C ollege campuses are not just about lectures and exams. Some of the most enduring friendships are forged in its canteen,and many will know the first flush of romantic love there. Heres a look at some of the best canteens on campus: Delhi School of Economics: Although the process of getting the food is quite chaotic,thanks to the constant rush of students from across the North Campus,and the staff being always overworked,the canteen offers one of the widest selection of savoury snacks in DU. Check out their fruit jelly with cream,non-vegetarian cutlets and cold coffee with extra cream. For the more adventurous,the mutton dosa is a must have. Top Pick: Mutton Dosa (Rs 26) and MUTTON cutlets (Rs 28) The Faculty of Management Studies: The FMS isnt exactly a popular hangout spot for large groups,but its a favourite among foodies nonetheless. The egg curry with rice and the paranthas are ideal to chill over while you discuss brand management and foreign investment policies. The lady in charge of the canteen is particularly enterprising and adds a personal touch to each item on the lunch menu,despite the large bulk of orders pouring in through the day. Everything is freshly cooked in an open kitchen,making the food here the closest to home-cooked meals on campus. Top Pick: Egg curry with Rice (Rs 30) Hindu College: Although finding the canteen here can be quite a task for first-timers,walking up till the other end of the college will certainly work up your appetite. The Hindu Cafe is located at a fair distance from the bustle of college and is an ideal place to de-stress over food. For less than Rs 40,you can have a proper meal,and its also one of the more hygienic canteens in DU, says Ketki Saxena,a second year English student. Some students also prefer to take their food to the cafe rooftop,which overlooks the entire Hindu campus,and is perfect for a breezy lunch. Top pick: Shahi Paneer and naan (Rs 35)Hans Raj College: Unlike most canteens in DU,the Hansraj College canteen specialises in dishing out yummy Indian Chinese items. One of the largest canteens in the north campus,it can easily accommodate large groups of students. Theres quite a spacious outdoor seating area too. The menu includes some ingenuous fusion food like spring rolls with Indianised filling. The fresh fruit juice kiosk is also a great draw. If other college canteen staff are rushed for time,here the staff are more than willing to help you out with suggestions about the days special and what can tickle your palate. Top pick: Chicken momos (Rs 30) St Stephens College: One of the few places in Delhi University to serve each meal in bone china serving plates with with proper cutlery,the St. Stephens Cafe maintains the suavity that the college is known for. Comfortable wicker chairs are strewn around and windows overlook the sprawling lawns of the college. Its not just a place to eat, says Dhruv Rajashekaran,second year student at the college. A lot of the students come here and sit and read for hours. No one ever asks you to leave, he adds. While the samosas and masala nimbu paani are staples with the students here,do try out their buttered toast and scrambled eggs. Top pick: Egg Maggi with mince meat (Rs 37)
