As the skies turn grey and the pitter-patter of rain hits the windowpanes, there’s one thing every Indian craves a steaming cup of chai paired with the perfect snack. The monsoon isn’t just a season; it’s an emotion, best enjoyed with crispy, spicy, and warm comfort food. Here’s a roundup of the top 7 snacks to enjoy in this rainy weather that go hand-in-hand with your evening chai.
1. Onion Pakoras With Green Chutney: Best Rainy Day Snack With Chai
Crispy on the outside, soft inside onion pakoras (or bhajiyas) are the undisputed king of monsoon snacks. Made with sliced onions dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden brown, they’re best served hot with mint or coriander chutney and a steaming glass of masala chai.
2. Aloo Chop: Bengali Street Food Favorite During Monsoon
Aloo Chop is a potato cutlet dipped in besan batter and deep-fried, popular across Bengal. Flavored with green chillies, coriander, and a pinch of garam masala, it delivers the right balance of spice and comfort, making it a rainy day must-have.
3. Corn Chaat: Quick Monsoon Snack Without Deep Frying
Fresh, steamed corn kernels tossed with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, lime juice, and chaat masala corn chaat is a lighter, healthier option that brings the zing you need alongside your cup of chai without being too heavy.
4. Bread Pakora With Stuffed Aloo: A Filling Snack For Rainy Evenings
Bread pakoras are bread slices dipped in seasoned besan and deep-fried. The stuffed version, filled with spiced mashed potatoes, is heartier and goes perfectly with kadak chai. It’s especially popular in North Indian homes during rainy evenings.
5. Sabudana Vada: Gluten-Free Crunchy Delight For Monsoon Snacking
This Maharashtrian specialty made of soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), mashed potatoes, peanuts, and spices is deep-fried to golden perfection. Its crisp exterior and soft, chewy center pair beautifully with ginger chai.
6. Paneer Tikka: Smoky & Spicy Chai Companion For Monsoon
If you’re avoiding fried foods, paneer tikka is a grilled alternative loaded with smoky flavors. Marinated paneer cubes grilled with onions and capsicum offer a spicy bite, balancing well with a warm, sweet chai.
7. Moong Dal Pakora: High-Protein Snack With Tea For Rainy Days
Made from ground moong dal mixed with onions, ginger, and green chillies, these fritters are high in protein and satisfyingly crunchy. Pair them with tamarind chutney and chai for a guilt-free treat.
The joy of monsoon feels incomplete without the right snacks to go with your chai. Whether it’s crispy pakoras, tangy corn chaat, or spicy aloo chop, each bite brings comfort and warmth to rainy evenings. So, this season, treat yourself to these flavorful classics and make every chai break truly memorable.