vibrant Indian food culture, offering countless affordable Indian restaurants ideal for students on a budget.

Whether you're in London, Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh — this guide highlights the best pocket-friendly Indian eateries across major UK cities.

---

Why Indian Students Love Indian Food Abroad

Indian food is not just about taste; it’s about connection — to home, culture, and comfort. Indian students often look for:

• Budget-friendly options

• Vegetarian and Jain-friendly menus

• Authentic North Indian and South Indian meals

• Familiar dishes like Paneer Butter Masala, Biryani, Dosa, and Thali meals

---

Best Budget Indian Restaurants in the UK (City-Wise Guide)

1. London

a. Saravana Bhavan (East Ham & Leicester Square)
Authentic South Indian food chain. Known for dosas, idlis, and thalis.
Price Range: £6 – £10 per meal
Popular with vegetarian students

b. Dishoom (Covent Garden & Shoreditch)
Retro-style Bombay café. Slightly upscale but offers student-friendly lunch menus.
Lunch Specials: £7–£9

c. Tayyabs (Whitechapel)
Famous for Punjabi grills and curries.
Must Try: Lamb chops and Chicken curry
Student Meals: £8–£12

---

2. Birmingham

a. MyLahore (Bradford St)
Fusion of Indian and British dishes. Great ambiance and student combos.
Average Cost: £8–£10

b. Hen & Chickens
Simple pub-style setting with classic Indian food.
Try: Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer
Meal Price: £6–£9

---

3. Manchester

a. Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Trendy spot for biryanis, thalis & street food.
Student Menu: Available for lunch, £8–£10

b. EastZEast
Traditional Punjabi food. Offers buffet deals.
Deals: Unlimited buffet starting £12

---

4. Leicester

a. Kayal
Coastal South Indian cuisine, very affordable.
Try: Kerala Parotta, Fish curry
Meal Price: £7–£9

b. Bobby's Restaurant
Pure vegetarian, Gujarati thali style.
Affordable Meals: £5–£7

---

5. Edinburgh

a. Kalpna Restaurant
Vegetarian and vegan Indian food.
Affordable Thali Meals: £7–£9

b. Roti
Street-style Indian tapas. Good portions for students.
Combo Meals: £8–£10

---

Tips to Save More on Indian Food in the UK

• Look for student discounts (show your student ID)

• Lunch menus are cheaper than dinner

• Share thali-style or large portion dishes with friends

• Use food delivery apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat with discount coupons

• Cook 3–4 days a week and treat yourself out occasionally

---

Cooking Indian Food in the UK – An Alternative

Want to save even more? Learn basic cooking!
UK supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Indian grocery stores like Patel Brothers, Spices of India, and Veenas stock:

• Basmati rice, pulses, and Indian spices

• Ready-to-eat mixes and frozen parathas

• Pressure cookers and Indian utensils

You can also join Indian student WhatsApp groups to share meals and groceries.

---

Is Indian Food in the UK Expensive?

It depends on the location and restaurant type. A mid-range Indian meal costs around:

• £6–£10 at a budget restaurant

• £12–£20 at an upscale place
  Cooking at home can cost as low as £2–£3 per meal.

---

How Pollster Education Supports Indian Students in the UK

At Pollster Education, we go beyond helping you study in the UK. We also guide students with:

• Accommodation options near Indian food joints

• Pre-departure sessions on budgeting and local lifestyle

• Connecting with Indian student communities across UK universities

We ensure you're never far from the taste of home.