Bhutta (Roasted Corn on the Cob)
A quintessential monsoon snack across India, bhutta is simple yet profoundly satisfying. You will find street vendors roasting corn on the cob over hot coals, the air filled with a smoky aroma that is synonymous with rainy days. Once charred to perfection,
the cob is rubbed with a mixture of lemon juice, salt, and chilli powder, creating a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and smoky flavours. It’s a light, healthy snack that can be enjoyed while taking a walk in the rain or looking out from your balcony. The experience is a core part of India’s monsoon food culture.
Kanda Bhaji (Maharashtra)
In Maharashtra, the monsoon is incomplete without Kanda Bhaji, which are crispy onion fritters. These are different from the softer onion pakoras found elsewhere; Maharashtrian Kanda Bhaji is known for being exceptionally crispy and spicier. The secret lies in using thinly sliced onions, gram flour (besan), and often a bit of rice flour for extra crunch, without adding any water. The moisture from the salted onions is enough to form the batter. Paired with a hot cup of masala chai, these fritters, sometimes called 'khekda' (crab) bhaji due to their shape, are the perfect companion for a rainy evening.
Pazham Pori (Kerala)
Head south to Kerala, and you will find Pazham Pori, a beloved sweet snack that lights up gloomy afternoons. These are banana fritters made from ripe Nendran bananas, a local variety that is firm and sweet. The bananas are sliced, dipped in a batter of all-purpose flour, a little rice flour for crispness, and a pinch of turmeric for colour, then deep-fried until golden. The result is a snack that is crispy on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside. It is a classic tea-time snack enjoyed across the state, especially when it is pouring outside.
Mirchi Vada (Rajasthan)
For those who like their snacks with a fiery kick, the Mirchi Vada from Rajasthan is an ideal choice. Also known as Jodhpuri Mirchi Vada, this snack consists of large, less spicy green chillies that are stuffed with a tangy and spiced potato filling. The stuffed chillies are then coated in a gram flour batter and deep-fried until crisp and golden brown. The combination of the spicy potato stuffing and the outer crispy layer makes it an irresistible treat, especially during the cooler, rainy weather.
Ilish Macher Paturi (Bengal)
The monsoon is a celebrated time in Bengal, largely because it is the peak season for Hilsa, or Ilish, the region's most prized fish. One of the most iconic preparations is Ilish Macher Paturi. In this dish, fillets of Hilsa are marinated in a pungent paste of mustard seeds, coconut, and green chillies. The marinated fish is then wrapped in banana or pumpkin leaves and slow-cooked, either by steaming or pan-frying, until the fish is tender and infused with the earthy aroma of the leaves and the sharp taste of mustard. It's a delicacy that truly captures the essence of the Bengali monsoon.
Thukpa (Himalayan Region)
In the cooler Himalayan regions of Sikkim, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh, the monsoon calls for something warm and soupy. Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup, is the perfect answer. This hearty, one-bowl meal consists of noodles in a flavourful broth, cooked with vegetables and often with chicken. The Indian version is typically spicier, with additions like garam masala and chilli powder that cater to the local palate. It's a nourishing and comforting dish that provides warmth and sustenance during the chilly, damp days of the monsoon.
Khichdi (Pan-India)
While often seen as simple fare, Khichdi is arguably India's ultimate monsoon comfort food. This wholesome dish of rice and lentils cooked together is light, easy to digest, and incredibly versatile. During the monsoon, when digestion can be weaker, a warm bowl of Khichdi is both nourishing and soothing. Different regions have their own versions, from the festive Bhoger Khichuri in Bengal to the simple Moong Dal Khichdi in North India, often served with a dollop of ghee, yoghurt, and pickles. It represents the feeling of home and safety during a downpour.
