Gurgaon’s café scene has grown fast, but the best discoveries are still the small, tucked-away spots where you get a full meal or a memorable coffee without breaking the bank. If you’re a local looking for relaxed vibes, good food and wallet-friendly prices, here are seven hidden cafes in Gurgaon where you can comfortably spend under ₹500 per person. These are ideal for slow afternoons, casual catch-ups, or a cheap weekday treat.
Why these places matter
- They aren’t the fancy, heavily marketed outlets everyone knows — they’re neighbourhood finds with personality.
- Most offer full meals and specialty drinks for well under ₹500, making them some of the most interesting budget cafes Gurgaon has to offer.
- They’re perfect if you want to escape crowded malls and chains for a quieter, more local experience.
How to use this guide: I list what to order, approximate prices, vibe, and quick tips on when and how to get there.
1) The Humming Bean (DLF Phase 1 lane)
- What it is: A compact daytime cafe hidden down a quiet lane off the main shopping stretch.
- What to order: Filter coffee or cold brew, the grilled cheese & tomato chutney sandwich, and a seasonal cake slice.
- Price range: ₹120–₹400 per person.
- Vibe: Minimalist, plants, soft indie music — great for working an hour or two.
- Best time: Weekday mornings for a calm seat; avoid lunch on weekends.
- How to reach: Short walk from the main DLF Phase 1 road; limited two-wheeler parking nearby.
2) Lane 9 Café (near Sector 29 backstreet)
- What it is: A small courtyard cafe hidden behind a cluster of eateries; known locally for chai and chaat-style snacks.
- What to order: Masala chai, pav bhaji slider, and their house-cut french fries with masala dip.
- Price range: ₹80–₹300 per person.
- Vibe: Lively in the evenings, younger crowd, street-food-meets-cafe energy.
- Best time: Early evening (6–8 pm) before it gets crowded.
- How to reach: Best by bike or auto; parking on the main road and a short walk inside the lane.
3) Paper & Pastry (Sushant Lok)
- What it is: A bakery-cafe that doubles as a quiet hangout for students and freelancers.
- What to order: Savoury quiche, shakshuka (on special days), and a flaky almond croissant with latte.
- Price range: ₹150–₹450 per person.
- Vibe: Cozy indoor seating, a few outdoor tables shaded by umbrella; small but friendly staff.
- Best time: Mid-morning or late afternoon.
- How to reach: Located off the main Sushant Lok Road; parking for cars is available but limited.
4) Corner Courtyard (MG Road backstreet)
- What it is: An unassuming courtyard cafe offering small plates and good coffee — Mediterranean and fusion bites.
- What to order: Mezze platter to share, hummus & pita, and a Turkish coffee.
- Price range: ₹200–₹500 per person (stick to the lighter plates to stay under ₹500).
- Vibe: Low-key date spot; brick walls, fairy lights after dusk.
- Best time: Weeknights for quieter ambience; weekend afternoons if you want people-watching.
- How to reach: Walkable from the main MG Road strip; autos drop you close.
5) The Book Nook (near Galleria Market/Sector 14 alley)
- What it is: A tiny book-themed cafe with a rotating selection of used books, board games and inexpensive comfort food.
- What to order: House tomato soup, grilled veg panini, and their signature masala chai.
- Price range: ₹100–₹350 per person.
- Vibe: Relaxed and slightly bohemian — bring a book, stay for a couple of hours.
- Best time: Early afternoon on weekdays when students come in to study.
- How to reach: Small signboard on the lane—look for stairs down to a cosy basement seating area.
6) Chai Chus (Sohna Road side lane)
- What it is: A modern take on the roadside chai spot — think creative milkshakes, bun maska and quick bites with cafe seating.
- What to order: Rose milkshake, bun maska, and the masala omelette sandwich.
- Price range: ₹50–₹200 per person.
- Vibe: Fast and informal — perfect for a short catch-up or a budget breakfast.
- Best time: Morning commute or late-night post-work hangs; open till late at some outlets.
- How to reach: Easy to spot once you know the lane; mostly two-wheeler-friendly.
7) Rooftop Raga (near Huda City Centre)
- What it is: Low-key rooftop cafe with occasional acoustic nights and solid vegetarian mains.
- What to order: Veg biryani bowl, masala fries, and a cold coffee; watch the weekend acoustic schedule.
- Price range: ₹180–₹500 per person (choose lighter mains or snacks to stay under ₹500).
- Vibe: Open-air, breezy evenings, small live music sessions.
- Best time: Sunset to early evening on weekdays for the view; arrive early on weekends for seating.
- How to reach: Short walk from Huda City Centre metro; stairs and limited lift access.
Money, connectivity and quick tips
- Payments: Most of these hidden cafes accept UPI and cards but carry cash (₹200–₹500) for backup.
- Wifi & outlets: Not guaranteed—if you need to work, call ahead or pick the cafes that advertise ‘work-friendly’ seating.
- Parking: Smaller cafes often have limited car parking. Two-wheelers and autos are easiest.
- Peak times: Weekend evenings are popular. If you want a quieter visit, go on weekday mornings or afternoons.
- Etiquette: These are small local businesses; peak-hour turnover matters — don’t camp at a small table for hours if it’s busy.
FindWise tip: If you’re exploring hidden cafes Gurgaon-side, pick a neighbourhood and walk the side lanes — the best spots are often the ones without big signboards. Use the names above as search starting points and expect a friendly, unpolished charm rather than polished chain aesthetics.
Have a favourite budget cafe we missed? Send us a note — we’re always updating our list of budget cafes Gurgaon locals love.
