Bhubaneswar: The growing café culture in the city is gradually redefining how couples spend their quality time, especially with Valentine’s Day on Saturday.Over the past few years, cafés, particularly in areas like Patia, Saheed Nagar and Chandrasekharpur, have emerged as places where young couples find comfortable, judgement-free spaces. Places like IG Park, Ekamra Kanan or Dhauli, which were earlier preferred meet-up spots, have now expanded into themed cafés, plant-filled studios, book corners and rooftops.With more than 50 cafés opening in the last two years, most of them reported a distinct rise in footfall of youngsters through the year, peaking during the week leading to Valentine’s Day. Attractive discounts of up to 50% and other attractions like music and DJs offered by the cafes add to their pulling power.Popular cafés in Saheed Nagar and Patia saw full bookings for Saturday as youngsters opted for pre-planned ‘Valentine’s’ brunches and budget-friendly deals.“Cafés offer privacy. We can sit, talk, or even read without anyone interfering,” said Anisha Patra, a college student spotted on Patia’s café stretch. Many young couples said cafés feel safer and more welcoming, especially for women, compared to open public spaces.With eateries and joints lining the KIIT-Infocity belt, students and young professionals dominate the crowd. “It is like a mini-Bengaluru,” an engineering student said. A group of students said that after class, they had endless café options for a date.Book cafés in Saheed Nagar attract quiet, introverted pairs. Rooftop cafés near Khandagiri and Chandrasekharpur draw couples looking for sunsets and slow evenings. Eclectic music cafés in Janpath have their own loyal crowd.For many, an open mic or a shared cheesecake becomes the backdrop for new memories.Owners too acknowledged the cultural shift. “Valentine’s week is as big for us as Christmas and New Year,” said Akshit Jena, manager of a Chandrasekharpur café. “Couples prefer cosy corners, warm lighting and soft music. We decorate the space because they come looking for a peaceful experience,” he said.Café managers also deploy extra security, with bouncers, to ensure a peaceful and safe environment. “People feel relaxed. Nobody asks questions,” said Jitendra Agrawal, owner of a café on Puri bypass.Gen Z is also redefining Valentine’s Day beyond romantic relationships — celebrating with friends, siblings and even pets, sharing themed reels.In Cuttack, online gifting platforms and home bakers reported a spike in last-minute orders for cakes and personalised chocolates. “Most of our orders are under Rs 1,000. Young buyers want cute packaging and quick delivery. They place orders through direct messages on social media,” said Ritesh Agarwal, a home baker based in CDA area.Sudam Pradhan, a shopowner and event planner said, “Red roses and soft toys remain popular, but demand for experiential gifts like pottery workshops and couple movie passes has grown this year.”
