In a city where innovation usually means code and cloud, a different kind of start-up story is steeping on the streets — served hot in paper cups and garnished with wit.

A roadside tea stall in Koramangala, boldly named “Frustrated Engineers Chai Point”, has captured the internet’s attention after a user named Nimisha Chanda posted a snap of it on X. The post, captioned “Only in Bengaluru,” quickly went viral, resonating with residents who understand the pressures of the tech grind. Whether or not engineers truly run the stall, the sentiment struck a relatable chord.

Online reactions were quick and quirky. “Chai works better than therapy in Bengaluru,” joked one user. Another remarked, “We’re fueled by caffeine and deadlines.” The clever branding mirrored the everyday exhaustion of corporate life and the city’s love for all things unconventional.

This isn’t Bengaluru’s first taste of quirky food ventures. A few months ago, a vada pav kiosk in HSR Layout, owned by an ex-architect, gained online fame. His sign read: “Not a superhero, just saving lives one vada pav at a time.” Locals lined up, and a meme was born.

Together, these stalls reflect a subtle shift. Worn down by relentless targets and long screen hours, several professionals are switching lanes — embracing creative small businesses that bring joy, both to them and the city.

From software to samosas, Bengaluru proves once again that reinvention doesn’t always need an investor pitch.