The Subway outlet at Main Road in Ranchi on Thursday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Once bitten, twice bold; that is the Sub-way.

The American sandwich chain, which had been unceremoniously chopped off Ranchi’s taste map within months of its debut in 2006, has returned to tease the capital palate in its lip-smacking Indian tikka and tandoori avatars.

The new Subway outlet — Jharkhand’s second after the one in Bistupur, Jamshedpur — opened its inviting doors at the swanky, nine-storey JD High Street Mall, opposite GEL Church Complex, on Main Road in August. And this time, it has been an instant hit.

The fresh fit footlongs, the sassy sauced salads and delectable dessert dollops are drawing the GenY in droves. Be it a birthday treat or a get-together of friends, the Rs 135 chicken tikka sandwich is simply indispensable. Add to it the Italian BMT (biggest, meatiest and tastiest) submarine loaded with lettuce leaves, tomato and onion rings, and green pepper slices for that extra tang and you can have yourself a perfect party.

“The sandwiches are fresh and healthy — a combination hard to come by in other restaurants,” said college student Ramik Kumar, biting into his favourite vegetable sub.

“I so eagerly wait for the school to get over so that we can come here for the chicken tikka sandwich and hot coffee. It is indeed mind-blowing,” piped in Anusha Singh, a twelfth grader of DAV Public School, Hehal.

Proprietress Divya Taneja is rightfully all smiles. “The sub prices range between Rs 80 and Rs 155. On an average, we are getting 100 to 150 customers every day since we opened shop. Though school and college students form the bulk of the regular ones, others are not to be left behind,” she said.

Politicians, administrators, bureaucrats, teachers, homemakers, you name it. The Subway fever is reaching a new high. “Visitors have vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. We have separate counters for both so that our customers are at ease while selecting their items. We also serve sandwiches without onions,” she added.

Taneja conceded that Subway had opened its first outlet in Ranchi at Tirath Mansion near Overbridge five years ago, but had to down shutters within eight months owing to a very tepid response.

But the times have changed, she contended. “History will not repeat itself. People of the city are now well-travelled and well-read. They have developed a taste for not-so-Indian food. Besides, Subway has introduced more Indian flavours. One always has the option of chicken seekh, chicken tandoori and chicken tikka subs. For vegetarians, there are aloo and vegetable patties as well as vegetable shammi. They have already become hot favourites. We are hoping for a big success because our USP is fresh and healthy food,” she said.

Currently, there are 225 Subway outlets across India. “We also have catering options. There is a huge demand for sandwiches at weddings and during Christmas. Our freshly baked cookies are a big draw too,” Taneja added.

Have you visited the new Subway?
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