Pakoras
Let's start with the undisputed king of monsoon snacks. Whether you call them pakoras, bhajis, or bondas, these deep-fried fritters are an all-India favourite. Made by dipping vegetables like onions, potatoes, spinach, or paneer into a spiced gram flour
(besan) batter, they are fried to golden perfection. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, savoury centre, making them the perfect companion to a cup of hot masala chai. From roadside stalls to home kitchens, the sizzle of pakoras frying is a quintessential sound of the Indian rains.
Samosas
Another iconic snack, the samosa, becomes even more irresistible during the monsoon. These triangular pastries, with their flaky crust and spiced potato and pea filling, are a delight to bite into on a cool, rainy day. Though its origins trace back to Central Asia, the samosa has become a deeply ingrained part of Indian cuisine. Paired with tangy tamarind and spicy mint chutneys, a hot samosa offers a burst of flavour and texture that perfectly complements the gloomy weather outside. It's a hearty and satisfying treat that has comforted generations.
Bhutta (Roasted Corn on the Cob)
The smoky aroma of bhutta, or roasted corn on the cob, is synonymous with monsoon evenings in India. Vendors roast fresh corn over hot coals, giving it a charred, sweet flavour that is impossible to resist. Once roasted, it's rubbed with a mixture of salt, red chilli powder, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. This simple yet flavourful snack is light, healthy, and offers a beautiful combination of smoky, tangy, and spicy notes. Enjoying a bhutta while walking in the light rain is a cherished monsoon ritual for many.
Pazham Pori
Hailing from the southern state of Kerala, Pazham Pori are sweet banana fritters that offer a delightful contrast to the more common savoury snacks. Made from ripe plantains (nethrapazham), which are sliced, dipped in a sweet flour batter, and deep-fried until golden. The result is a snack that is crispy on the outside while the banana inside becomes soft, sweet, and almost melts in your mouth. Known locally as 'ethakka appam', it’s a beloved tea-time snack, especially when the rain is pouring down, offering a touch of sweetness to a grey day.
Moong Dal Cheela
A healthier but no less delicious option, Moong Dal Cheela is a popular snack in North India. These are savoury pancakes made from a batter of soaked and ground moong lentils, mixed with spices like ginger, green chillies, and sometimes filled with paneer or chopped vegetables. Cooked on a griddle until golden and slightly crisp, they are light on the stomach yet satisfyingly flavourful. Rich in protein, cheelas provide a wholesome and warming treat that's perfect for a rainy day breakfast or evening snack.
Beguni
From the kitchens of Bengal comes Beguni, a simple yet elegant fritter made from eggplant (brinjal). Thin slices of eggplant are coated in a spiced gram flour batter, often flavoured with nigella seeds, and fried until crisp in mustard oil for an authentic taste. The crispy coating gives way to a soft, succulent slice of eggplant inside. Beguni is a staple during the Bengali monsoon, often served alongside khichuri (a rice and lentil dish) or simply with a cup of tea, making it a beloved comfort food.
Batata Vada
A favourite from Maharashtra, the Batata Vada is the heart of Mumbai's famous street food, Vada Pav. It consists of a spiced mashed potato ball, flavoured with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric, which is then coated in a gram flour batter and deep-fried. The result is a fluffy, flavourful potato fritter with a crispy exterior. While enjoyed year-round, there's something special about eating a hot, freshly fried Batata Vada, either on its own or tucked inside a soft pav, while watching the rain fall.
