A quiet but visible change is taking shape along Chennai’s popular morning walking paths and beaches, as juice stalls—especially those selling aloe vera, sugarcane, and mixed fruit blends—along with traditional sundal carts—are mushrooming near parks, promenades, and residential walking tracks.From Besant Nagar Beach and Anna Nagar Tower Park to Adyar, Velachery, and Mogappair, early-morning walkers are increasingly greeted by neatly arranged juice counters offering “detox” drinks, herbal mixes, and freshly cut fruits. Aloe vera juice, promoted as a health booster, has emerged as a particular favourite among fitness enthusiasts.
“People finishing their morning walk want something light and healthy. Aloe vera juice is in demand because it is seen as natural and good for digestion,” said Ramesh, a juice stall owner near Elliot’s Beach, who starts business as early as 5.30 am.
Alongside these juice stalls, sundal vendors—selling boiled chickpeas, green gram, and peanuts—continue to draw steady crowds, especially among senior citizens and regular walkers. Many view sundal as a familiar, protein-rich snack that fits well with their morning routine.
“Sundal has always been part of our culture. After walking, we prefer this over packaged food,” said Lakshmi, a regular walker at a park in West Mambalam.
Several vendors said the rise in health awareness after the pandemic has helped boost business. “Earlier it was mostly sugarcane juice. Now people ask about calorie count, no sugar, and organic ingredients,” noted Suresh, who runs a mobile juice cart near a walking track in Velachery.
However, the growing number of stalls has also raised concerns about hygiene, waste disposal, and footpath encroachment. Residents’ associations in some localities have urged civic authorities to regulate vending zones to ensure pedestrian movement is not affected.
A senior corporation official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Street vending is allowed under the law, but vendors must follow hygiene norms and should not block walking paths. We are reviewing complaints from a few areas.”
Despite the concerns, many walkers see the stalls as adding a lively, community feel to their mornings. “As long as cleanliness is maintained, these stalls are welcome. They make our walks more social,” said Arun, a daily walker at the Besant Nagar promenade.
With Chennai’s growing focus on fitness and outdoor activity, the blend of modern health drinks and traditional snacks appears set to remain a familiar sight along the city’s morning trails.