It’s probably the green plastic four-seater tables and the film posters that give it away. When we spot the dart board next to the soft drinks cooler, we know for sure: Q Sub is typically a college fast-food hang out.
It is located opposite one college and down the road from two more, with enough corporate offices littering the vicinity to provide a steady captive audience. Shalet James, the owner, confirms that it’s largely the crowd they cater to — college kids and young working professionals.
The format is typical of a quick hoagie joint — choice of filling and vegetables sandwiched in choice of bread — lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeños, olives, onions and capsicum — before it is supplemented with sauces.
It’s quick, simple and a break from the routine lunch we’re used to.
We get two subs — paneer tikka and BBQ chicken. The vegetables don’t look all too inviting, but the fillings are both tender and well-made.
Additionally, the subs here are two-inches longer than the 6-inch subs served by the city's more popular chains. The paneer sub is engulfed in garlic bread, which is an Italian bun coated with garlic butter. The flavour of the garlic butter, coupled with the cheese, comes through predominantly.
It helps that the paneer is tender, but not that the Italian bread is soft; it keeps breaking apart as we bite into it. The multigrain bread that I opt for with the chicken sub is decidedly harder, but healthier.
There are also a number of finger food options — we try Tandoori veg nuggets and garlic bread, both quick and easy. Clearly designed to appease hungry college-goers.
Shalet is a home-baker-turned-entrepreneur, so the desserts available come from her own oven. We sample the Arabian dream, which turns out to be warm, soft fruit cake served with honey-strawberry syrup and vanilla ice-cream.
With delivery options within a 3 km radius, Q sub makes for a convenient break from routine meals for those who live and work in the vicinity.
Q Sub is located at 5, Wellington Estate, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore and a meal for two is approximately Rs. 500. Details: 42103829
