Monsoon has covered the entire country, and the constant pitter-patter of rain makes us want to munch on delectable evening snacks, which we usually ignore during hot and humid summers. There are many cities that have their own snacking specialties, and Hyderabad stands out among the crowd. The city has many dishes that you can enjoy while looking at the rain from your balcony or verandah. Here are six delicious snacks that Hyderabadis swear by:
Bhutta or Roasted Corn
Roasted corn is available on the sides of streets during the monsoon in Hyderabad in every locality. From little kids with an off day from their schools to grown adults on a lunch break from the office, bhutta, with salt and lemon to enhance the taste, is an all-time monsoon favourite of everyone. First, the corn is finely roasted on a bhatti, then it is slathered with some salt, butter, lemon, and chaat masala—everything is just perfect!
Punugulu
Recipe - Cookd
Punugulu is a delightful Telugu snack that originated in Andhra Pradesh. Made from a batter of fermented rice and urad dal, it is seasoned with cumin seeds, green chilies, and ginger for added flavour and masala. The batter is then deep-fried, resulting in crispy, golden-brown fritters. Often served with coconut chutney or tomato chutney, punugulu makes for a popular tea-time snack or a quick appetiser during monsoon gatherings.
Mirchi Bajji
Mirchi Bajji, a spicy and tangy dish, is a quintessential Hyderabadi street food favourite. Long green chilies are coated in a besan batter, seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chaat masala, and then deep-fried until crispy. The fiery kick of the chilies is perfectly balanced by the crispy besan coating, making it an addictive snack if you are a spice lover, especially during the monsoon season.
Spot Idli
A super popular street food item from Andhra Pradesh, spot idlis are best suited for a chilly monsoon evening. Made with hours of soaking and fermented rice and dal idli batter, the unique snack is tossed with homemade karam podi on a hot pan to create the dish. It is prepared directly on the spot and served fresh with a tempered coconut and fried gram chutney; that is the reason for its name.
Osmania Biscuits
Osmania Biscuits are iconic, buttery cookies that bear the name of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. These melt-in-your-mouth biscuits are a local favourite, popularly enjoyed with a cup of Iranian chai. The recipe includes ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, with a touch of cardamom for a lovely essence and aroma. Osmania Biscuits' delicate texture and nostalgic taste have made them a beloved teatime treat, symbolising the culinary legacy of Hyderabad's bygone era. You can now find them in many bakeries in the city.
Lukhmi
Recipe - Deccani's kitchen
Lukhmi, also known as kheema samosa, is a meaty twist on the traditional samosas that are popularly eaten in Hyderabad. These small pastries are stuffed with a spicy minced meat filling and are often square-shaped, making them an indulgent snack that is a hit among non-vegetarians in the monsoon season. The flaky, golden-brown crust of the lukhmi is both crispy and tender, making them a perfect accompaniment to a cup of steaming hot Irani chai. Served with a side of tangy tamarind chutney, these samosas are a must-try during the monsoon season.
Pesara Garelu
Pesara garelu, also known as moong dal vada in the North, is a popular monsoon snack in Hyderabad. Made from ground moong dal mixed with onions, green chilies, and ginger, these crispy fritters are a delight to munch on during rainy evenings. The combination of the spices and the soft interior encased in a crunchy shell makes pesara garelu a beloved teatime snack, best enjoyed with a side of coconut chutney or spicy tomato chutney.
Irani Chai With Maska Bun
No monsoon experience in Hyderabad is complete without sipping on a piping hot cup of Irani chai paired with a soft and buttery Maska bun in the old city. Irani chai, a legacy of the city's Iranian cafes, is a flavourful milky tea brewed with cardamom and cinnamon. The maska bun, a local favourite, is a fluffy bun generously slathered with creamy butter. The combination of the flavorful chai and the indulgent maska bun creates a heartwarming treat that is a favourite amongst Hyderabadi foodies.
Shawarma
Though not native to Hyderabad, shawarma has found a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists as a beloved monsoon snack. Tender, marinated meat is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie and then thinly sliced. It is then wrapped in pita bread along with spicy red chutney, tahini, and a creamy toum sauce, creating a tasty treat. The combination of warm meat and soft pita, paired with the delicious sauces, offers a taste that is both comforting and satisfying during the rainy season.
Hot Chocolate
While not specifically a Hyderabadi dish, hot chocolate is a beloved drink enjoyed by locals and tourists alike in the city. Hyderabad's cool evenings and pleasant weather make it an ideal setting to enjoy a steaming cup of rich and velvety hot chocolate. This comforting beverage is made with milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and sometimes a hint of cinnamon or vanilla, creating a warm and soothing experience. The beautiful cafes of Hyderabad have delicious hot chocolate for stormy evenings. Maybe even pair a cup of hot chocolate with Osmania biscuits or mirchi bajji.