12 Of The Best College Canteens In India And What You Should Eat There

Ask anyone about their fond memories and it would be to go back to their days in college. And no college life is complete without the hours spent at everyone¡¯s favourite spot ¨C the canteen. Just the words 'college canteen' are enough to make you feel nostalgic. There was something magical about the food served that no amount of money or fancy restaurants can replace. From being indecisive over what to eat to taking a bite from your friend¡¯s plate, the adda was definitely the best place to be. We take a look at some of the most famous college canteens across India.

1. University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

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University College of Medical Sciences, located in Dilshad Garden, has an exceptionally huge campus, stretching across an area of more than 85 acres. But it is UCMS¡¯ canteen that is considered the favourite hangout zone by students. A wide variety of food is in the offering at the lowest rates and keeps student pretty pleased. The spacious canteen is seen as the hub of all activities with students who get to break free from routine life to have a quick bite of appetizing food. So enroll in UCMS to gorge on yummy food, and become a doctor as well!

2. Hans Raj College, Delhi

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One of the most popular college canteens in the capital, Hans Raj enjoys a large hall that can accommodate more than 150 students at a given time. Famous for its samosas and spring rolls at a reasonably low price, the canteen serves as a perfect adda for enthusiasts.

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The environment is no less than the happening scenes from any coming-of-age movie, especially, the ¡®Lover¡¯s Point¡¯ aka the outside stall run by Nestl¨¦ offering a dedicated beverages menu. The place is called Lover¡¯s Point because it is believed Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan proposed to his childhood love interest and now wife here! Seems like King Khan has been making people fall in love long before he appeared on celluloid.

3. Hindu College, Delhi

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One of the prestigious colleges affiliated to the University of Delhi, Hindu College ensures its students memorable canteen experiences. A sizeable canteen with no compromise on hygiene, the college is known to serve a variety of dishes compared to others. The all-time quick bites like omelette-bread and samosas, to filling items like rajma-chawal and shahi paneer are a must-try in this college canteen. There is also a good chance of you running into a celebrity who could be canteen-hopping as part of their promotional activities.

4. Mithibai College of Science and Arts

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The college website describes the canteen to be very spacious and offering hygienic food at affordable rates, and they are definitely not exaggerating. Mithibai shares a huge canteen with NM and UPG College. ¡®Mithibai College Ka Famous Sandwich¡¯ is listed down by various food sites as special while the dosas and vada pavs are to die for. The canteen also bakes fresh breads and yummy cupcakes every day.

5. St. Xavier¡¯s College, Mumbai

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Guitars strumming amidst cheering birthday celebrations, St. Xavier¡¯s is right out of a Bollywood rom-com. The swanky canteen is filled with in-house crowds as well as hoards from several colleges thanks to its fests. From the popular veg and non-veg thalis to Umesh Bhai¡¯s bhels and frankies, to Anna's counter (run by Mr. Udaya S. Shetty (Anna) since 1991), this canteen is a delight.

6. Jai Hind College, Mumbai

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A celebrated college of Mumbai, Jai Hind has its own charismatic canteen environment and Jai Hindites love to brag about the mouth-watering dishes served here. From dosas and samosas to Chinese treats to cheese sandwiches, the eatery has it all. The only person who gives tough competition to the delicious food is the famous waiter named ¡®John¡¯. What makes him so talked about? Well, he was a favourite of Bollywood hunk John Abraham when he attended the college as a youngster. Once the actor became a known star, the college waiter rechristened himself ¡®John¡¯.

7. Christ University, Hosur Road, Bangalore

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Easily one of the favourites to bag the best Indian college canteen award, Christ University's canteen near Bangalore Dairy off Marigowda Road in Bangalore provides a wide range of options in terms of canteen facilities. There are two cafeterias for vegetarians, buffet service for non-vegetarians, a freshateria (for juices), a food court, a gourmet hall and one or two kiosks serving top quality hygienic food. Some definite things to try - cakes, donuts, samosas, egg puffs and chai.

8. Manipal University

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If you are a fan of everything suave and classy, the Manipal campus is your place. It takes the variety to another level with restaurants dedicated to different kinds of food. For instance, China Valley and Yo Dragon will have your manchurians, rice, Hakka noodles, soup and starters. The Prawn Manchurian platter comes highly recommended. There is also a Hangyo Saiba serving Indian gravies and breads, and Snack Snack for American, Italian and Asian food. Best part? It's also centrally air-conditioned

9. Mount Carmel College, Bangalore

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This all-girls college in Vasanth Nagar is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Set up in 1848, Mount Carmel College suffices in bringing the best food on the table, a high point other than top-notch academics. Chechi's canteen is widely popular with vegetarians opting for Chole Bature and Bisibele Bath while non-vegetarians go for the Fried Rice and Chilly Chicken on any given day. Apart from the ¡®Main Canteen¡¯, the college campus is also decorated with several kiosks - Chat Shop, Momo Hut, and Nescafe Stall are all equally popular. One of the highlights of the canteen is that the staff are helped by parents who choose to volunteer.

10. M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai

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After standing in the long queue, your patience finally pays off when hot and spicy Chili Parotta is served to you. One of the best canteens in the South, this place offers a really crispy and filling chili parotta. Although the canteen remains strictly vegetarian, college goers do not miss much with Archana Sweets (of famous Archana Group) making an entry here.

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The canteen has been given a new avatar with blue glistering lights and aesthetic green d¨¦cor. The presence of the Maggi Station and Chatty Chaat near the MOV campus only add to the taste ride.

11. Loyola College, Chennai

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While we are sure academic reasons are the driving force behind admissions here, one cannot overlook their amazing non-vegetarian food also playing a major role. Jokes apart, Loyola offers non-veg food items compared to other colleges that stick to veg dishes. Chicken fried rice is rated the best by the students here. The additional serving of brownies and donuts only adds to the charm of this canteen.

12. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

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Calling this just a canteen might be an understatement for many as Jadavpur University has a landmark ¨C the legendary Milan Da¡¯s canteen. Milan Kanti Dey, known as Milanda, is the man behind the invention of tasty Dhoper Chop - a huge egg-shaped snack in a bread jacket with lots of stuffing. Apart from the famed chops, the menu includes chicken pakora, chicken stew or chicken curry, roti, dalpuri, alu dum, ghooghni, noodles, burgers, biscuits and cakes from Monginis, and of course tea, coffee and aerated drinks. The campus has six canteens, with the other popular one being Moni Da¡¯s.