Some dishes aren’t favourites. They’re defaults. They show up on busy weekdays, late evenings, and those days when the idea of cooking feels like extra work. People don’t always scroll endlessly. They open the app, sort by price or rating, and tap the same plates they’ve ordered before. Over time, certain meals become part of a routine rather than a decision.
Many of these regular picks appear in Zomato’s “Meals Under ₹250” section, which is often where repeat orders begin. The goal isn’t excitement. It’s reliability, price control, and a plate that feels complete without extras.
Here are the budget meals that quietly become everyday orders.
Dal, Rice and One Sabzi Combos
The simple dal-chawal plate remains one of the most repeated orders across cities. A lot of cloud kitchens and mess-style outlets offer dal, rice, one vegetable, and sometimes salad or pickle for a fixed price.
It feels balanced, familiar, and predictable. For people working from home or students living alone, it replaces home food without making the meal feel heavy or expensive.
For people who prefer vegetarian meals, Zomato’s Veg Mode often becomes the easiest way to keep these familiar defaults visible without filtering every time.
Rajma Chawal and Chole Chawal
Rajma and chole plates sit in that sweet spot between price and fullness. They are filling, travel well, and survive the ride through traffic without losing their character.
In many kitchens, they cost less than full curry-and-bread combinations but still feel like a complete meal. Many people simply rotate between rajma and chole through the week.
Veg Fried Rice or Veg Pulao
When hunger arrives without warning, fried rice or pulao often becomes the quick solution. These plates are usually cheaper than gravy meals and work on their own.
They feel lighter than heavy curries but still filling enough to skip sides. That’s why office-goers order them during overtime and students depend on them during late study sessions.
Egg Curry with Rice or Paratha
Egg-based meals offer a balance between price and protein. Egg curry with rice or paratha is a repeat order in many shared flats and bachelor kitchens.
It feels familiar, doesn’t need add-ons, and usually sits below chicken dishes in price. One plate, no extras, and the meal feels settled.
Chicken Thali (Half Portions)
Many restaurants now offer half thalis or limited chicken plates designed for budget diners. These usually include one chicken curry, rice or roti, and a small side. They are a complete meal without crossing budget.
Paneer Rice Bowls
Paneer bowls with rice or pulao are common in cloud kitchens and resturants near you. The bowls are portion-controlled and cost less than full paneer meals with more than one roti.
Curd Rice and Lemon Rice
Curd rice and lemon rice remain dependable in cities where South Indian meals are common.
They are easy on the stomach, priced low, and work well for lunch on hot days. Many people order them when they want something simple and at the same time is not heavy on the pocket.
Aloo Paratha or Mix Veg Paratha Combos
Paratha combos with curd and pickle continue to appear in repeat orders, especially when breakfast becomes dinner.
They feel filling, require no sides, and usually sit comfortably under budget limits. Many people end up ordering parathas from the same outlet every time, turning it into a habit.
Closing Thought
Budget plates stay popular because they solve a daily problem. They arrive on time, stay within budget and remove the stress of choosing. People sort by price, compare kitchens, and pick what has worked before. Over weeks and months, these plates quietly turn into defaults.
And when you’re planning one of those repeat orders, Zomato’s Meals Under ₹250, Veg Mode, and ongoing offers such as up to 60% off with free delivery help keep those everyday plates within reach. Every city has its own food rhythm, and with Zomato, people keep returning to what works, one familiar plate at a time.
Also Read: When fine dining comes home in Bengaluru, without stretching the bill
