The rains maybe known to play spoilsport to the city’s commute, but they also come with the delicious cravings for piping hot pakodas and bhuttas and chaats and more. So we asked our city chefs to suggest some monsoon munching places that would make it worthwhile to battle the waterlogged streets and slow-running trains and buses to get to them. Here are some of the top picks from around the city:
Geetanjali, Juhu I feel monsoon is the best season for some street-style Chinese. I love visiting Geetanjali at Juhu for its sweet corn soup and American chopsuey. Also, Datta Vada Pav at Panvel Highway, the misal pav outside the Thane Thesildar office and obviously a bhutta at any guy at a sea front complete the rain experience for me. Chef Gaurav Gidwani, food and beverage director, Corum Hospitality
Firoz Farsan, Bohri Mohalla The real fun during rains is eating delicious road side food with cool breeze blowing by and the sound of the rain. Every monsoon, I make a visit to Bohri Mohalla near Mohammad Ali Road. There’s a store called Firoz Farsan for every possible fried snack that you can think of. The band ghost at Bhindi Bazaar is also perfect for the season. Another favourite with the family is simply driving on Bandstand for a classic bhutta with extra nimbu and masala. Chef Ranveer Brar
Ram and Shyam Chaat House, Santacruz On a nice rainy day when it’s windy and chilly, some spicy chaat is the best bet. Ram and Shyam Chaat House in Santacruz is my go-to-place for that. People travel from far-flung places to try their dahi puri, sev puri and ragda pattice. I love their dahi puri and it’s a must try. They mix three chutneys — sweet, spicy and garlic chutney with yoghurt and you can’t resist having more. Chef Hardik Parekh, Light House Cafe
Kirti College Vada Pav, Dadar I love the samosa and batata vada from Kirti College during the monsoons, especially the chura pav (crunchy chura made from the batter of vada and the chutney)! It’s just what your heart craves for, best accompanied with a cup of hot ginger tea. Speaking of tea, the best in the rains is the chaiwala outside Todi mills in Lower Parel. Another favourite I love indulging in during the rains is steamed peanuts and bhutta masalawala at Tiger Point Drive near Lonavala — they are simply amazing while it’s raining! Chef Kshama Prabhu, executive chef, Bar Stock Exchange
