Budget Eating around Campus

CAMPUS: North South University, Bashundhara
BUDGET: 100 ± 50 Taka
University life is not easy. You have a thin wallet and somehow you always manage to be hungry. While international fast food or coffee shop chains might be fun to visit once in a while, you need a place to frequent with your friends who often whine loudly, "Taka nai, dost!" NSU does have four dedicated canteens serving a wide variety of food but it's only natural that you would lose interest in them over time. But have no fear, as there are some great places just near the campus to take care of your growling tummy.

HAJI BIRYANI
Does this require any introduction? One of the three verified branches of the original Haji Biryani franchise, this place entices everyone who passes by with tantalizing aroma.

Freshly cooked biryani is transported directly from Old Dhaka and sold for Tk 130 per plates – either ceramic or in packets made entirely out of leaves. The amount you get is more than enough to keep you satiated till dinner.

AL ARABIAN
Hungry for some sweet dish? Al Arabian can bring a refreshing change to your sugary cravings. Along with the usual cakes, doughnuts and pastries of different types, this place offers the best baklava in town!

At only Tk 25 per piece, these baklavas come in either the regular flavour or the chocolate version. The snacks are within the range of Tk 100. Grab a sandwich and a chilled Slice to go with it and you will have a content belly. 

CHITTAGONG 
EXPRESS AND 
MEZBAN BARI
Authentic Chittagong food is now available for NSUers just a short rickshaw ride away. Both these places are situated near the Apollo Hospital. Chittagong Express is ideal for hangouts with a large group of friends who are as hungry as a pack of wolves. Seemingly unlimited rice for Tk 30 and a bowl of Mezbani Gosht worth 140, which can be shared by two people, can ensure an filling lunch within 100 bucks. I recently went there with four friends and our bill came up to be Tk 620; we shared Mezban Gosht and Daal Gosht, along with an enormous pile of rice. Also, they provide generous refills of gravy (don't be surprised if the waiter slips in pieces of meat along with it) and adequate salads. Mezban Bari is no different, although you can expect a little less food compared to Chittagong Express for the same price. However, the open air and comparatively nicer ambiance of Mezban Bari is worth mentioning.

BAILY PITHA GHOR
Pithas have always been a traditional delicacy. As the urban food scene is dominated by cakes and pastries, Baily Pitha Ghor remains a strong force in representing the now-rare treats. Grab a Patishapta for Tk 30 or be wowed by their succulent Malai Pitha for Tk 40.

BURGER LAB
The new burger joint in Bashundhara brings to you their "Old School" burger for Tk 130 and their "Say Cheese" one for Tk 150. Whichever you choose, you will love the taste that remains in your mouth for quite a while.

LOCATIONS
Haji Biryani is located near the Bashundhara Gate. Al Arabian is just some distance away from Haji Biryani, towards the GrameenPhone headquarters and Baily Pitha Ghor is basically just beside it. The Burger Lab is also close by, at the underground place where Pizza Guy used to be located. Both Chittagong Express and Mezban Bari are placed along the lane that is beside Apollo Hospital.