Flavours of the Rain: Exploring India’s Food and Beverage Tourism During the Monsoon
As the monsoon clouds roll in and the scent of wet earth fills the air, India transforms not only in its landscapes but also in its kitchens. Monsoon is more than just a season—it's a celebration of comfort food, hot beverages, and culinary traditions that warm the heart and soul. For travelers, this season offers a unique chance to explore India through its rich, seasonal food and beverage tourism experiences.
Across the country, food becomes a cultural expression during rains. In the Western Ghats, especially in regions like Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala, local homestays and eco-resorts serve authentic, spice-rich dishes that are designed to boost immunity and bring warmth. Think pepper rasam, kappa-meen curry, and drumstick sambar, best enjoyed with the backdrop of misty mountains and pattering rain.
Head north to Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand, and you’ll be treated to piping hot siddu, thukpa, and chai served in roadside dhabas or mountain cafés. The cold mountain rain enhances the experience of sipping on locally brewed herbal teas or apples ciders in orchards bursting with early fruit blooms.
Street food culture thrives in urban monsoon hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, where locals and tourists bond over hot plates of pakoras, samosas, vada pav, jhalmuri, and steamed momos under shared umbrellas. Food walks and guided street food tours gain popularity during the monsoon, offering an immersive look into regional rain-time delicacies.
Tea and coffee tourism also peaks during the rains. In the tea estates of Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiris, visitors can engage in monsoon plucking sessions, learn about processing, and enjoy a hot brew in panoramic plantation bungalows. Meanwhile, Coorg and Chikmagalur’s coffee estates invite guests for wet-season roasting experiences, complete with freshly brewed cups and chocolate pairings.
The monsoon is also the best time to indulge in fermented foods and local beverages that vary by region—toddy in Kerala, chang in Sikkim, apong in Arunachal, or local brews in Nagaland. These drinks not only warm the body but also represent deeply rooted tribal and agricultural traditions.
From rain-soaked markets selling monsoon greens to culinary festivals celebrating seasonal produce, food and beverage tourism in India during the monsoon is sensory, soulful, and deeply local. It connects travelers with communities, traditions, and the earth—one comforting bite and warm sip at a time.
Top Experiences by Region:
Kerala – Kappa & Fish Curry, Toddy Shops
Goa – Rainy Day Cafés, Goan Saraswat Cuisine
Mumbai – Vada Pav, Cutting Chai, Monsoon Food Walks
Darjeeling – Tea Tastings, Monsoon Tea Plucking
Coorg – Coffee Estate Stays, Local Kodava Cuisine
North-East India – Bamboo Shoot Curries, Tribal Brews, Fermented Fish Dishes
Recommended Activities:
Guided food trails in monsoon-friendly cities
Stay in culinary homestays
Attend monsoon food festivals or fairs
Explore spice plantations and rain-fed farms
Participate in beverage-tasting tours and workshops
