Around the world in 200 bucks

Beg, borrow or dip into your roomie's pocket, but fish out Rs 200. Yes, that is all you need to enjoy food from around the world at this fest

Beg, borrow or dip into your roomie's pocket, but fish out Rs 200. Yes, that is all you need to enjoy food from around the world at this fest

If you are a student living alone in a big city, there are two things which keep you occupied. First, where to find good food that doesn't leave a dent in your pocket.

V for U: They are all about peace and good food

And the second, how to make that chick in the front row aware of your existence. The latter, sometimes needs divine intervention but the former, if you read this article carefully, can be taken care of.

Everybody is in holiday mood today, some of you have seen the Republic Day celebrations on television, paid homage to India's adoption of its Constitution. Now, there's a pressing problem at hand. The hostel mess is closed so where do you head for your meal tonight? Well, the International Food Festival at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is your best bet.

One world, many foods
The food festival is celebrated each year at the Jhelum lawn near its well-known landmark Ganga Dhaba. This year the participating students will be representing 19 countries. Some of the countries include Russia, South Korea, Germany, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sudan.

"You can enjoy food from countries as near as Bangladesh to far away ones like Sudan, it is a delicious cultural potpourri," says Tawheed Reza Noor, President of the Foreign Students Union, JNU. The stalls will have cuisines prepared by the students (with some help from outsiders) trying to give the festival a global feel in a hygienic environment.

Cheap and best
The stalls cater to an array of food lovers. If you are a Kebab fan you know where to head to, just walk in a straight line and stop at the stall which serves Afghani food. If Steamed rice and Hilsa is what makes your mouth water, your destination is the Bangladesh stall. Enjoy your Wednesday as if it's a Sunday, bite in some Waffels cooked by the German students.

"We didn't have a traditional oven to bake it but luckily a German lady living here lent us one so we'll make a yummy one," says Lena Mai Lietz, a student from Germany in a hurry to finish preparing Glass noodles salad. But the best part is, "the price. You'll get something for as cheap as Rs 15, and if you are loaded you can spend Rs 170 maximum on a dish, but the price range doesn't go higher than that," says Noor. Well, we say let's dig into the food and deal with the chick in the front row later.

When: Today
At: Jhelum Lawn, JNU campus, New Mehrauli Road
Timings: 6pm to midnight
Meal for two: Rs 350