For Maharashtrians, monsoon snacks are not just food—they're cultural comfort, passed down from ajjis (grandmothers), crafted from local ingredients, and always paired with garam chai or cutting.
If you're new to these or grew up with them but haven’t revisited them in years, here's a delicious reminder of what you shouldn’t miss this rainy season.
1. Kandyachya Patichi Bhaji (Spring Onion Fritters)
What it is:
Made using the green stalks of onions (kandya patti), this is a lesser-known yet incredibly flavourful pakoda-style snack from rural Maharashtra.
Why it's a monsoon must:
Onions sprout faster during the rains, and their greens are harvested fresh. These fritters are crispy, spicy, and have an earthy sharpness unique to spring onions.
Pro tip:
Pair it with a tangy garlic chutney and a steaming cup of lemongrass chai.
2. Alu Wadi (Steamed Colocasia Rolls)
What it is:
Alu leaves (colocasia) are slathered with a sweet-spicy besan (gram flour) paste, rolled, steamed, and sometimes shallow fried. Think of them as Maharashtra’s version of sushi—earthy, bold, and unforgettable.
Why it's a monsoon must:
Alu leaves grow abundantly in the rains, and their unique flavor, combined with jaggery, tamarind, and spices, creates a perfect balance.
Pro tip:
Steam them well to avoid itchiness from raw leaves. Slice thin and crisp them up for a snack or side dish.
3. Mirchi Bhajji (Stuffed Green Chilli Pakoras)
What it is:
Large green chillies are slit and stuffed with spiced besan, dipped in batter, and deep-fried until golden. They're crunchy on the outside and surprisingly mellow on heat.
Why it's a monsoon must:
Spice hits different when it’s raining outside. The contrast of hot chillies and cool breeze is what makes this snack an emotion.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to sprinkle kala namak (black salt) and squeeze some lemon juice on top before eating.
4. Matkichi Usal (Sprouted Moth Beans Stir-fry)
What it is:
A nutritious yet tasty snack made from sprouted matki (moth beans), tempered with mustard, curry leaves, and green chilli.
Why it's a monsoon must:
While everyone fries, some prefer to steam and stir-fry. This light yet protein-rich dish is perfect for rainy days when you want something warm but not greasy.
Pro tip:
Top it with freshly grated coconut and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
5. Batata Vada (The Original Vada Pav Hero)
What it is:
Spiced mashed potatoes dipped in besan batter and deep-fried. It’s not just a snack—it’s the Maharashtrian monsoon icon.
Why it's a monsoon must:
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and irresistibly comforting when dunked in chutney or slapped between pav. Rain + batata vada = eternal love story.
Pro tip:
Add dry garlic chutney and fried green chillies for the full Mumbai-style vada pav experience.
Maharashtrian monsoon snacks are rooted in seasonality, sustainability, and spice. They use what grows locally—onion stalks, colocasia leaves, sprouted beans—and transform them into flavour bombs with just a few pantry staples.
