Eating well in Islamabad under Rs. 300 — a complete guide

People think Islamabad is expensive. It's not, if you know where to look. Here's my complete guide after 2 years of budget eating in the capital.

Street Food Champions:

- F-10 Markaz Samosa Wala — Rs. 25 each, stuffed properly. Get 4-5 with chutney.

- Blue Area Roti Stalls — Rs. 15 per roti. Fresh from tandoor at lunch.

- G-9 Paratha Rolls — Rs. 80-100 per roll. Full meal.

Cheap Restaurants:

- Savour Foods (multiple locations) — Biryani for Rs. 220. Never disappoints.

- Monal Lower — Not the rooftop, the lower section. Karahi for Rs. 650 (feeds 2 properly)

- Clifton Karahi (G-11) — Rs. 580 for chicken karahi. Some say better than Monal.

Pro Tips:

1. Go during lunch (12pm-3pm) — many places have lunch deals

2. Avoid Blue Area restaurants on weekends — prices jump

3. G-9 and G-11 sectors have the cheapest desi food

4. University areas near NUST and QAU have amazing budget options

Total budget for a proper day of eating in ISB: Rs. 300 max. Challenge accepted? 💪