Express Avenue Mall, located in Royapettah, is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Chennai. On weekends, the third-floor food court gets incredibly busy. Finding a meal that is both filling and affordable can feel like a tough task when surrounded by big, expensive restaurants. However, you can find amazing, pocket-friendly options if you know where to look. This guide lists the eight best budget-friendly food spots inside the mall, including the absolute best fries shop in chennai located right in the basement hub.
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The Ultimate Budget Food Spot in Express Avenue
If you want a highly satisfying, affordable snack that packs a punch, Fries with benefits is your top choice. Located in the basement of Express Avenue Mall, this spot has quickly earned a reputation as the best fries shop in chennai. They serve massive portions of ultra-crispy crinkle-cut potatoes loaded with fiery sauces, premium cheeses, and non-veg toppings for reasonable prices.
1. Fries with benefits
Fries with benefits claims the number one spot on our budget list because it offers incredible value for your money. While most mall joints charge high prices for basic sides, this specialized kiosk makes french fries the main event. It is a dream destination for students and shoppers who want a heavy, comforting meal on a budget.
The kitchen uses distinct crinkle-cut potatoes that stay perfectly crunchy on the outside while remaining light and fluffy inside. Their dry seasonings, like Mexican Cheese and Cream and Onion, are budget-friendly favorites. For those who want a heavier meal, their loaded options are unbeatable. The Volcano Loaded chicken fries feature crispy chicken chunks tossed in a spicy, rich signature sauce poured over a mountain of hot potatoes. They also offer a sweet and fiery Korean variant with blazing sauce that easily fills you up for the price of a small appetizer elsewhere.
- Must-Try Dishes: Volcano Loaded Chicken Fries, Spicy Peri Loaded, Korean Blazing Fries
- Where to Find Them: Basement Level, Express Avenue Mall
- Price Range: ₹120 to ₹270 per plate
2. Taco Bell
If you want a mix of cheese, spice, and crunch without spending a lot of money, Taco Bell on the third-floor food court is a reliable option. This global fast-food chain is famous for providing highly affordable combo meals that easily fit a student budget.
Their menu features excellent entry-level prices. You can grab a crispy tacco shell stuffed with seasoned minced vegetables or grilled chicken, fresh lettuce, and tangy salsa for a very low cost. Their rice bowls and cheese quesadillas are also highly filling, making it an ideal stop to recharge your batteries after hours of walking around the mall.
- Must-Try Dishes: Crunchy Taco, 7-Layer Burrito Bowl
- Where to Find Them: Food Court, Third Floor
- Price Range: ₹90 to ₹220
3. Wow! Momo
Wow! Momo is a massive favorite for shoppers looking for a quick, mess-free evening snack. They take traditional Himalayan momos and give them a fun, local fast-food twist that keeps prices accessible.
You do not have to stick to basic steamed options here. For a very reasonable price, you can get their pan-fried momos tossed in a thick, spicy schezwan gravy or their famous “Momo Burger” (Moburg), which places crispy fried momos inside a soft bun with mayonnaise. It is highly filling, uniquely flavorful, and incredibly easy on your wallet.
- Must-Try Dishes: Veg Fried Schezwan Momos, Chicken Moburg
- Where to Find Them: Third Floor Food Court
- Price Range: ₹100 to ₹190
4. California Burrito
California Burrito is a brilliant spot for health-conscious food lovers who still want to save money. They specialize in fresh, Mexican-style fast food made with high-quality ingredients like real avocados, black beans, and fresh meats without any added artificial colors.
Their budget superpower lies in their custom bowls and rolls. You can build your own small burrito or rice bowl by choosing a base of seasoned rice, adding pinto beans, grilled vegetables, or shredded chicken, and topping it with fresh pico de gallo salsa. The portions are surprisingly large, ensuring you stay full for hours.
- Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Chicken Burrito, Custom Rice Bowl
- Where to Find Them: Third Floor, Food Court Zone
- Price Range: ₹140 to ₹260
5. Burger King
When it comes to pure affordability in the burger world, Burger King’s entry-level menu is very hard to beat. Located prominently in the central food court, this joint is always packed with teenagers and families looking for a quick bite.
Their value-tier menu features local favorites like the crispy veg burger or the chicken burger, which cost less than a typical gourmet coffee. If you add a side of their classic salted chips, you get a complete meal that keeps your shopping budget completely intact.
- Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Veg Burger, BK Chicken Burger
- Where to Find Them: Third Floor Food Court
- Price Range: ₹70 to ₹180
6. Gangotree
If you are craving traditional Indian street food and sweets, Gangotree is a legendary local name located right inside the Express Avenue food court. It provides a clean, hygienic environment to enjoy classic snacks without street-side dust.
They serve up exceptional north Indian chaat items at very competitive prices. You can enjoy a plate of ultra-crispy pani puris filled with cold, mint-infused spiced water, or a hot, smashed samosa chaat smothered in sweet tamarind chutney, spicy green mint sauce, and chilled curd. It is the perfect sweet-and-sour pick-me-up.
- Must-Try Dishes: Dahi Puri, Samosa Kachori Chaat
- Where to Find Them: Third Floor, Street Food Section
- Price Range: ₹80 to ₹150
7. Kakada Ramprasad
Kakada Ramprasad is another iconic local brand famous for its rich heritage of street food and traditional snacks. While their standalone restaurants offer heavy dining, their mall kiosk focuses on quick, comforting bites.
Their menu highlights include huge, golden-fried kachoris and thick, spicy aloo tikkis. Their standout budget item is the premium lassi, which comes served cold in a thick glass with a heavy layer of fresh cream on top. It is incredibly rich and filling enough to replace a standard lunch on a hot afternoon.
- Must-Try Dishes: Khasta Kachori, Special Sweet Lassi
- Where to Find Them: Third Floor Food Court
- Price Range: ₹90 to ₹170
8. Squeez Juice & Chai Shai
Rounding out our list is Squeez Juice & Chai Shai, a fantastic destination to visit when you need a refreshing drink but want to avoid expensive gourmet coffee chains. This simple stall focuses on classic, comforting local beverages.
You can grab a steaming-hot cup of aromatic ginger milk tea or cardamom chai for a very low price. They also prepare fresh, seasonal fruit juices right in front of you without adding excess ice or artificial sugar water. It provides a clean, healthy, and highly affordable way to end your mall food tour.
- Must-Try Dishes: Adrak (Ginger) Chai, Fresh Watermelon Mint Juice
- Where to Find Them: Third Floor Food Court
- Price Range: ₹50 to ₹120
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