Street to Plate: 8 Must-Try Monsoon Street Food in India

The arrival of the monsoon season in India brings with it a sense of joy, relief, and an irresistible craving for delicious street food. The wet streets come alive with the sizzle of grills, the aroma of spices, and the laughter of people huddled under umbrellas. Here, we explore eight mouthwatering monsoon street food delights that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey across the country.

1. Bhutta (Grilled Corn on the Cob) - As the raindrops fall, the streets become adorned with vendors grilling golden ears of corn. Bhutta, or grilled corn on the cob, is a popular monsoon snack that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness. Sprinkled with tangy lemon juice, chilli powder, and a pinch of salt, bhutta is a must-try street food delight.

2. Pakoras (Fritters) - When the rain pours, Indians crave pakoras. These delightful fritters come in various forms, such as onion, potato, paneer, and spinach. Dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection, pakoras offer a comforting and irresistible crunch with every bite. Enjoy them with a cup of hot masala chai for the ultimate monsoon indulgence.

3. Kozhukkatta - Kozhukkatta is a traditional South Indian sweet delicacy made during festive occasions. It is made by steaming rice flour dumplings filled with a sweet mixture of grated coconut and jaggery. The dumplings are then garnished with a sprinkle of grated coconut and served as a delightful and flavorsome treat.

4. Achappam - Achappam, also known as rose cookies, is a popular South Indian snack that is crisp, light, and delicately flavored. Made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and a hint of cardamom, these deep-fried treats have a unique flower-shaped design. Achappam is often enjoyed during festive occasions and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

5. Beguni - Beguni is a popular Bengali snack that features slices of brinjal (eggplant) coated in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. With its irresistible combination of crunchy exterior and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior, Beguni is a delicious treat that is often enjoyed with a cup of steaming hot tea, especially during rainy evenings in Bengal.

6. Fuluri - Fuluri is a popular crispy fritter from the Indian state of Odisha. Made with a batter of soaked and ground black gram dal, it is seasoned with spices like cumin, ginger, and green chilies. The batter is deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in crunchy and flavorful fritters that are perfect as a snack or accompaniment to a meal.

7. Khekda Bhajji - Khekda Bhajji, also known as Crab Pakora, is a popular seafood snack from the coastal regions of India. It features succulent crab meat coated in a flavorful batter made with spices, gram flour, and rice flour. Deep-fried to perfection, these crispy and aromatic fritters are a delightful treat for seafood lovers.

8. Kashmiri Yaje with Walnuts and Rice Flour - Kashmiri Yaje is a traditional Kashmiri delicacy made with walnuts and rice flour. The walnuts add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish, while the rice flour provides a soft and smooth texture. Yaje is often enjoyed as a sweet treat, with its unique combination of ingredients offering a delightful taste of Kashmiri cuisine.

As you navigate the bustling streets of India during the monsoon season, allow yourself to be enticed by the aromas, colours, and flavours of these street food delights. From the smoky corn on the cob to the crispy pakoras and the tangy pani puri, each bite will transport you to a culinary wonderland. Embrace the monsoon spirit and embark on a street food adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a satisfied appetite.