Food outlets are an integral part of BITS’ unique student culture. While eateries like ANC and Looters are abuzz with students at night, it is the redis that are a go-to place to eat for students on campus during the day. Each bhawan has its dedicated redi where the students can snack on a variety of items while chatting about their day-to-day college life or calm their hungry stomachs after missing breakfast. 

Each of them has a different atmosphere and a style of cooking. However, one can rely on the fact that everywhere the food is fresh, delicious, and (hopefully) made with love. There are a total of fourteen such redis, and due to the sheer variety that is to be found, one is advised to try them all and find a favourite. An early morning, afternoon, or evening redi run with friends is an experience like no other.

VK Redi / Nagarji ki Redi

Upon visiting the VK redi located next to the bhawan of its namesake, customers are welcomed by the loving presence of Nagarji doleing out his refreshing shikanjis. This redi has acquired quite a reputation throughout the campus, and for good reason. People often snack on delicious samosa chaats—or Sam Chaat as BITSians famously call it—as Nagarji shares various anecdotes from his life. As the proprietor of one of the oldest restaurants on campus (established in 1969), Nagarji has witnessed the college evolve through its many phases and has been awarded several times by the students for his service. His message to the freshers was to study well and enjoy their college life as much as possible. This is a place where you can hold a conversation and enjoy a delicious snack simultaneously.

VK Redi Recommendations: Samosa Chaat, Papdi Chaat, Mosambi Juice

RP Redi

Nestled between the Rana Pratap Bhawan and RP-Ashok Mess, there exists a peaceful and quiet haven. What makes this redi special is that it serves Davidoff and Sleepy Owl brews—high-quality coffees you wouldn’t find anywhere else on campus. Additionally, the metal plates and glasses used to serve food to students give off a homely feel. 

RP Redi Recommendations: Variety of Coffee, Dabeli, Veg Puff

Bhagirath Redi

Right next to the Vishwakarma-Bhagirath Mess, one may stumble upon the humble Bhagirath redi. Unlike the extensive menus of the other redis, this one offers only tea and Maggi. It is, however, the only place on campus where you can get sugarcane juice, freshly pressed and poured.

Bhagirath Redi Recommendations: Sugarcane juice

Ashok Redi

Similar to RP Redi, Ashok Redi also offers space with calm and serene surroundings. Not usually frequented by freshers, this redi is mostly loved by the senior students. One might also find a lot of packaged food at the redi. A little-known fact about this place is that slightly larger quantities of Maggi are found in each serving. The redi’s seeming unpopularity is but a ruse to keep this from being common knowledge. 

Ashok Redi Recommendations: Chole Kulche, Rose Sharbat, Bread Pakora

Malviya Redi

Another redi that is often held in very high regard is the Malviya Tea Stall. This stall is located right in front of the Malviya Bhawan gates, next to the laundromat. The owner of the redi was adamant about the fact that they only serve clean and hygienic food. “If the food is not of good quality, you can always ask for a new one [sic]” was his assurance.

Malviya Redi Recommendations: Stuffed kulche, Paneer Patties, Aam Panna

Krishna Redi

Some might wonder where the Krishna Redi has vanished, as it has now relocated to the area beside the Krishna-Gandhi Mess. Being close to the NAB, it is filled with students who snack on a variety of things during the break between their classes. Crates filled with cold drink glass bottles also attract a lot of students. 

Krishna Redi Recommendations: Mango Shake, Fried Maggi, Iced Tea

Gandhi Redi

This redi is one of the few that can be spotted easily from the roads. One may clock it on the way to and from classes, and be tempted to grab a quick snack, making it a common student hotspot. It is also one of the few places on campus where one can acquire fresh fruit.

Gandhi Redi Recommendations: Shikanji, Tawa Fried Maggi, Peanut Butter Sandwich

Paradise Cafe

While SR Bhawan does not have a redi of its own, it does have the Paradise Cafe located beside it, which has been lovingly dubbed as the “SR Redi”. Its manager never fails to entertain whenever someone visits the cafe. During exam time, it is crowded with students who are burning the midnight oil in the library. 

Redi  Paradise Cafe Recommendations: Wraps like Falafel Wrap or Paneer Wrap, Choco Frappe, Veg Burger

Ram Redi

Across the road from Malviya Bhawan lies the ever-busy Ram Redi. You may find a friend here with a cup of tea and a paneer frankie in hand. Located close to Looters as well as the Budh and Malviya Redis, this redi has contributed to the area becoming a hub for foodies.

Ram Redi Recommendations:  Pyaaz Kachori, Paneer Frankie, Tea

Budh Redi 

One of the most crowded areas on campus sits right in front of the SAC. Since a lot of clubs and departments work at SAC, it is a favourite spot for students to eat while other eateries are closed during the daytime. It has a diverse menu, and one can get the items customised according to one’s taste. The owner of the redi has stuck several pictures of the students on his stall and remembers even the students who show up seldomly. Furthermore, the facility of room service makes this already special redi even more so.

Budh Redi Recommendations: Plain Vada Paw, Badam Milk, Lachha Parantha

CVR Redi

The biggest and most popular redi on campus is located just behind its namesake bhawan. The stall’s owner assures customers that no matter which redi you choose, you will always get fresh and delicious food, and only the way of preparation differs, so which redi is the best is up to an individual’s discretion. A plethora of eating options and very quick service are sufficient to make someone fond of this redi. The unusually high variety of maggies and ice golas are the main crowd pullers, while bhelpuri, mango shake, and rolls are also relished by the students. Besides, opening at 6 AM and serving students until 7 pm makes it the ideal location to start your day well after tiring all-nighters or hanging out with your wingies in the evening. 

CVR Redi Recommendations: Papdi chaat, Poha, Italian Maggi, Variety of Ice Golas

Shankar Redi 

While returning from Gym-G, you might want to take a stop at Shankar Redi, which sits right next to the Shankar-Vyas Mess. Unlike the others, this redi has not been passed down the family lines. The owner, having worked as an electrician on campus earlier, has a lot of experience, and one can have a great conversation with him.

Shankar Redi Recommendations: Soda Shikanji, Extra Masala Maggi, Banana Rabdi

Vyas Redi

Far away from the hustle and bustle of the campus, Vyas Redi is the perfect spot to take a break. The experience of chatting with the owner, Gulabji, is something that you cannot find anywhere else.

Vyas Redi Recommendations: Samosa

Meera Redi

What makes this redi a bit unconventional in comparison to the others is the fact that it is located inside the Bhawan grounds itself. Moreover, this redi is open till 12:30 am, unlike the others, which close by dinner. These long working hours mean that the work is split into two shifts. They have been serving kids for about 15 years, making it one of the more recent redis. On speaking with the owner of the redi, she said that these days the students pick up food when necessary.  You can also find one of the widest selections of packaged chips, chocolates, and juices. This redi is very convenient for the residents of Meera who live far away from the rest of the campus.

Meera Redi Recommendations: Parathas, Maggi, Uttapam