Top 5 Monsoon Foods in Mumbai – Are They Healthy?

As Mumbaikars welcome the very awaited monsoon showers, the season comes bundled with plenty of cravings for food items. As a Mumbaikar we all have our special memories related to some of these foods. What are your favourite, go-to monsoon foods in Mumbai?

A piping hot cup of adrakwali chai (ginger tea) and assorted pakoras is all that comes to mind as we soak ourselves in rain-drenched surroundings and the shifting grey monsoon sky.

But then again, we wouldn’t want weight gain while you are pursuing some weight-loss goals or undergoing treatment for some lifestyle disorders. Some of us would be more concerned about gaining weight before the festivals that shall follow soon after the monsoons.

Does this mean we must suppress our cravings and deprive ourselves of these tasty treats?

MoM always has a solution to every problem!

Here is a list of the top 5 monsoon foods in Mumbai that we all love to consume. Hence, this article is special as it will allow you to indulge your taste buds – guilt-free. Read on to know about your favourite monsoon foods – along with their healthier alternative and nutritional content.

Top 5 Favourite Monsoon Foods in Mumbai and their healthy alternatives.

Vada pav

The monsoon in Mumbai is incomplete without the king of Mumbai’s Street food – Vada pav. One cannot miss the sight of a roadside vendor serving out-of-the-frying pan vada pav to a huge crowd surrounding him. 

It is always served with garlic and coriander chutney.

Below is the nutrient value of 1 vada pav – weighing approximately 130 grams.

What would be a healthier alternative to vada pav in the monsoon season?

Healthier alternative: Baked batata vada. It can have the same spices and taste. If you want to take it one step ahead, then for the optimal health benefits have it without the pav/bread.

Corn on cob/Bhutta

With the first monsoon showers, one can find a bhuttewala (a person selling corn on the cob) at almost every roadside corner of Mumbai. The aroma of freshly charcoaled corn and the flavours of lemon juice and masala squeezed on top are simply mouthwatering. 

There is a lot of controversy around the nutrition aspects of corn. For example, some say it is high in fat, while some say it increases blood sugar levels. 

Corn, also known as maize, is a widely used grain plant and most nutrients of corn come from the seeds or the kernels. These kernels range in colour from white to bright yellow or orange, depending on which part of the world they are grown in.

One medium-sized ear of corn (17.5 cms to 19 cms long) provides:

Corn is a naturally low-fat food that provides about 77 calories per ear. Corn also provides protein and dietary fiber and is a good source of thiamine (Vitamin B1). It is also very rich in lutein and two phytochemicals that promote better vision.

Roasted or boiled corn can be enjoyed by all as a healthy snack and is a good idea for a staple monsoon diet food. Avoid adding butter or any other form of fat that will increase the calorie value.

Another healthy spin on this street-side delicacy is: Instead of adding salt on top, add a mixture of salt and black pepper. The black pepper powder eases digestion and will work as an immunity booster too.

Momos are fast becoming a popular monsoon food in Mumbai

The Indian monsoon food culture is rich and diverse. Every state and every city offers a different taste of Indian monsoon food. However, there is one dish that is loved by every state – MOMOS! 

A plate of steamed hot momos with hot garlic sauce is satisfying, especially in windy and cold weather.

A plate of steamed momos serves approx. 6 dumplings.

A plate of vegetable steamed momos containing 6 pieces will give you 240 kcals while a plate of chicken steamed momos will give approx. 342 kcals.

Steamed momos are a better option than fried momos. Try sharing a plate of momos with someone instead of having it all by yourself.

Maggi

The name ‘Maggi’ brings a smile to everyone – children and adults alike. A bowlful of hot and steaming masala noodles or ‘rain-wali’ Maggi is precisely what you want when it’s raining pitchforks.

One can never go wrong in eating Maggi – you can have it dry or soupy, with veggies or cheese, or just keep it simple.

Maggi noodles is a highly processed food product. Apart from being high in calories, it is also high in sodium and preservatives. A steaming hot plate of Maggi is a welcome change from the diet, in the monsoon and in winters.

Healthier alternative: whole wheat noodles or vermicelli with vegetables.

Kanda bhaji

A steaming cup of ginger masala chai and a plate of kanda bhaji is a must to enjoy the Mumbai rains. 

Bhaji is also known as Pakoda or Pakode in other parts of the country. It is one of the favourite snacks during the rainy season. These deep-fried vegetable fritters are made with different vegetables coated with gram flour batter (besan) and fried in cooking oil. In Maharashtra, kanda bhaji or onion fritters is very popular, especially during the rainy season.

This monsoon delicacy is loaded with calories. Therefore, be aware and cautious before indulging in this calorie-rich snack. Although, a combination of masala tea with kaanda bhajji is irresistible anywhere in India!

Healthier alternative – Well, not all foods come with an alternative. Some foods just cannot be replaced. If you know of a healthier alternative to our very special kanda bhaji, please do share with us in the comment section.

What’s your favourite monsoon food in Mumbai?