Budget Eating around Campus

Campus: BRAC University, Mohakhali Campus
Budget: 100 ± 20 Taka

As far as survival skills go, keeping your tummy happy is probably the most important. Trudging to classes hungry and cranky doesn't make coping with the pressure of studies any easier. Although BRACU boasts two canteens and a snack bar, I personally found it difficult not to grow tired of eating the same food. It's easier with a loaded wallet, but chances are you've had to take a CNG to catch a class and you're down to your last few notes. Fortunately, there are several places that are just a stone's throw away and can be frequented when the budget is limited.

KMC Dispenser
The name might be misleading but this place sells the best chicken rolls I've ever had. Well, at least while paying just Tk 60 for it. If you add an egg to the succulent, spicy chicken and paratha roll, the price is hiked by just Tk 10. The place also sells club sandwiches that are just as good for Tk 50.

Cinnamon and Roll n Grill
Cinnamon has a few set meals that will stretch the budget a bit, but their egg noodle comes at just Tk 90. The portion is reasonable and it's the best option if you're a noodle person. If it's fried rice you prefer, then head over to Roll n Grill for their chicken fried rice which comes at Tk 100 per plate.

Solna and Ajwah
If you're into patties, rolls, and similar savoury baked goodies, these are two places you can go to, and most of their food comes in under Tk 70. Enjoy satiating your sweet tooth during crunch time? These two places offer a variety of pastries, donuts and other desserts you can pick up on the go.

Ghorowa Restora and Bismillah Café
Sadly, most of the scrumptious items offered by these two places are way beyond the budget but if you're a fan of grilled chicken and naan, you'll be able to fill your tummy within a Tk 100 budget. Both places have their regulars, and from what I've noticed, each place has patrons of their grilled chicken. The quarter portions and the huge naans are the best option if you're in need of a hearty meal.

Bottola
Before the name creates a misconception, I want to clear out that this refers to an area with a few tong-er dokan under a banyan tree, and these shops are known for their dirt cheap food. Tk 10 kebab rolls, Tk 40 tehari, and Tk 20 egg-and-ruti rolls, to name a few. Yes. Also, Boost tea.

If you feel uncomfortable unless you're eating at places that empty your wallet faster than CNG rides, you'll probably be better off eating from the canteen or (opting for the best way to not spend on food at all by) bringing food from home. Take it from me, the only thing needed to survive the semesters is to find ways to achieve the 'freshman 15' all throughout.

Locations:
Cinnamon, Solna, and KMC Dispenser are all adjacent to the BRACU main building, with Solna and KMC Dispenser next to each other and Cinnamon on the floor above the two. Bismillah Café and Roll n Grill are both on the road behind the said building. Ajwah and Ghorowa are both a minute's walk from the main building towards Mohakhali flyover, opposite to Hotel Zakaria. Bottola is located at the end of the road behind Square Tower which is opposite to the main building, next to BRACU's Building 5.