Thukpa from the Himalayas
On a chilly, rain-swept evening, little can compete with a steaming bowl of Thukpa. This Tibetan-origin noodle soup is a beloved comfort food across Ladakh, Sikkim, and other Himalayan regions of India. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, featuring a flavourful
broth simmered with ginger, garlic, and seasonal vegetables like carrots and cabbage. Soft noodles are added towards the end, creating a satisfying mix of textures. Whether you prefer a simple vegetable version or one fortified with chicken, Thukpa is nourishing and warms you from the inside, making it an ideal dish for a lazy, rain-soaked day.
Ilish Macher Paturi from Bengal
For Bengalis, the monsoon is synonymous with Hilsa, the queen of fish. Ilish Macher Paturi is a classic preparation where prized Hilsa steaks are marinated in a pungent paste of mustard seeds, green chillies, and mustard oil. The magic lies in the wrapping; each piece of fish is encased in a banana or pumpkin leaf, which is then tied into a parcel. These parcels are either steamed or pan-roasted, allowing the fish to cook in its own juices while absorbing the earthy aroma of the leaf. The result is an incredibly tender and flavourful dish, best enjoyed with a plate of hot steamed rice as the rain pours down outside.
Pazham Pori from Kerala
In Kerala, the combination of a rainy day, a hot cup of chai, and freshly made Pazham Pori is a cherished ritual. Also known as banana fritters, this iconic tea-time snack is made from ripe Nendran plantains, a local variety. The bananas are sliced lengthwise, dipped in a simple batter of flour, a pinch of turmeric for colour, and a hint of sugar, then deep-fried until golden brown. The outer layer becomes wonderfully crisp, giving way to a soft, sweet, and almost custardy interior. It’s a delightful contrast of textures and a staple at roadside tea stalls across the state.
Mirchi Bada from Rajasthan
Rajasthan might be known for its arid landscape, but the monsoon brings its own culinary celebrations. One of the most famous is the Jodhpuri Mirchi Bada. This snack is not for the faint of heart. It features a large, light green chilli, which is slit open and stuffed with a spicy and tangy filling of mashed potatoes and spices. The entire stuffed chilli is then coated in a thick gram flour batter and deep-fried until crisp and golden. It’s a popular street food that delivers a powerful punch of heat and flavour, making it a beloved snack during the cooler, rainy evenings.
Kanda Bhaji from Maharashtra
While onion fritters are loved across India, the Maharashtrian version, Kanda Bhaji, is in a league of its own. Unlike softer pakoras, Kanda Bhaji is all about achieving the perfect crunch. Thinly sliced onions are mixed with gram flour, rice flour, spices, and very little or no water; the moisture from the onions themselves helps form the batter. This results in extra crispy and flavourful fritters. A quintessential rainy-day snack, Kanda Bhaji is often enjoyed at roadside stalls, served hot with chutney and a cup of steaming chai.
Bhutta (Roasted Corn on the Cob)
Perhaps the most pan-Indian monsoon snack of all is Bhutta, or roasted corn on the cob. The sight and smell of a street vendor fanning hot coals to roast corn is an inseparable part of the rainy season in India. The corn is roasted directly over the embers until the kernels are lightly charred and smoky. It is then rubbed generously with a mixture of lemon juice, salt, and chilli powder, creating a tangy, spicy, and smoky flavour profile that is simply irresistible. It's a light, healthy, and incredibly satisfying snack to enjoy while walking in the rain or looking out at a rain-washed cityscape.
