The monsoons are a much loved season not just for the freshness and greenery associated with it, but also for the delectable food that makes the showers all the more special. So, it’s not just children but also foodies who wait for this season with equal fervour. Now, wouldn’t you agree that over the years, you have come to associate certain comfort foods particularly with the rainy season! These monsoon dishes make for a great way to enjoy the pleasant weather, and for once, make us forget about the hassles associated with the season – the waterlogged roads, never ending traffic jams, etc.

Here’s our pick of the most sumptuous food items that make it to the top 7 monsoon dishes:

1. Dimsums

To start with, let’s get to the steamiest of the monsoon cravings first… the much-loved dimsums! Dimsums, more popularly known as ‘momos’, is now a common street food and make for a perfect treat during the wet monsoon spells.

The warmth of ginger and garlic in the delicately prepared momos, together with the spicy sauce that comes as an accompaniment, make for a perfect way to beat the weather. The flavors offer a perfect balance for the taste buds!

2. Jalebi

Yes, you heard that right! Jalebis are one food every Indian swoon over… and why not? After all, they are super sweet; and most Indian tend to have a sweet tooth. Above all, since they taste best, when still super hot, they make for a great treat in the monsoons.

Try them with a little ‘rabdi’ or soak it in some warm milk for that extra kick!

3. Spring rolls

Spring rolls are considered as East and Southeast Asian cuisine in general. But cravings do not discriminate, and therefore spring rolls manage to make it to the top 7 list!

Afterall, anything fried gives us a reason to smile in the monsoons. So, because we Indians love Chinese cuisine and have pretty much adapted most dishes for the Indian palette, spring rolls pretty much rate at the top of the list when it comes to monsoon dishes.

And yes, you don’t necessarily have to spend big bucks at a fine dining restaurant to relish this dish. Some roadside vendors dish out a great version of the dish too along with a generous topping of our very own ‘chaat masala’. So, go for it!

4. Deep fried Pakoras

What do you get when the humble pakora and chai are served to you on a rainy day?… Immense satisfaction!…

Well, freshly fried hot pakoras are a perfect antidote to a dark and cloudy day accompanied by thunderstorms. Now don’t ask us why, but most people would nod their head in agreement! With a generous serving of some tamarind or mint chutney, you can’t ask for any better accompaniment to this dish!

A cup of adrak (ginger) or masala chai is all you need to complete the experience from the coming together of different flavors!

5. Fish fry and chicken wings

Our guess is that these dishes too make it to the top of the charts in the monsoon because of their fried or spicy quotient. And trust us; the experience is far more fun when you enjoy these delicacies by the roadside, with the raindrops falling over your head.

However, this shouldn’t stop you from ordering your favorite platter at a restaurant with friends either. So, go all out and gorge on those chicken wings and fish fry.

6. Freshly baked hot brownies

The name itself says it all! The sound of rain dripping from your pane, making patterns and wavy snakes as it crawls past those windows, and someone serves you a fresh-out-of-the-oven brownie with a dollop of ice cream! Oh, it’d be nothing less than paradise!

7. Moong dal halwa

Moong dal halwa is a must-have for anybody in the season of the pitter-patter raindrops! Made of moong dal and a generous amount of ghee, the sinful delicacy manages to romance the heart and soul of almost every Indian who has been brought up with their grandma’s ghee-laden delicacies. Dry fruits, raisins etc., prove to be a cherry on the cake for the delectable dish.

Just in case moong dal halwa is too rich for your liking, you can opt for the simple home made sooji ka halwa or aate ka halwa. They serve the purpose equally well!

8. Bhutta (Corn)

In the midst of the many fancy dishes out there, don’t forget your very own bhutta or corn-on-cob these monsoons. Whether you like it roasted or boiled, along with some tangy chutney, this humble food won’t leave you disappointed.

You can also give it a unique twist and make a tangy corn salad with some onion, tomatoes, coriander and lots of zesty lemon and tamarind sauce.

All these dishes, along with many more, can help you beat the blues this monsoon. The weather Gods favors the foodies, it seems! To present your customers with something different or something which stands out from the rest, you can experiment with the dishes and give it your unique and contemporary twist! Talking of experiments, you can also analyze the reviews of your customers here and tweak your menu based on their preferences. So, go all out and make the most of these monsoons to get your cash registers ringing!