When the skies over Kolkata turn grey and rain taps rhythmically on tin roofs and windows, Bengalis instinctively crave one thing: tele bhaja—crispy, deep-fried fritters that are as much a part of monsoon nostalgia as muddy puddles and Rabindra Sangeet playing in the background. On a rainy day in Kolkata, there is nothing more comforting than sipping cha from a bhaar (earthen cup) with a paper bag of piping-hot tele bhaja by your side.
Here’s a detailed look at five iconic varieties of tele bhaja you absolutely must have to enjoy a true Kolkata monsoon experience.
1. Beguni – The Classic Bengali Tele Bhaja for Rainy Evenings
No rainy day in Kolkata is complete without the soft crunch of a beguni—thin slices of eggplant dipped in a seasoned besan (gram flour) batter and fried to golden perfection. The texture is everything: a crisp outer layer giving way to the juicy tenderness of eggplant inside.
You’ll find the best begonis at roadside stalls in areas like College Street, Gariahat, and Shyambazar. They’re often served with a sprinkle of rock salt or paired with puffed rice (muri) and green chillies. The combination of warm, fried softness and rainy weather is pure Bengali comfort.
2. Aloo’r Chop – Kolkata’s Rainy Day Potato Fritter Essential
Aloor chop (potato fritter) holds an emotional value in Bengali cuisine. Mashed spiced potatoes, shaped into patties, coated in besan, and fried until golden brown—these humble fritters are filling, flavorful, and perfectly suited to monsoon cravings.
During the rains, street vendors across North Kolkata and South Kolkata sell them hot off the kadai. Some add a stuffing of coconut or peanuts, while others stick to the classic version with coriander, green chilli, and a hint of mustard oil.
3. Mochar Chop – Banana Blossom Fritters That Shine in the Rain
A slightly rarer gem but a must-try during the monsoon is mochar chop, made with banana blossom (mocha), mashed potatoes, and a fragrant mix of Bengali spices. The mixture is rolled, sometimes with a raisin-nut stuffing, then dipped in a light batter and deep-fried.
Mochar chop is more likely to be found in slightly more curated tele bhaja stalls or traditional sweet shops that also make savouries, such as Putiram or Kalika Mukhorochok. Its earthy, floral taste makes it an exquisite companion to drizzly, overcast afternoons.
4. Phuluri – Bite-Sized Tele Bhaja Perfect for Monsoon Snacking
Phuluri might look like just round fried balls, but their simple besan-based preparation makes them incredibly addictive, especially when the rain is pouring and you’re stuck indoors. They’re made by whipping besan with spices into a thick batter and dropping spoonfuls into hot oil.
What makes phuluri different from other tele bhaja is their cloud-like texture inside and the gentle spice of kalonji (nigella seeds) often mixed into the batter. They’re a staple in local tea stalls across Para neighborhoods.
5. Piyaji – Onion Fritters That Define Kolkata’s Rainy Day Vibes
Piyaji—a beloved cousin of the North Indian pakora—is one of the most iconic tele bhaja items during the monsoon in Kolkata. Sliced onions are mixed with green chillies, nigella seeds, and seasoned besan to create uneven, crispy clumps of fried goodness.
The beauty of piyaji lies in its imperfections. Unlike uniform chops or phuluri, piyaji comes in twisted, crunchy shapes where caramelized onion meets crispy batter. You’ll smell it before you see it at any local tea stall from Sealdah to Behala.
The monsoon in Kolkata isn’t just about weather—it’s an emotion. And nothing complements that emotion better than the rich, nostalgic flavors of these six iconic tele bhaja. Whether you’re drenched after a tram ride or curled up on your balcony, munching on piyaji or beguni while watching the rain fall is a uniquely Bengali joy. So, next time the clouds gather over the city of joy, don’t forget your umbrella—and your tele bhaja cravings.
