Meet, chat and eat

From crammed bakeries and corner juice stalls, Tiruchi’s hangout landscape is steadily changing

A group of friends hangs out at Altitude restaurant.

Less than a decade ago, ‘treats’ in Tiruchi meant snatching up the few steel chairs and plastic tables at hole-in-the-wall-bakeries for crisp cutlets dipped in runny ketchup. Or ordering a round of ice-creams at the nearest parlour where walls were papered with pictures of enormous sliced fruits.

Those moments had their simple joys, but Tiruchi’s youth soon discovered that conversations cannot thrive on bread alone - they could do with more leg-room, comfier seats, and better ambience! Of course, there has always been the odd restaurant cropping up every year, but budget-friendly options that allow people to simply ‘hang out’ were scarce.

This year seems to have a lot in store for those on the lookout for a new haunt. A renovated Maris cinema complex, a first-ever Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlet and a new hypermall are all in the offing, and could fuel the slowly changing hangout landscape in Tiruchi. Meanwhile, check out some favourites frequented by the city’s youth to meet, chat and eat.

ICE, ICE BABY

A professor in Coimbatore who graduated from Tiruchi 20 years ago, once told me her fondest memories of the city were tied up with ice-cream parlours. Though the big brands have their own clientele, our home-grown ones still get more ‘likes’.

Sea-Kings, Good Shed Road: Famous for its super-sized ice-creams, students of the many colleges around the parlour take refuge here on one of Tiruchi’s many dog-days. “We love the yummy ice-creams and soon as we place our order, we start chatting and taking selfies,” says Rekha Jeganathan, who recommends the grape pulp juice and the fruit salad ice-cream.

Michaels, Teppakulam: A pocket-friendly option is Michaels, says engineering student, Arun Kumar. “It is the place for my group of friends to share updates and relive our college life.” Chocolate ice-creams at Rs. 7 don’t hurt either!

TRENDY DINING

The popularity of a few upmarket restaurants that opened their doors in recent years, is a cue that Tiruchiites may not mind shelling out for a good meal in a great ambience.

Dimora, Thillai Nagar: We’ve heard it’s the go-to place for treats among the trendier college crowd. Though it may be all about fine-dining, it’s the relaxing interiors, thin-crust pizzas and brownies that draw in the young, says Annie, an engineering student. “It’s a good place to click some snaps with friends,” she tips.

Altitude, Thillai Nagar: It’s the cosy interiors and comforting sense of privacy that earns this hangout its brownie points. Add pumping music, some sky-line views and Italian fare to that. “What I love about this place is you can sit for hours and chat without any interruption,” says Akshaya, a law graduate, who insists the cheese rolls are out of the world.

A CUPPA AND CAKE

Cake Bee, Cantonment and Thillai Nagar: For cheesecakes and quick bites, says Durga.

Bread and Spread, K.K. Nagar: The dining space in this new spot is perfect to share pastries, particularly if you like eggless cakes, says Sathya.

Marrybrown, Cantonment and Chatram: For meet-ups in the heart of the city, long chats and bucket chicken, says Monica.

MULTITASKING FUN

Vijay Cinemas, Cantonment: This is Tiruchi’s equivalent of the metropolitan multiplex. Small screens, but plush seats and reasonably-priced food at the adjacent food court make this an option for an evening well-spent, says Sahana Ilangovan. “If you don’t like the movie, you can always hang out at the food court.” Besides, there’s chaat, ice-cream, coffee, rolls and even fried idlis.

FSM, Central Bus Stand: When it opened, this ‘mall’ was the only one of its kind and you were sure to never leave without bumping into an old school-mate or neighbour! It might have been done to death, but the idea of shopping and snacking, is still appealing, says Hameetha.

ALL-TIME FAVOURITES

Cauvery Palam: Hangouts may come and go, but, like the river, this bridge seems to be an eternal favourite. It is every Tiruchite’s consolation for the lack of a beach like Chennai. There are great views of the water - or sometimes, a dry bed where there should have been water - people taking walks and enough sundal to go around! “It may be crowded in the evenings, but my friends are always ready to meet there,” says Surendar. The cool breeze, the chaat and the hum of traffic – well, conversations don’t need cappuccinos and leather sofas all the time!

Rock Fort and around: If you delight in the chaos of a typical temple town, then this is where you will end up taking your friends who come visiting - either to climb all those steep steps, to watch a spectacular sunset or simply shop till you drop. “The Burmese noodles around Burma Bazaar tastes even better when shared with friends,” grins Steffi Mary.

Srirangam temple: Some like Sindhuja believe the open spaces and serenity of Sri Ranganathar Swamy temple make for the rendezvous. While you’re in the area, order a cup of filter coffee at Murali Kadai near the Raja Gopuram says Vijaya Sivaswamy. It is the best ten rupees you can spend and spices up any chit-chat.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Tip N Top Cue Sports, Cantonment: This is a fun spot for youth to play a game of Snooker, says Daya.

Olayur Road: The limited traffic here is ideal for bike stunts on weekends and shooting portraits at dusk, says Santosh.

Deer Park, BHEL Township: For residents in and around the township, this is the stuff pleasant evening are made up of, says Shyam Sundar.

Spot the deer, make a tour on the Park Express train, gather around a fountain, listen to the bird calls, share some popcorn and make new plans!