As monsoon clouds roll over the City of Joy, Kolkata transforms into a sensory wonderland — wet tram tracks glisten under streetlights, the aroma of petrichor mixes with the scent of frying besan, and the urge to snack becomes irresistible. If you’re in Kolkata on a rainy evening, these five local snacks are not just food — they’re a cultural experience. Here’s a detailed guide to the must-have evening snacks in Kolkata during rain.
1. Telebhaja from Local Street Vendors: Best Rainy Day Comfort Snack in Kolkata
Nothing defines a rainy Kolkata evening better than a paper bag full of telebhaja. These deep-fried fritters — made from seasonal vegetables like eggplant (beguni), potato (alu chop), pointed gourd (potol bhaja), or even raw banana — are dipped in spiced gram flour batter and fried till crispy.
2. Ghugni Chaat: Kolkata’s Spicy Rainy Season Street Food
A bowl of steaming ghugni — yellow or white peas cooked with spices, chopped onions, green chillies, and a dash of lime — hits different when you’re watching raindrops splash against old colonial facades.
3. Mughlai Paratha: Kolkata’s Monsoon-Ready Indulgent Snack
If the rain has stirred up your appetite for something heavy and meaty, a Mughlai paratha is your go-to. This stuffed, fried flatbread is filled with spiced minced meat, egg, and onions — crispy on the outside, rich and savory inside.
4. Fish Cutlet and Kabiraji: Iconic Kolkata Rainy Evening Snacks for Non-Vegetarians
Rainy weather calls for something hot and golden, and few things satisfy better than a flaky fish cutlet or a crispy kabiraji (fried with an egg-net coating). These old-school Anglo-Indian snacks are a staple in Kolkata’s iconic cabin eateries.
5. Hot Momo with Chilli Sauce: Monsoon Favourite from Kolkata’s Tibetan Corners
While not originally Bengali, momos have become a monsoon favorite in Kolkata, especially in areas with Tibetan or Nepali communities. Steamed or fried, these dumplings are served piping hot with fiery red chilli sauce — perfect to beat the damp chill.
Kolkata’s monsoons are not just a weather event — they are a celebration of slowness, nostalgia, and flavors that warm both heart and stomach. Whether you’re tucking into spicy ghugni, crunching on a telebhaja, or indulging in a meaty kabiraji, rainy evenings in Kolkata demand that you eat like a local. So grab an umbrella, follow the steam and the smell, and take part in this deliciously wet tradition.
