Youngsters enjoy at various hangout zones in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 1: With new corporate houses and college campuses mushrooming in the city, Bhubaneswar gets its own khatti zones, exclusively meant for corporate honchos and youngsters.

From roadside kiosks to air-conditioned cafeterias, these new hangout zones are attracting the young crowd like never before.

From juices to coffees, snack and munchies, to dosas, kebabs, sizzlers and continental, these eateries have it all.

Whether it is to satiate your grumbling belly after a hectic shopping session or for enjoying a cup of coffee with your loved one at a quiet place or as a venue for the next business meeting, the city’s new hangout places are turning out as the coolest destinations for gossips, banter as well as official meetings.

“Even five years ago the situation was very different. But this year our profits have drastically increased. With the new college season just round the corner, we are hoping to make more profit,” said the manager of a popular cafeteria in Chandrasekharpur.

These mini restaurants, which give a casual feel and provide fast service, have introduced the concept of value meal, where the customers can have a proper meal at a very nominal price. Even elaborate buffets during the lunch and dinner hours are offered at these joints to pull in the top brass from the corporate world.

However, it is over a coffee that gossips and fun is shared by the youth. Even malls and bookshops have come up with compact yet cosy coffee and snacks corners. These little nooks with comfy seats are the best way to relax, unwind and let the thoughts run free. Apart from enjoying a hot sip of coffee, one can munch on various items such as samosas, aloo tikki, gup chups, raj kachori, dahi vada, pao bhaji, chana bhatura and many more delicacies at reasonable prices. One can also opt for juices and slushies.

“I like the ambience of these malls. Apart from the availability of a wide variety of food, you can come to these places with your family, friends and even business colleagues. That’s the best part of these new hangout places in the city,” says Raj Thandani, a 32-year-old entrepreneur.

While talking about hangout places, how can one forget the roadside kiosks that have witnessed several college gossips, budding romances, fights and serious study related discussions? Mouth-watering appetisers such as paani puri, aloo dum, paapdi chat never go off season. The roadside food counters still remain the most popular hangouts despite the burgeoning air-conditioned restaurants.

“There are times when we really want to give hygiene and cleanliness a miss and gorge on the tasty and very cheap paani puris available right outside our college. You can never ever match the fun of roadside food to air-conditioned food,” says Priyanka Sahu, an engineering student.