After the sweltering heat and uneasiness of hot summer days, the sky is finally letting loose drops of happiness our way! Yes, peeps, we’re talking about monsoons, the time of the year when all of a sudden the surroundings around us become colored in vivid hues of green. Streets are filled with bright umbrellas and colorful flip-flops. We’re no longer afraid to let out the inner child in us and jump in that muddy puddle, for its so much fun! When those first drops of rain hit the ground, the muddy, earthy aroma fills in your senses and makes you crave for that hot cup of chai, you know that monsoon is here to stay now. And you know what makes that steamy cup of chai even more delightful? Obviously, Monsoon Munchies!
After all, what’s better than a hot cup of chai accompanied by mouth-watering delicacies? Now that we’ve got you all riled up on food, let’s get started on Monsoon Munching people! Get ready to drool with our list of best monsoon foods!
-
Pakodas and Bhajias
Any talk about monsoon food has to begin with our beloved Pakodas and Bhajias. These fried, scrumptious, and aromatic fritters are a staple at every Indian household across the length and breadth of the country! We’ve been experimenting with pakodas and bhajias since time immemorial and the result – paneer pakoda, chicken pakoda, bread pakoda, rajma pakoda, aloo pakoda, Mirchi bhajia, Kanda bhajia, corn pakoda, cheese pakoda, gobi pakoda – shall we go on? Yes, that’s how much we love our Bhajias!
-
Samosa
Samosa is a delicacy that we just can’t do with, especially in monsoons. In fact, we’re all guilty of indulging in this comfort food every once in a while. Now that it’s pouring rains, don’t hold back, just dip your samosas into that tangy green chutney and munch on!
-
Kachori
After samosa, if any fried goodness steals the show, it has to be Kachori! Kachoris are crunchy and crispy appetizers that are best enjoyed with green chutney or tamarind chutney. If you feel a little ambitious, you can also rev up the simple Kachori with spicy Aloo Dum preparation. It’s all on you!
-
Chaat
Spicy, tangy, sweet, sour, – all at once! Chaat is one of the most craved and loved Indian street food. Whether it is Tikki Chaat, or Raj Kachori Chaat, or Bhel Puri, we love munching on them all. Plus, that thick layer of dahi and imli chutney is good enough to brush away all our blues!
-
Pav Bhaji
One of the most favorite dishes of Mumbaikars, Pav Bhaji has made its way into all of our hearts and tummies. The wonderful aroma of the spicy bhaji (with generous amounts of butter slowly melting on top) along with soft pavs is a match made in food heaven!
-
Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature – just the name is good to get us drooling! There’s something about this tangy dish that tempts us to take a bite everytime the gorgeous aroma hits us. Let us paint you a picture – the crispy bhatura crumbling into a bite-sized piece, dip-dip in the chole gravy, soaking in all the goodness and spiciness of the masala – tempted yet?
-
Biryani
If there’s one dish that sinfully desirable and pure indulgence, it is Biryani. We cannot praise this flavored combination of rice and spices enough. Even before you take a taste of the Biryani, you already feel indulged with the sweet and spicy aroma of this Mughlai dish. And when coupled with raita, there can be no competition of the good ol’ Biryani!
Today, Biryani has many variations across the various parts of India and each one has its distinct taste and flavor. Lucknowi Biryani, Hyderabadi Biryani, Kolkata Biryani, Sindhi Biryani, Bombay Biryani, Dindigul Biryani, and so much more!
-
Idli
This south Indian classic is the epitome of simplicity and taste. Dunk an idli into sambar and chutney, and can there be anything more soothing and delicious at the same time? Monsoon becomes extra special with these Indian rice cakes complemented with the tangy sambar and mellow chutney!
-
Aloo Tikki
Another Indian street food that can sweep you right off the floor, Aloo Tikki is every aloo lover’s delight. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these golden potato patties are just what you need to spice up your chai-time! Aloo Tikkis also go well with mint chutney or even sauce (if you are a fan!).
-
Aloo Paratha
We may not give the humble aloo enough credit, but it is what comes to our rescue at trying times. Aloo paratha is one of the many, many forms that aloo can take, and it is delicious! Have it with curd, or meetha achaar, or sauce – it will taste awesome with whatever you choose to have it with. Hot, hot, aloo parathas anyone?
-
Soup
If you think soup is just for those chilly winter days, you’re wrong! Hot, spicy, and delicious soups with colorful veggies or meat is a welcome treat during the monsoons too. What’s even more exciting is that when it comes to soup there are so many varieties, so many flavors that you can’t say no to – Manchow soup, corn soup, tomato soup, black bean soup, Zucchini soup, chicken soup, and so much more!
So, this monsoon, give yourself a dose of warm and fuzzy goodness by experimenting with different kinds of soup.
-
Momos
Momos, momos, momos – one can never have enough of these stuffed dumplings! Momos are loved by kids and adults alike, and why not? These hot and steamy dumplings stuffed with boiled veggies/minced meat are enough to give you a foodgasm! Today, we have so many variations of momos that you will be spoilt for choices. If you are bored with regular steam momos, you can always try fried momos, tandoori momos, paneer momos, Maggi momos, Afghani momos, to name a few.
-
Rolls
Did you think that we’ll talk about monsoon munchies and forget about the humble Roll? Definitely not! Packed with flavors, veggies/meat, and various kinds of sauces, Rolls are the ultimate comfort food for the monsoons! They may look simple, but that is totally compensated with the outburst of flavor that happens in your mouth with just one bite, isn’t it?
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and indulge in these tasty treats guilt-free!
