From cold treats to hot snacks: India’s taste buds flip with the rain!
June is that unique month when India stands at a seasonal crossroad. The scorching heat of summer starts to mingle with the first whispers of the monsoon. As the weather plays its mood swing game, so do our food cravings. One day we’re cooling off with kulfi, and the next, we’re reaching for hot pakoras as thunder rolls outside. The shift from summer to monsoon is beyond weather change—it’s a transformation in our moods, routines, and most importantly, what we want to eat. In this article, we explore India’s monsoon food cravings, why they happen, and highlight the most-loved monsoon snacks across the country.
In early June, summer is still king. Our tongues crave for creamy mango ice creams, chilled rasgullas, kulfis, and endless glasses of rose syrup with sabja seeds. These sweet treats help us cool down instantly. But come mid to late June, as the first raindrops fall, the craving calendar flips. Suddenly, the idea of biting into a plate of pakoras or spicy aloo bondas with a cup of masala chai becomes irresistible. Why does this switch happen? It’s all about contrast—the rainy spell calls for warmth, spice, and a touch of crunch.
Our bodies react to temperature and humidity in numerous ways than we realize. Hot weather increases the desire for hydration, pushing us toward cold, fruity, or milky items to soothe the stomach.
As the monsoon sets in, serotonin levels in the brain change. Cloudy skies can affect both our mood and food cravings. The earthy smell of the first rain (petrichor) awakens memories—rainy evenings, hot bhajiyas, sweet corn, or steamy momos from the street. It’s beyond appetite—it’s emotional eating.
Pakoras (Bhajiyas): The Reigning Rainy-Day King
Monsoon is incomplete without the sizzle of pakoras in the kitchen. Whether it's onion, potato, spinach, or even paneer—pakoras are the ultimate monsoon comfort snack. Serve it with green chutney and hot chai for the ultimate monsoon experience.
Masala Chai: The Perfect Monsoon Companion
Chai is not a beverage—it's a ‘sacred ritual’ during monsoon. When infused with ginger, cardamom, and cloves, chai becomes the perfect partner to pakoras or samosas.
Corn on the Cob (Bhutta): The Street-Side Delight
There’s something enchanting about enjoying a roasted bhutta with lemon and masala while watching the rain. It’s healthy, smoky, and full of flavour.
Samosas: Crisp Outside, Spicy Inside
Whether filled with potato or pea and masala, samosas are rainy-day royalty. They’re often paired with chutney or served in a chaati-style snack in north India.
Bread Pakoras: A North Indian Staple
Stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried bread pakoras are filling and satisfying on a damp monsoon evening.
Momos & Maggi: The New-Age Comfort Duo
The urban monsoon snack scene is now ruled by these quick fixes that bring warmth and flavour in minutes.
Chaat: Tangy, Crunchy, Irresistible
Dahi puri, sev puri, or papdi chaat—the burst of spice, tang, and crunch hits differently when paired with overcast skies along with light rain.
Mumbai: Batata vadas and vada pav with dry garlic chutney.
Kolkata: Telebhaja (fritters) with muri (puffed rice) and a cup of ‘cha’.
Delhi: Hot jalebis with samosa—sweet meets spicy in a perfect combo.
Kerala: Pazham pori (banana fritters) and hot coffee on a rainy evening.
Bangalore: Mirchi bajjis and filter coffee—simple, spicy, soulful.
What's your ultimate monsoon snack combo?
