Tongue-ticklers that add to the monsoon magic

Amdavad’s deep rooted love for food can be seen in every pocket of the city where good food or new food joints start making noise every other week. However, monsoon is one very special season, where every foodie is equally elated, as the smell of the rainswept wet earth tantalizes taste buds. From indulging in some garma garam masala chai, amidst the torrential downpour and catching up on all the latest movies, or simply indulging in buttery vegetable laden noodles, or that first bite of smoking hot dalwadas, the relationship between street side food and monsoon deepens with every downpour.We list down some must have dishes that top every Amdavadi’s wishlist and make monsoon unforgettable also for the rich gastronomical experience that it creates...
Bhutta/ spicy corn kernels: The first thing that comes to our mind when it starts pouring outside is to relish on those tangy and spicy roasted bhutta. Once the bhutta is roasted well, smear a liberal sprinkling of lemon juice over it along with a dash of red chilli powder and butter. And while the first bite of it is mouthwateringly heavenly, the subsequent bits taste good with lots of gossip. One can also relish a bowl of boiled corn kernels with a dash of spices, cheese and lemon juice.
Hot spots: Law Garden and SG Highway. Price: Rs 30-40/- for roasted a bhutta and Rs 50-60/- for a bowl of spicy steamed corn kernels

Dalwada: Dalwada certainly holds an important place in our food checklist especially when it’s raining. Monsoon in Amdavad seems incomplete without piping dalwadas accompanied with fried chillies and raw onions dressed with lemon juice and salt. And if that’s not enough cutting chai makes it taste heavenly. “Being a true blue Amdavadi, I have to indulge in hot dalwadas and masala chai when it is raining,” says actress Vidhi Parikh.
Hot spots Ambica Dalwada Centre, Navrangpura, Price: Rs 200-300 for a kg, Gujarat Dalwada Centre Price: Rs 250-300 for a kg

Instant noodles: We Amdavadis loves fusion on our plates. Be it trying out a new menu at a classy restaurant or digging into our favourite instant noodles at the street side thelas. Adding some lip-smacking spices, some crunchy vegetables and loading it with generous helpings of butter and cheese, simply take the street side food experience to another level. "instant noodles top my cheat list. I love the ones which you get at the Khau gali located at Cept. My favourite is the one in which loads of crunchy capsicums and spices," says actress Bhakti Kubavat
Hot Spots: CEPT (Khau Gali); Price Rs 50-Rs 65 and HL: Price Rs 50- Rs 75
Steaming momos:A plate of hot steamy momos has found a firm place in every Amdavad foodie’s checklist. These yummy dumplings which comes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions are a perfect companion for a rainy evening. And while these are less spicy and steamed, the fiery momo dip makes up for our craving for spice. As these tasty dumplings are steamed, many health conscious youngsters can always vouch for these even when it comes to a little cheat meal indulgence in rains.
Hot Spots: CEPT (Khau Gali); Price Rs 40-65 and HL: Price Rs 60-80

Chai-Muskabun: Rains, long drives, chat sessions with friends topped with hot masala chai and sweet muska bun. Ask every youngster, specially every hostelite, and one will know that every small joint where hot masala chai is served with sweet muska bun or spicy masala bun has always been the to-go adda. Be it discussing the day’s events, exchanging notes, catching up on the latest information or taking important career steps or charting out a new business venture, these hotspots have witnessed them all. “My all-time favourite
destinations when it’s pouring, have to be the chai – muskabun joints located on the IIM-A road. I like to go there with my friends and catch up and what all I have been missing. I love to dig into the spicy masala bun along with hot chai, as the combination just can’t go wrong," says actress Monal Gajjar.
Varied egg preparations: Last and certainly not the least, hot, masaledaar varied preparations of eggs, be it boiled, scrambled, egg rolls, egg bhurji with toast, or the typical egg locho, there are various preparations made from the humble egg. Have it for breakfast, lunch, brunch late evening or early dinners, these egg preparations will always find a place in your routine.
Hot Spots: CEPT (Khau Gali) Price Rs 100 onwards, IIM-A Road, SG Highway, Gujarat University Lane, Price Rs 75 onwards