Students enjoy a quick bite at Food Path. Picture by Bishwarup Dutta

In response to the in-house construction work and the almost-brutal demolition of the popular Green Benches a while ago, students of St Xavier’s College wandered to the adjacent streets in search of the perfect hangout. Well, what they chanced upon was a tiny roadside construction that soon got them hooked. Near the Wellesley-Park Street crossing lies Xaverians’ new stomach, lovingly labelled “Food Path”.

Home to a large variety of quick bites — momos, roti with vegetables, sandwiches, biryani, dosas, a variety of rolls, fruits and more — at prices that never cross Rs 15, it’s the perfect hangout if you’re hungry and have to watch your budget.

“Cheap food. Decent quality,” says Ranabir Das, a mass communication student and a regular on the Food Path. His friends jump over to explain more. “It’s only about food and the options are so many that you can never get bored. A lot of us are emotionally attached to the place now. Initially, this place had only two stalls. Over a span of a few months, that has grown to quite a few more,” smiles Raul Datta, another mass-com student. “It’s a good change from the CCDs and Baristas that will fill half your stomach for triple the price,” says Ishita, a student of English.

Being an outdoor haunt, Food Path also offers certain flexibilities — like smoking. Apart from its functional efficiency, it has other dimensions that add to its charm — “The stall-owners are friendly. They remember exactly how you like your food after, like, three visits,” says Mallika Circar, a political science student. “Food Path is a hot hangout because it is the high point of social life for a lot of people with deadlines back home, as everybody knows everyone else, mixing food and fun!” adds the very satisfied Mallika.

Food Path serves it up hot from noon till about 5pm. “On days when I am really hungry, I have had quite a few helpings: starting off with roti and paneer, later having a bit of biryani and maybe ending with a bite of something else,” says Raul.

Like all street-food stretches, Food Path has its own share of problems. “These days, it’s really crowded. That, along with the heat, can be a little painful,” admits Mallika. “I am not sure of how hygienic the place is,” says Arijita, to which everyone readily agrees. The only other change that perhaps can improve the place — other than cheering up the “ever-depressed roll man” — would be arranging for a sitting area “so that we can sit and enjoy the rather fulfilling experience better”, sums up Mallika.

What’s your favourite hangout? Tell t2@abpmail.com