Sanjay Shukla

As I sit here, sipping on a cup of Irani chai, my mind wanders back to the good old days of Hyderabad in the 80s and 90s. The city was a different place back then – slower, more laid-back, and full of character. And one of the things that defined Hyderabad’s character were its Irani cafes.

Those were the days when Irani cafes were more than just places to grab a quick bite or drink. They were about the stories, the laughter, and the shared moments that turned strangers into friends. These cafes were community hubs where friends and strangers would gather to discuss everything from politics to cricket. They were spaces where time stood still, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life was forgotten, and all that mattered was the company and the conversation.

I remember walking into Cafe Niloufer, Lakdi-ka-pul, Kauser Café, Mallapalli, Impala Hotel, Masab Tank, or Marjaan Hotel and Al-Saba Café at Vijaynagar Colony with my friends –  Ramana, Mallu, Johny, Sridhar, Murtuza, Rizwan, Sanjay Dara. We’d sit for hours, nursing our freshly brewed chai, puffing away on ‘Bada Goldflake’ cigarettes, and diving into lively discussions about everything from politics to Bollywood, from the latest cricket match to the meaning of life.

The tables were always filled with people from all walks of life – students, professionals, artists, and intellectuals – all united by their love for good conversation and great chai. The Irani cafes were where life happened. The best business deals were struck over cups of chai, most of the disputes were settled with a handshake, and friendships were forged over shared ½ cups of chai, Osmania biscuits and onion samosas.

But times have changed, and those charming Irani cafes have given way to fast-paced eateries that prioritize efficiency over ambiance. The high tables and stools have replaced the comfortable chairs, and the air-conditioned sections are now reserved for those who can afford to pay a premium.

I long for the days when I could sit in an Irani cafe for hours, sipping on chai and discussing the meaning of life with friends. I long for the days when time stood still, and all that mattered was the company and the conversation. I miss the faded signboards, the peeling paint, creaky chairs, the mismatched crockery, and the sense of belonging that came with being a regular at an Irani cafe.

If you’re a Hyderabad-born like me, you’ll know what I’m talking about. You’ll remember the Irani cafes of your youth, the ones you spent countless afternoons/evenings, where you laughed, argued, and dreamed. You’ll remember the laughter, the arguments, and the memories that were forged in those cafes.

So let’s take a moment to nostalgia-ize about the good old days of Hyderabad’s Irani cafes. Let’s remember the charm, the character, and the community that they represented. And who knows, maybe someday, we’ll see a resurgence of those classic Irani cafes, where time stands still, and all that matters is the company of good friends and a conversation that interests everyone.