Monsoon Recipes You’ll Crave: 7 Comforting Bites & Brews That Taste Like Rainy Day Bliss

Monsoon recipes are more than just food—they’re memories on a plate. Every time the rain hits the ground, I find myself craving that first crispy bite of a pakora or the comforting hug of masala chai. For me, rainy days are meant for slow cooking, soul-warming, and savouring the little joys. These 7 monsoon favourites are ones I keep going back to—some inspired by the street corners of Mumbai, others from my own rainy day experiments. They're cozy, nostalgic, and honestly, made for moments when you just want to curl up with something warm and delicious.

Street-Style Potato Bhaji
There’s nothing quite like the smell of hot oil and besan hitting potatoes on a gloomy day. These bhajiyas are crispy outside, soft inside, and just the right amount of spicy. I love stuffing them into pav with some fiery chutney when I’m feeling indulgent. One bite, and you’re transported straight to a street cart in Mumbai.

Adrak Masala Chai
This is my ultimate monsoon ritual—brewing a pot of adrak masala chai while it pours outside. It’s spicy, warming, and just sweet enough. I throw in crushed cardamom, pepper, cloves, and a sprig of mint for that perfect kick. It’s less of a recipe and more of a feeling. Pour a cup, breathe in the steam, and sip slow.

Kanda Bhaji (Onion Pakora)
These onion bhajis are what rainy day dreams are made of. I slice the onions thin, massage them with masalas, and mix in besan just before frying. They crisp up beautifully and taste best with green chutney and hot chai. I’ve made these for friends, and they disappear before the second batch is out. Always a hit.

Desi Chicken Shorba & Asian Chicken Noodle Bowl
I love how this recipe gives you two comforting bowls in one go. The Desi Chicken Shorba reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking—full of warmth, with just the right amount of spice. The Asian noodle version is lighter, full of fresh veggies and soothing broth. I switch between the two depending on my mood and sniffle status!

Bread Pakora (Two Ways)
These aren’t your usual bread pakoras—they’re stuffed, spicy, and utterly irresistible. I love making both the mint chutney and Schezwan versions for a bit of variety. The outside is golden and crisp, and the inside is a soft, flavour-packed surprise. If you’re hosting chai time during the rains, this one’s an easy crowd-pleaser.

Lakhanpur De Bhalle with Radish Chutney
This recipe was a recent discovery, and I’m hooked. These moong dal bhallas are light, airy, and crispy—paired with a sharp radish chutney that cuts through the richness perfectly. It’s a flavour combo I didn’t know I needed. The grated radish on top adds crunch and freshness, and honestly, I could eat five in a row!

Vada Pav Chaat
This version of vada pav is pure genius—a spicy aloo-filled pav deep-fried in besan batter, then loaded with chutneys, onions, and crunchy bits. It’s like vada pav meets chaat meets indulgence. I always make extra aloo mix just to snack on, but the real magic is in the final chaat assembly. Messy, spicy, totally addictive.

These monsoon recipes are the kind of comfort food that turns rainy days into something you look forward to. Let the chai simmer, and the pakoras sizzle!