The summer has finally blessed us with some good news. With monsoon arriving into India, the weather is already pleasing to the soul after that harsh summer. Skies will be dark, rains would pour, and the first refreshing cool breeze will fill your heart. Most Indians are in the belief that the rain can’t be accompanied with two important things; a hot cup of chai and a crispy snack. The very fragrance of steam spiced chai with the hot & crispy, spicy and warm nature of various snacks will awaken the soul of India.

This snack time with chai has a deep rooted connection with the Indians across the globe. One will see families sitting at the window while the rain pours, while the street food vendors keep their hot snacks frying in their stall to attract the customers. A close connection to friends and family, sharing and talking while having hot chai and yummy monsoon snacks is something every Indian loves. From crispy pakora to spicy bhutta, one is always pampered by choices.

Why Chai and Snacks Are a Monsoon Tradition

Every Indian loves and craves for crunchy, warm and savory things during rain. This has led to the necessity of warm drinks and fried/roasted snacks during a hot and cozy sip during rains. The most preferred beverage during the monsoons will surely be Masala Chai. A strong and aromatic, spiced, warm tea made out of tea leaves, milk, sugar and few essential Indian spices like cardamom, clove etc is something which perfectly goes with almost every savory snack. This combo is more of an emotional connect rather than a meal.

Pakoras: India’s Ultimate Rainy-Day Snack

Nothing is more perfect for a monsoon snack than Pakora. Crispy fried fritters are perhaps the quintessential Chai-snack. It is made from a gram flour batter that has a chopped mixture of different veggies and spices such as Onion, Potato, Spinach, Cauliflower, Paneer etc. A special thing about pakora is its crunchy shell and fluffy inside which is enjoyed with mint chutney or ketchup on the side. The sound of Pakoras frying while the rain falls makes a perfect ambiance.

Samosa: Crispy and Flavorful

An evergreen and the most sought after Indian snack, samosa surely is the most favorite monsoon snack for every Indian. Crisp outer pastry, filled with a savory filling makes it hard to say no for the locals. The Potatoes filled inside, spied with a perfect blend of Indian spices and sometime green peas inside the filling makes a delicious combination with tangy mint chutney or tamarind chutney to be enjoyed with a steaming cup of hot chai. Its spice and savory touch perfectly balances the chilly weather outside.

Bhutta: The Taste of Monsoon Streets

Roasted corn, also known as Bhutta, is another incredibly popular street food during Indian monsoons. The aroma and taste of Bhutta, roasted over an open fire, and served with spices, lemon, and a little chili powder is a delight. Vendors, who sells fresh bhutta during rainy season, are usually mobbed by a lot of people.

Bread Pakora: A Filling Delight

A big brother to Pakora, bread pakora can also make your rains special. Here, spicy mashed potatoes are filled between two slices of bread, dipped into gram flour batter and fried. The dish becomes more yummy with green chutney and paneer inserted inside. A favorite evening snack in North India, it is enjoyed best with hot chai (especially Ginger Chai).

Mirchi Bhajji: For Spice Lovers

For all those who like spicy food, mirchi bhajji will perfectly fit the bill. Large green chilies, stuffed with spices and deep fried in gram flour batter and then sprinkled with spices to make them more appealing. Oddly, it doesn’t always end up with a spicy test because of the mild green chilies that are used. However, a crispy coated mirchi with smoky taste can make a day absolutely remarkable.

Vada Pav: Mumbai’s Monsoon Favorite

Mumbai’s quintessential street food, vada pav has earned its position in every Indian’s heart during the monsoons. A potato fritter served between two soft slices of bread, accompanied by chutneys and green chilies. The combination of soft and crispy, sweet and spicy is something that keeps you wanting more. These roadside vendors do the best business during the monsoons for students and working professionals.

Kachori: Flaky and Rich

The Kachori is a deep fried, crispy snack originating from regions of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This snack can have various fillings but the lentil and onion mixture with spices or spicy potato filling is one that most Indians love. This flaky, deep fried snack, served with chutneys or gravy is an amazing accompaniment for an afternoon chat with hot chai.

Momo: A Modern Monsoon Favorite

Of late, Momos have become the most favorite street food for almost all the Indians during the monsoons. Filled with variety of veggies or Paneer or even meat and served with spicy dipping sauces. The steamed momos have the most satisfying and warm taste for a cold and rainy day, and the fried ones, crispier and spicy for those who like them more. From the land of Himalayas, it has gained popularity across India especially with youth.

 Maggi: Instant Comfort Food

A hot bowl of noodles during the rains has to be Maggi! The most classic rainy day snack that is not just easy to prepare, but also comes with a lot of room to customize it to your needs like add Cheese, butter, veggies, or extra spices. A hot bowl of Maggi while looking at the rain from your window is a memorable experience.

Jalebi with Chai: Sweet Meets Warm

Rainy days aren’t just about savory snacks! While talking about monsoon snacks, jalebis cannot be forgotten. The crispy, deep-fried swirls soaked in sweet sugary syrup is enjoyed best with hot Masala Chai. It is a very popular monsoon snack, particularly on the northern side, during morning time.

Why Monsoon Food Feels Special

Monsoon snacks also remind us of old school food, friends and family. We slow down in monsoons and feel happy and cozy with this simple comfort of food while enjoying the rain.

Conclusion

A rainy season in India is synonymous with hot cups of chai and fiery Indian snacks.Crisp pakoras, piping hot samosas, smoky bhutta and hot Maggi each have a flavor of their own which one cherishes on a rainy day. They are different food forms originating from across the Indian subcontinent, but all share one fundamental need-that of joy and comfort on a rainy day. Whether prepared in the kitchen or bought from a nearby street vendor these rainy day snacks have warmth and happy memories etched into them on even the gloomiest days.