
Monsoon Special: 8 Popular Comfort Foods From Maharashtra Perfect For Rainy Days
Here Are 8 Popular Maharashtrian Comfort Foods For The Rainy Season:
1. Vada Pav
One of the most famous Maharashtrian snacks of all time, vada pav is a must-have on rainy days. It's fried, spicy and hot - which is the perfect way to beat monsoon blues. Since it's advisable to avoid street food this season, why not try recreating it at home? Click here for tried-and-tested cooking tips and an easy recipe for vada pav.
2. Misal Pav
This is another spicy Maharashtrian dish with pav that you must try. It is made by mixing rassa (a fiery curry-like base) with beans, onions and crunchy farsan. Talk about a texture treat! You can easily customise the spice levels to your liking. Here's the full recipe for misal pav.
3. Kanda Batata Poha
One of the best parts about poha? It is perfect for any season. So, on days when you're irritated because the weather can't seem to make up its mind whether to be rainy, sunny or simply horribly humid, take comfort in a fresh plate of Maharashtrian-style kanda batata poha. Click here for the recipe.
Also Read: Food Getting Spoiled In Monsoon? Here Are Quick Tips To Keep Moisture At Bay
4. Kanda Bhaji
Maharashtrian Food: Kanda bhaji is a crisp fried snack loved by many. Photo Credit: iStock
Do you tend to crave pakoras and chai on rainy days? In Maharashtra, the pakora-like delicacy that is beloved in monsoon is kanda bhaji. It is similar to an onion (pyaaz) pakora. The sliced onions are covered in a besan batter before being deep-fried. The result is an irresistibly crisp and yummy snack. Read the recipe here.
5. Alu Wadi
Another type of fried Maharashtrian-style snack to enjoy in monsoon is Alu Wadi (also known as patra or patrode). It is also popular in Gujarat. This traditional delicacy is made using colocasia leaves and besan. It has a distinctive spiral and layered shape. Click here for the step-by-step recipe for alu wadi.
6. Pithla Bhaji Bhakri
Want a Maharashtrian comfort food combo for a wholesome lunch or dinner? Then it's time to try Pithla Bhaji Bhakri. Pithla refers to a thick gravy-like preparation made using besan. Bhakri is a healthy flatbread that can be made using a millet like jowar or a combination of grains. Here's a recipe video for pithla.
Also Read: 10 Healthy Maharashtrian Recipes For A Wholesome Traditional Meal
7. Malvani Chicken Curry
In the mood for coastal flavours but staying away from seafood? Malvani-style chicken curry will come to your rescue. It has a rich aroma derived from coconut and different types of spices. Find the complete recipe for one version of this curry here. For a traditional pairing, savour this chicken curry with wade, steamed rice or soft chapatis.
8. Kala Mutton Curry
Also sometimes called Kala Mutton Rassa, this curry is renowned for its spicy taste and distinctive dark colour ("kala" means black). It is especially well-known in regions like Kolhapur, Solapur and Satara in Maharashtra. This dish requires slow cooking, which allows the rich flavours to develop and the meat to become extra tender. Various spices are used in this dish. Here's the full recipe.
Also Read: 8 Maharashtrian Desserts That Are Too Yummy To Miss (Easy Recipes Inside)
Want to explore other Maharashtrian recipes for your next meal? Click here to find some must-try traditional rice recipes.
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Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Mumbai's rains demand pakoras; Try these 7 different types of deep-fried goodness at home
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NDTV
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NDTV
26-06-2025
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Monsoon Lunch Ideas: 10 Indian Comfort Foods You Can Order Right Now
The monsoon influences our moods and meal choices in subtle but powerful ways. As the rain pours down, many of us find ourselves replacing the cooling treats of summer with something warmer, richer and far more comforting. We might avoid street food due to hygiene concerns, but still crave its punchy flavours. And on days when the rain makes us want to skip cooking altogether, ordering in becomes the best plan. If you are wondering what to eat for lunch today, here are ten Indian comfort foods perfect for rainy afternoons. All of them are available on most food delivery apps. Here Are 10 Popular Indian Comfort Food Options For Rainy Day Lunches: 1. Masala Dosa South Indian dishes are known across the country for their familiar and soothing taste. On a busy, grey monsoon day, a plate of masala dosa can uplift your spirits. The crisp texture of the dosa contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced aloo filling, creating a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. Also Read: 6 Tips To Prevent Your Food From Going Soggy In Monsoons 2. Chicken Kathi Roll When the rain is relentless and time is tight, handheld meals are your best friend. Chicken kathi rolls are easy to eat at your desk, in your car or between meetings. Tucked inside a flaky paratha, the juicy chicken filling packs plenty of flavour. Ideal for lunch on hectic days when you still want something indulgent. 3. Chole Bhature Craving something hearty and unapologetically rich? Chole Bhature fits the bill. The fluffy bhature with the spicy, tangy chickpea curry is a monsoon hit for a reason. This is not for those on a strict meal plan, but for those who want to enjoy their lunch with zero regrets. 4. Butter Chicken With Naan Butter chicken and naan are the classic combination that needs no introduction. The creamy, spiced gravy paired with soft, buttery bread is comfort food at its finest. If you are sharing with colleagues or family, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. While ordering it online, remember to get extra naans and rotis - one is rarely enough. 5. Seekh Kebabs Want something flavourful but not deep-fried? Seekh kebabs are a great choice. Typically cooked in a tandoor, they offer smoky flavour without the oil overload. Pair with naan or roti for a complete lunch. Many restaurants also serve them with mint chutney, which you can use to make your kebab roll on the side. 6. Paneer Tikka Paneer tikka is another tandoori favourite that can double as a main course. All you need to do is add a kulcha, roti or naan to your order. Juicy and rich in protein, it is one of the best vegetarian options for a filling and satisfying lunch, especially when you are working from home or just in the mood to lounge. 7. Misal Pav If you are looking for a fiery and flavourful dish this monsoon, Misal Pav is your answer. This spicy Maharashtrian staple offers crunchy textures, tangy bites and bold heat all in one plate. It is difficult to replicate its layers of flavour at home, so ordering in is often the smarter (and tastier) choice. 8. Mutton Biryani Biryani transcends seasons - it is always appropriate. Whether you are a fan of the Hyderabadi-style, the famous Kolkata version or other types, any plate of biryani can be deeply satisfying. If you are feeling indecisive, go for Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani. Fragrant rice, slow-cooked meat, warm spices - what is not to love? 9. Samosa Chaat Who says chaat is only for snacking? Samosa chaat is filling enough to be a proper meal. Rainy days often come with cravings, and there is something about monsoon weather that calls for street-style treats. If you are in the mood for tangy, spicy, crunchy goodness, this one should be at the top of your list. Also Read: How to Make Crispy Punjabi Samosa 10. Dal Khichdi If your stomach is feeling delicate or you simply want a light, balanced lunch, dal khichdi always delivers. It is also a smart choice during the monsoon, when the risk of infections is higher. Add some papad, pickle, or a simple side sabzi, and you have a complete and comforting thali-style meal. What is your go-to comfort food during the monsoon season? Share with us in the comments below.