While Madras went to bed early, Chennai stays up
From closing up about 9 p.m. to queuing up for a plate of biriyani around 3 a.m., the city has come a long way; pubs emerged in the 1980s, and following an IT boom and a growing night-shift workforce in the late 90s, tea shops stayed open, eateries mushroomed, and sports facilities and gyms extended their hours, keeping the city alive at night
While Madras residents retired to bed by 9 p.m. in the past, Chennai has embraced a vibrant nightlife. Chennai's railway stations were active at night, mainly due to a steady stream of passengers. The 1980s brought pubs, the IT and BPO boom followed in the 90s, and a night-time workforce emerged later. Tea shops, eateries, and businesses adapted to accommodate the night owl.
Discos were popular in the 80s and 90s, with Gatsby and Pasha hosting energetic crowds. Hotel Aruna on Sterling Road, HFO, and Buharis on Mount Road were well-known night spots, offering delicious food and late-night entertainment. The Taj Connemara, a hotel with a social atmosphere, hosted gatherings well into the night. The late 90s saw IT firms spread across the city, with construction continuing at night.
Chai wallahs pedaled through the night, delivering tea and coffee to those working late. Small eateries, hotels, and 24/7 cafeterias also sprang up around IT corridors. As migration increased in the early 2000s, Chennai's beaches became lively after sunset. Marina drew large crowds, while Besant Nagar Beach became a favorite for couples and young people, many enjoying evening walks.
Nighttime activities grew with the rise in private vehicle ownership, making travel more convenient. Food became a major driver of Chennai's late-night culture in the late 2000s, with biryani being the most sought-after dish. Now, many biryani brands operate exclusively at night, with long lines forming as early as 3 a.m. Anna Nagar, previously residential, now sees bustling activity well into the night, thanks to improved Metro connectivity.
The Kora Food Street in Anna Nagar, with over 5,000 daily visitors, and Uptown, Kathipara Urban Square, attracting more than 30,000 weekend visitors, are testament to Chennai's evolving nightlife. The food and family-oriented night culture has become a strength for the city, offering opportunities for shift workers, students, and families to socialize safely and enjoy good food.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- While Madras went to bed early, Chennai stays up thehindu.com
