Chai, spice, and local bites – a delicious journey through India’s rain-soaked streets!
What makes Indian monsoons incredibly awesome — the smell of wet earth, the sound of thunder, and that craving for hot, spicy, and soulful food. Whether you’re curled up at home or roaming rain-kissed streets, each Indian city has its own beloved monsoon snack — a dish that completes the rainy day mood.
So, grab your umbrella (and your appetite, of course!), because we’re taking you on a flavourful journey across India, exploring city-wise favourites that truly define monsoon indulgence.
Mumbai rains are romantic (as depicted in Bollywood movies) — but they’re incomplete without a hot vada pav from a roadside stall, served with fiery garlic chutney and green chilli. Pair it with a glass of cutting chai, and you’ve got the classic Mumbaikar combo.
Delhi, a place which is special for street food lovers, becomes more dynamic when it rains. You’ll find people queuing up at every corner shop for golden and crispy samosas stuffed with masala aloo (potato), served with sweet and tangy chutney. The chai here is extra spicy — with hints of ginger and cardamom.
Kolkata’s monsoon romance is flavoured with Telebhaja (deep-fried fritters) and unique delights like Mochar Chop (banana blossom cutlets). These savoury snacks are best enjoyed with a cup of ginger tea and good adda (chat)!
Chennai’s coastline brings in salty breezes and sudden downpours — and locals love it with milagai bajji (chilli fritters), made with long green chillies dipped in seasoned batter. Washed down with strong filter coffee, it’s a perfect pairing.
The Garden City has a distinct monsoon vibe, perfected with Maddur Vada — a crunchy, flaky snack from nearby Maddur town — and a comforting bowl of Bisi Bele Bath, a spiced lentil-rice dish that warms you from within.
In Gujarat, monsoon evenings are incomplete without a platter full of bhajiyas (fritters) — made from potato, onion, or methi — served with sweet chutney and spiced chaas (buttermilk). A perfect combo of heat and cool in one sitting!
Hyderabadi monsoons bring with them the unbeatable combo of Mirchi Bajji (stuffed green chilli fritters) and Irani chai — a strong, milky tea with a unique flavour. Add a bun maska, and you’ve got a complete treat.
In the rain-soaked hills of Meghalaya, the locals indulge in Tungrymbai (fermented soybeans cooked along with non-vegetarian ingredients and spices) and Pukhlein (a sweet rice flour pancake). These items are hearty, rich in culture, and perfect for chilly monsoon evenings.
India’s diversity shines brightest when observed through its regional plates. Every city has a unique gift for the rainy season. Whether it’s fried, fermented, or sweet, monsoon food is all about soul-satisfying warmth, local ingredients, and nostalgic bites.
So this monsoon, let your taste buds take a tour of the country — one delicious city at a time.
