It’s lunch time and the ‘noruks’ corner is abuzz. A handful of boiled peanuts and crispy treats like thattai and murukku are thrown in, topped with pomegranate and sev to make a scrumptious peanut chaat, later served in an earthy coconut shell.
Put Kadalai Cafe, now at a new address in Race Course, has its cheerful vibe intact with a decor themed on peanuts, ample greenery around, and an open air dining in the first floor where a gentle breeze from neem trees washes over diners as they enjoy a karuppatti milk shake or beach sundal. “We built the new place from scratch to recreate the familiar vibe,” says Nisha Venkat, one of the founders of the cafe, over plates of chicken melt toasties, falafel burger, and chicken curryza where the pizza comes on a fluffy parotta base.
(from left) Vidya, Priyanka, and Nisha
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PERIASAMY M
“We love peanuts. Isn’t it a healthier alternative to chips and fries?” asks Nisha reflecting on the journey that started in 2018 over a casual conversation with her friend Vidhyaa Senthilkumar. Priyanka Sundar, founder of P&S Group of Companies has come on board as an investor. “As part of Sri Aarvee Hotels we have been associated with the catering industry for a long time. Aarvee’s Amravathi used to be one of the oldest drive-in hotels in Coimbatore,” says Priyanka, whose company also runs 80 commercial canteens across the country catering to large scale IT companies, colleges, schools, hospitals. It was a natural step to be associated with a brand driven by good health.
“From a snacky place, Put Kadalai has become a cafe in its new avatar with exciting additions like ragi brownies, nachos made in-house from scratch, refreshing salads, stir-fried vegetables, all driven by clean ingredients,” says Priyanka adding that minimising food wastage is a priority in her catering operations which has now been extended across to the cafe too.
A drizzle of peanuts complement most dishes
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Special Arrangement
Nisha and Vidya spent over a year researching peanuts. And the result is as many as 15 varieties of peanuts ranging from flavours as diverse as fiery chilli caramel, and decadent hot chocolate, to tangy puliogre and chatpata tandoori masala. “Peanut is rooted and native, but we make it fun. We are proudly local with an infusion of local ingredients and flavour,” says Nisha adding that the bunny chow is inspired by a South African dish created by Indians. The bun is scooped out and filled with panneer, keema or Pallipalayam chicken and served hot with a sprinkling of crispy peanuts on it.
Says Vidya, “From day one, the focus has been to serve food that is natural without any preservatives and guilt-free; something which I would give my children and family members.”
Kavuniarisi salad
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Special Arrangement
While the new menu is not limited to peanuts, it complements the dishes like a drizzle on top to add a crunch. For example, a falafel burger featuring a pan-fried falafel patty brings a crunchy patty with warm, toasted panini bread and savoury sauces and crushed peanuts to create a hearty vegetarian meal.
Besides an elaborate sandwich menu, and burgers, there are plans to add rice bowls, vegan options as well and also cater to customers with dietary preferences. “Smoothie bowls is on the cards for breakfast and chocolatey desserts other than brownies and panangkarupatti mousse. We also make our own blends for tea. It is prepared the traditional way for every order. Every little detail counts to make the experience memorable. We focus on flavour first than presentation,” she explains.
When I bite into French toast, I am reminded of kadalai mittai. The kadalai mittai is deconstructed and served with caramel sauce, and caramel peanuts crumbs on top. I also try the wholesome and hearty karuppu kavuni salad, inspired by the Asian black rice. Made with mango and avocado and served with tadka and grated coconut garnish and peanut crumbs on top, it makes a meal in itself. “We adhere to ethical sourcing of peanuts from across the country to showcase the diverse range. For most other ingredients we go local and seasonal,” says Nisha.
The objective, they say, is to nurture community. “When we shut down the old outlet, we were flooded with calls. It was overwhelming. One of the customers shared how it was the first place he brought his girlfriend over. A lot of real estate agents told us they sealed deals here. We want to foster a space where there is live music, book reading, and fun conversations over crunchy peanuts,” says Nisha, adding, “And build memories together.”
Open from 10.30am to 10.30pm. A meal for two costs approximately ₹600. For details, call 9626213551
Published – October 25, 2025 05:46 pm IST