Bhajiya, vada pav and garma garam chai...Celebs spill the tea on their favourite monsoon treats

There’s something about the rains that awakens our deepest food cravings — the comforting smell of masala chai, the crispiness of hot pakoras, the smoky flavour of bhutta, and the nostalgia of street food savoured while getting soaked. As the monsoon settles in, we ask celebs what their go-to rainy-day indulgences are, and their answers will leave you hungry for more.Daisy Shah: Bhutta tops my list of rainy-day cravingsI could share a long list of my rainy-day cravings, but bhutta definitely tops it. That charcoal-smoked corn, smeared with salt, red chilli powder, lemon and masala, is to die for. Coffee and bhajiyas are also a must. I remember eating a frankie at Carter Road while getting drenched in the rain. Those are my true monsoon indulgences.Talat Aziz: Onion pakodas and desi chai – the perfect combo for a rainy dayMy favourite monsoon snack has to be onion pakodas paired with a hot cup of desi chai, the perfect comfort combo for a rainy day. There’s something magical about this season: the rhythm of raindrops on the window, mitti ki khushboo, and the cool breeze on your face. Just like pakodas and chai, it all comes together to awaken the senses like a soulful raga.Sunita Ahuja: Sipping hot chai and enjoying bhajiyas is part of the monsoon charmI absolutely love this time of year. Going on long drives with someone special, sipping hot chai, and enjoying garma garam bhajiyas… it’s all part of the charm. Sometimes, I even feel like dancing and singing in the rain. It’s such a romantic season.Javed Ali: Nothing beats the joy of sipping hot tea & munching on crispy bhajiyasA rainy day isn’t complete without a plate of hot bhajiyas and a steaming cup of chai. To truly enjoy the monsoon, especially if you’re sitting by your window or in your courtyard, nothing beats the joy of sipping hot tea and munching on crispy bhajiyas. I love going on long drives and heading to the seaside when it rains. The monsoon season is such a delight.Geeta Basra: Pakodas, vada pav, chai — my ultimate monsoon trioThe classic pakoda is a staple in most Punjabi homes. The moment it rains, or the weather turns gloomy, someone’s making a fresh batch. And I love vada pav. So pakodas, vada pav and chai — that’s my ultimate monsoon combo.Rannvijay Singha: Chai with bhel puri hits the right spotThe monsoons take me back to my boarding school days in the hills, where hot tea & onion-potato fritters brought instant comfort. At home, my mom would make ghee-laden halwa. In Mumbai, it’s chai with something light like bhel puri — simple but it hits the spot.Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniam: Pakodas, bondas and ginger chai are my monsoon must-havesCrispy pakodas, steaming hot bondas, and a strong cup of ginger chai become irresistible indulgences during the monsoon. There’s something about the rain that makes these simple pleasures feel extraordinary. Despite the traffic chaos and occasional soaking, monsoon remains my favourite season.Arjan Bajwa: A hot bowl of soup and chocolate cake is always welcomeThe monsoon always calls for masala chai and pakodas. But since I follow a strict diet, I avoid fried foods. Still, a hot bowl of soup, a steaming cup of chai or even a piece of chocolate cake is always welcome.Shilpa Shirodkar: Kanda bhajiya and adrak ki chai are my go-to comfort foodsKanda bhajiya and adrak ki chai are my go-to comfort foods during the monsoon. Bhajiyas, crisp and golden, taste even better when shared with loved ones on a rainy evening. Mumbai monsoons are the best — a perfect blend of chaos, nostalgia and cozy moments.Kumar Sanu: Rainy days call for chai and samosasDuring the monsoon, there’s nothing I enjoy more than hot samosas, crispy pakodas and a steaming cup of tea. There’s something magical about savouring these treats while sitting on your balcony, listening to the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops.