Must-Try Monsoon Street Foods in Kolkata for the Rainy Season

Monsoon in Kolkata brings more than just grey skies and umbrella-covered streets. It opens up a world where cravings come alive and nostalgia floods the senses with every bite. For generations, the rainy season in this city has been about more than just the weather—it's been about shared plates, street-side stalls, and rainy-day food stories. From lovers strolling down rain-washed lanes with a matka kulfi in hand to families huddled under tin shades munching on steaming ghugni, Kolkata's monsoon food is an emotion. Here are ten such treats that make monsoon a celebration of flavours, warmth, and love.

Ghugni

When the sky rumbles and the streets start to shine with rain, Ghugni arrives like a warm hug. Made with dried yellow peas slow-cooked with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and topped with chopped onions, chillies, and coriander, this dish is a celebration of Kolkata’s love for spices. Often paired with luchi or puffed rice, Ghugni turns into a filling comfort meal. In the rainy season, the vendors serve it piping hot, which cuts through the cold and humidity like magic. It’s spicy, soul-filling, and something every local has memories of sharing.

Where: Dacres Lane, Gariahat Junction

Telebhaja

There’s nothing more romantic than watching the rain with a plate of Telebhaja and a steaming cup of cha. Whether it's Peyaji (onion fritters), Beguni (batter-fried eggplant), or Mochar Chop (banana flower cutlets), these golden, crispy delights are deep-fried happiness. Made using gram flour, seasonal vegetables, and a generous sprinkle of spices, Telebhaja is sturdy enough to hold its crunch against the damp monsoon air. Families often bring these home wrapped in newspaper, making it a part of rainy day rituals. If you’re at College Street, Kalika Mukhorochok is a local legend.

Where: Kalika Mukhorochok (College Street), Vardaan Market (Camac Street)

Fish Cutlet & Bhetki Fry

Monsoon evenings in Kolkata are synonymous with the aroma of fried fish wafting through narrow lanes. Fish cutlets, made from minced fish, breadcrumbs, and subtle spices, and the ever-popular Bhetki Fry—a crumb-coated fillet fried golden—bring together Bengal's love for fish and fried treats. A warm Bhetki Fry in the monsoon is more than a snack; it's tradition. Families bring these home in oily brown paper packs, paired with mustard dip. Babu Culture in Bidhannagar elevates this humble street dish with a nostalgic twist.

Where: Babu Culture, Bidhannagar, street vendors in Shyambazar

Dimer Devil

The rainy season begs for something rich and satisfying, and Dimer Devil answers that call. Hard-boiled eggs coated with spiced lamb mince, then crumb-fried till crisp—these are a hearty, indulgent delight. Often found in school canteens or old cafes, they’re the kind of snack that brings back memories of after-school treats or family evening walks. In the monsoon, they offer the warmth your soul craves. At Mrs Wilson's Cafe in Jodhpur Park, this dish comes alive with bold spices and a touch of old-world charm.

Where: Mrs. Wilson’s Cafe, Jodhpur Park

Jhal Muri

This rain-time staple is not just food; it's a portable memory. Jhal Muri, a mix of puffed rice, chopped onions, green chillies, peanuts, mustard oil, and a dash of tamarind, comes together in a paper cone that's as iconic as the snack itself. During the monsoon, this tangy treat becomes even more irresistible, especially when enjoyed by the riverside or on a tram ride through a rain-kissed Kolkata. The crunch of muri contrasts with the damp air, creating a flavour dance that’s both spicy and refreshing. You’ll find it everywhere, but the charm of grabbing a Jhal Muri from a vendor in Vivekananda Park or Princep Ghat is unmatched.

Where: Vivekananda Park, Princep Ghat, Esplanade Metro Exit

Momo

Hot, steamy momos are a year-round favourite, but their charm multiplies during Kolkata's rains. Whether it's the juicy Chicken Momo, cheesy ones oozing with cream, or the spicy Kebab Momo varieties, each bite is warm-wrapped in dough. Pan-fried or steamed, they act like tiny flavour bombs. At Jeet Da’s Momo Stall near Kakurgachi Metro, you'll see queues even in a downpour, with patrons swearing by his crab momos and hariyali kebab variants. The rain makes every bite warmer and every flavour deeper.

Where: Jeet Da’s Momo Stall, near Kakurgachi Metro

Aloo Kabli

Simple, zesty, and deeply comforting, Aloo Kabli is a dish built for monsoon evenings. Boiled potatoes are tossed with tamarind pulp, chopped green chillies, roasted spices, and onion slices to make a snack that bursts with tang and spice. It’s the kind of thing people remember grabbing with friends after tuition or during Durga Puja outings. During the rainy season, the balance of warmth and sharp tang keeps you coming back. Gariahat footpaths have some of the most talked-about Aloo Kabli in town.

Where: Gariahat Market, Ballygunge Phari

Ghoti Gorom

Imagine walking along the Howrah Bridge or waiting at a station while the rain falls—and then you smell Ghoti Gorom. Served hot from a tin "ghoti" container with burning coal underneath, it includes sev (jhuri bhaja), chopped onions, green chillies, roasted peanuts, and a tangy fruit like amra or raw mango. It’s spicy, crunchy, and heart-warming. The live warmth from the ghoti and the punchy flavour create a snack that fits the monsoon perfectly. Vendors near local train stations bring this treat alive.

Where: Sealdah Station, Shyambazar Five-Point Crossing

Matka Kulfi

Rains don’t always mean hot food. Sometimes, it's about that chilled delight—Matka Kulfi. Served in earthen pots that keep the dessert naturally cool, this kulfi is thick, creamy, and subtly flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and pistachios. The monsoon’s moist, earthy air enhances the matka’s clay scent, making every spoonful an emotional experience. It reminds many of childhood walks after dinner, or that special date on a rainy evening. You’ll find these across street corners, but the vendors at Lake Market bring a unique old-school charm.

Where: Lake Market, Southern Avenue

Gorom Rosogolla

While mishti is a year-round affair, Rosogolla reaches another level when it’s served hot in monsoon. Gorom Rosogolla, soaked in sugar syrup and served right from the boiling pot, melts instantly in the mouth. There's a kind of joy in watching the steam rise from a ladle as it scoops out the plump white spheres. For many, it brings back memories of family outings, of shared desserts on rainy days. Head to the classic K.C. Das or local sweet shops around Hatibagan to get that freshly made joy. Ready to explore these monsoon bites?

Where: K.C. Das (Esplanade), Bheemnag & Sons Sweet Shopas