From Pakoras to Ghewar: Delhi’s 5 must-have monsoon snacks

There’s something magical about the monsoon in Delhi. As the first drops hit the scorched roads, a familiar scent of wet mitti, chai, and fried snacks fills the air. The city, otherwise buzzing with horns and deadlines, slows down just enough for people to pause—under bus stops, balcony shades, and street corners—with a steaming cup of chai in one hand and something crispy in the other.

But Delhi’s monsoon cravings go far beyond just pakoras. From forgotten sweets like Anarse ki Goli in Mehrauli to seasonal gems like Jamun ki Chaat in Chawri Bazaar, every neighbourhood has its own go-to snack that tastes better only when the sky is grey and the roads are slick.

Here are six monsoon snacks that Delhiites swear by—each steeped in tradition, sold with heart, and best enjoyed when the clouds come calling.

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Anarse ki Goli – The sweet bite of old-world Delhi

If Delhi had a secret monsoon snack, this would be it. Anarse ki Goli is a deep-fried sweet dumpling made from coarsely ground urad dal, jaggery (gur), desi ghee, and a mix of spices like saunf and elaichi. Crispy on the outside, grainy and warm within—it’s a bite of comfort that feels like something your dadi might have made during the Saawan rains.

This snack isn’t mass-produced, which is why it’s rare—you’ll only find it in old localities like Nizamuddin, Mehrauli, and parts of Old Delhi, usually sold by traditional halwais or passed around at home with chai during drizzles. Served warm, often wrapped in newspaper or leaf bowls, it’s sweet, rustic, and vanishing fast from modern Delhi’s food memory. Ask around during the monsoon—you’ll be surprised who still knows about it.

Moong Daal Pakora – Delhi’s go-to rain companion

When in doubt, fry moong daal. That’s Delhi’s unsaid rule during the monsoon. Soft on the inside and crisp outside, these golden pakoras are a must at every street vendor’s stall. You’ll find them served piping hot with mint chutney and a side of gossip, especially near local markets, schools, and metro exits. Cheap, cheerful, and perfect with chai.

Jamun ki chaat – A seasonal secret at Hira Lal Chaat Corner

Here’s something even most Delhiites don’t know: Jamun ki Chaat is a rare, seasonal gem that’s available only during the monsoon and only at Hira Lal Chaat Corner in Chawri Bazaar. The jamun is tossed with kala namak, roasted jeera, lemon juice, and secret masalas—creating a tangy, cooling explosion of flavour. It’s sold for just two to three months each year, so if you spot it, don’t think twice.

Moong daal samosa – Spiced just right in Old Delhi

While regular aloo samosas are available year-round, the monsoon unlocks the real star: moong daal samosa. Found in Old Delhi’s snack dens, it has a coarse, spiced lentil filling and a crisp, crackling shell that pairs beautifully with a rainy evening and a cutting chai.

Ghewar – Because monsoon craves sweet drama

Monsoon isn’t complete without a slice of ghewar, the honeycomb-shaped Rajasthani dessert that Delhi devours during Saawan. The most famous spot? Chaina Ram in Old Delhi, where queues start early and boxes fly off shelves. With its sweet, syrup-soaked layers and optional rabri topping, ghewar is monsoon dessert royalty.

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Pro Tip

In Delhi, monsoon snacks aren’t just about food—they’re memories fried and spiced to perfection. So, the next time it rains, skip the fancy cafés and let the streets serve you stories—one steaming pakora or tart jamun chaat at a time.