Indian Food & Grocery Guide in Milan: What Students at Milan Need to Know
Moving to a new country for education is a monumental step, and for many Indian students heading to the University of Milan, the biggest concern often isn’t the exams, but the food. Maintaining a healthy connection to home through authentic meals is essential for well-being and academic success. Whether you are pursuing MBBS in Milan or engineering in Milan, understanding the landscape of Indian food grocery Milan students rely on is the first step toward a comfortable life in Italy.
Milan is Italy’s most international city, and its vibrant multiculturalism is a boon for the Indian community. From specialized spice shops in the Loreto district to digital platforms delivering basmati rice to your doorstep, the city ensures you never have to go too long without a taste of home. This guide provides a comprehensive look at how to source ingredients, where to dine out, and how to manage your food budget while studying at the University of Milan.
Good News — Milan Has What Indian Students Need
If you are worried that you will have to survive solely on pizza and pasta, breathe a sigh of relief. Milan hosts a significant South Asian population, which has led to a robust infrastructure of grocery stores and restaurants. You can easily find high-quality cost of living Italy staples like Daawat or India Gate basmati rice, Aashirvaad atta, and a wide variety of dals (lentils) including moong, masoor, and chana.
The city’s logistics are also excellent. If you are busy with labs or lectures, several online platforms specifically cater to Indian grocery needs, offering everything from frozen samosas to fresh curry leaves. While the prices are naturally higher than in India, they remain accessible for students, especially when compared to the cost of eating out daily.
Indian & Asian Grocery Stores in Milan
Finding the right Indian food grocery Milan students recommend often involves a trip to specific neighborhoods or using specialized online stores. Here are the top places to stock your pantry:
- Indian Shop Milano: Located on Via Panfilo Castaldi (near Porta Venezia), this is one of the city’s oldest and most trusted stores. They stock an extensive range of spices, pickles, and fresh Indian vegetables like okra (bhindi) and bitter gourd (karela).
- Dookan: An excellent online option that delivers across Milan. They carry over 10,000 products from brands like Everest, MDH, and Haldiram’s. It is particularly useful for bulk buying rice and flour.
- Kathay: While primarily a large Asian supermarket near Chinatown, Kathay has a dedicated section for Indian spices, pulses, and coconut milk, often at very competitive prices.
- Loreto/Via Padova Area: This district is the unofficial hub for international groceries. Walking down Via Padova, you will find numerous small “Alimentari” (grocery stores) run by South Asians where you can find fresh coriander, green chilies, and various types of lentils at lower prices than central stores.
Most of these stores provide “Pooja” essentials as well, ensuring you can celebrate festivals like Diwali or Holi with the right incense, lamps, and sweets.
Budget Supermarkets for Daily Shopping
While specialized stores are great for spices and grains, your daily essentials like milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are best bought at local Italian supermarkets. Using a mix of these can significantly lower your cost of living in Italy.
| Store | Type | Avg Monthly Spend | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lidl | Discount Supermarket | €150 – €180 | Basic staples, dairy, and frozen vegetables |
| Eurospin | Hard Discount | €140 – €170 | Lowest prices for oil, pasta, and canned goods |
| Conad | Standard Supermarket | €200 – €250 | Fresh produce and high-quality Italian cheese |
| Carrefour Express | Convenience Store | €250+ | Quick, last-minute shopping (pricier) |
| Local Markets | Open-air Markets | €100 – €130 | Fresh fruits and vegetables (cheapest option) |
Pro Tip: Visit the open-air street markets (like the one at Papiniano or Marcello) on Saturday mornings for the cheapest and freshest produce in the city.
Indian Restaurants in Milan
When you need a break from cooking or want to celebrate an exam success, Milan offers some fantastic Indian dining options ranging from casual street food to fine dining.
- The Dhaba (Buenos Aires area): A favorite for students. It offers authentic North Indian flavors like Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. The atmosphere is cozy, and the staff are very welcoming. (Price: €€ | Student Rating: 5/5)
- Rangoli (Brera/Porta Garibaldi): One of the most famous Indian restaurants in the city. It’s slightly more upscale but known for its high-quality tandoori grills and biryanis. (Price: €€€ | Student Rating: 4/5)
- Dilli Bistro (Porta Venezia): Offers a modern take on Delhi street food. Their Papdi Chaat and Samosas are highly recommended for those missing Indian snacks. (Price: €€ | Student Rating: 4.5/5)
- Cittamani: Run by celebrity chef Ritu Dalmia, this is a high-end restaurant perfect for when parents visit. It blends Indian spices with Italian ingredients. (Price: €€€€ | Student Rating: 3/5 due to price)
Cooking Indian Food in Milan
Cooking at home is the most effective way to manage your budget. However, there are a few practicalities to keep in mind for life in a Milanese apartment:
- Induction vs. Gas: Many modern Italian apartments use induction cooktops. Ensure you buy induction-compatible pans (look for the coil symbol). If you prefer a traditional pressure cooker, ensure it is induction-friendly.
- Ingredient Substitutes: If you can’t find specific Indian vegetables, Italian zucchini works well in place of bottle gourd (lauki), and Italian “bieta” can substitute for certain greens.
- Shared Kitchen Etiquette: Indian cooking can have strong aromas. It is polite to use the kitchen hood/extractor fan and ensure good ventilation to keep your roommates comfortable.
- Bulk Cooking: Students often find it easier to cook large batches of “tadka” or base gravy over the weekend and freeze it to save time during busy weekdays.
University Canteen — Worth Using?
The University of Milan (Statale) provides subsidized canteen services, known as “Mensa.” For Indian students, this is a great way to get a nutritious meal at a fraction of the cost of a restaurant.
A full meal typically costs between €2 and €6 depending on your income bracket (calculated via the ISEE). While the menu is primarily Italian, there are always vegetarian options like pasta with tomato sauce, risotto, cooked vegetables, and salads. If you are a recipient of the Italy scholarship (DSU), you may even be entitled to one or two free meals per day at these facilities.
Monthly Food Budget
Your food expenses will depend entirely on your lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of estimated costs for different eating styles in Milan (converted at 1 EUR = 90 INR).
| Eating Style | Monthly EUR | Monthly INR |
|---|---|---|
| Cook at home (mostly Indian) | €180 – €220 | ₹16,200 – ₹19,800 |
| Home + Canteen mix | €250 – €300 | ₹22,500 – ₹27,000 |
| Eating out often | €450 – €600 | ₹40,500 – ₹54,000 |
By focusing on the Indian food grocery Milan students rely on and utilizing the university mensa, most students find they can eat very well for around €200 per month.
FAQs
Can I find Maggi noodles in Milan?
Yes, Maggi is widely available in most Indian and Asian grocery stores like Indian Shop Milano and Jamoona. You can also find other popular snacks like Haldiram’s bhujia and Parle-G biscuits.
Are there vegetarian-only Indian restaurants in Milan?
While most Indian restaurants in Milan serve meat, they all have extensive vegetarian and vegan menus. Places like Shri Ganesh and The Dhaba are highly rated for their vegetarian offerings.
Is it expensive to buy Indian spices in Italy?
Individual spices are reasonably priced, usually between €2 and €4 per packet. Buying in sets or larger quantities from stores in the Loreto area is the most cost-effective method.
Do I need to bring a pressure cooker from India?
While you can buy them in Milan, many students prefer to bring a high-quality, induction-base pressure cooker from India as it is a familiar and essential tool for Indian cooking.
How do I get the discounted canteen price?
You must submit your ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) documents to the university. This determines your income bracket and entitles you to subsidized rates for meals and even the Italy student visa health insurance requirements.
Can I order Indian groceries online?
Yes, platforms like Dookan and Jamoona offer reliable delivery services across Milan, often with free shipping if you meet a minimum spend (usually around €69).
Ready for Life in Milan?
Mastering the art of finding the best Indian food grocery Milan students use is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. From securing your Italy student visa to finding the perfect university, our team at Indian Students Community is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t let the logistics overwhelm you—focus on your dreams while we handle the details.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start planning your future in Milan!
