16 Types of Pakodas from Across India That Are a Must-Have in Monsoon

Monsoon in India is a time of celebration, as the rain showers bring relief from the scorching heat and fill the air with the aroma of sizzling pakodas. These crispy fritters, made from a variety of ingredients and spices, are a quintessential part of Indian cuisine during the rainy season. From the streets of Delhi to the shores of Chennai, every region of India boasts its own unique types of pakodas, each with its own distinct flavors and textures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a delicious journey across the country to explore 16 must-try varieties of pakodas that are a must-have during the monsoon.

1. Aloo Pakoda (Potato Fritters)

Aloo pakoda, or potato fritters, are a classic favorite across India. Thin slices of potato are dipped in a flavorful gram flour batter seasoned with spices like turmeric, chili powder, and ajwain (carom seeds), then deep-fried until golden and crispy. These crispy delights are often served with tangy mint chutney or spicy tomato sauce, making them the perfect snack to enjoy on a rainy day.

2. Onion Pakoda

Onion pakoda, also known as pyaaz ke pakode, are another popular choice during the monsoon season. Sliced onions are coated in a seasoned gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The natural sweetness of the onions pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors of the batter, creating a mouthwatering snack that’s hard to resist.

3. Paneer Pakoda (Cottage Cheese Fritters)

Paneer pakoda is a delightful variation of the classic pakoda, featuring soft cubes of paneer (cottage cheese) marinated in a spicy mixture of gram flour and spices. These flavorful fritters are then deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and creamy on the inside. Serve them hot with a side of tangy tamarind chutney for an irresistible treat.

4. Mirchi Pakoda (Chili Fritters)

For those who like a bit of heat, mirchi pakoda, or chili fritters, are the perfect choice. Large green chilies are slit open, deseeded, and stuffed with a tangy masala mixture, then dipped in gram flour batter and fried until golden and crunchy. The spicy kick of the chilies is balanced by the crispy coating, creating a deliciously addictive snack.

5. Palak Pakoda (Spinach Fritters)

Palak pakoda, or spinach fritters, offer a nutritious twist on the classic pakoda recipe. Fresh spinach leaves are coated in a flavorful gram flour batter infused with spices like cumin, coriander, and chaat masala, then deep-fried until crispy and golden. These crispy fritters are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

6. Methi Pakoda (Fenugreek Fritters)

Methi pakoda, or fenugreek fritters, are a popular choice during the monsoon season. Fresh fenugreek leaves are mixed with gram flour and spices to create a flavorful batter, which is then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The slightly bitter flavor of the fenugreek leaves is balanced by the spicy and savory flavors of the batter, resulting in a deliciously addictive snack.

7. Bhajji (Mixed Vegetable Fritters)

Bhajji, also known as pakoras or bajjis, are a versatile and flavorful snack made by dipping assorted vegetables like potato, onion, and chili in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying until golden and crispy. These mixed vegetable fritters are often served with a side of tangy tamarind chutney or spicy green chutney, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea on a rainy day.

8. Mirchi Bajji (Stuffed Chili Fritters)

Mirchi bajji, or stuffed chili fritters, are a popular street food snack in South India. Large green chilies are slit open and stuffed with a spicy potato mixture, then dipped in a gram flour batter and deep-fried until crispy and golden. The combination of spicy chilies and flavorful potato filling makes these fritters a delicious and satisfying treat during the monsoon season.

9. Pakora (Mixed Lentil Fritters)

Pakora, also known as pakoda or bhajiya, are a versatile and delicious snack made by dipping a variety of ingredients in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying until golden and crispy. While vegetables like potato, onion, and chili are common choices, pakoras can also be made with a mix of different lentils like moong dal, chana dal, and urad dal for added flavor and texture.

10. Bread Pakoda

Bread pakoda is a popular street food snack made by stuffing slices of bread with a flavorful potato mixture, dipping them in a spiced gram flour batter, and deep-frying until golden and crispy. These indulgent fritters are often served with a side of tangy tamarind chutney or spicy green chutney, making them a favorite among food lovers during the monsoon season.

11. Corn Pakoda

Corn pakoda is a delicious variation of the classic pakoda recipe, featuring sweet and juicy corn kernels mixed with gram flour and spices to create a flavorful batter. These crispy fritters are then deep-fried until golden and crunchy, offering a burst of sweetness in every bite. Serve them hot with a side of tangy tomato ketchup for a delicious snack that’s perfect for rainy days.

12. Paneer Bread Pakoda

Paneer bread pakoda is a decadent variation of the classic bread pakoda, featuring slices of bread stuffed with a creamy paneer mixture, dipped in a spiced gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. These indulgent fritters are bursting with flavor and texture, making them a favorite among food lovers during the monsoon season.

13. Moong Dal Pakoda

Moong dal pakoda is a crunchy and flavorful snack made from split yellow moong dal (mung beans) mixed with spices and herbs, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. These crispy fritters are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea on a rainy day, offering a delicious combination of savory flavors and crunchy texture.

14. Potato Bread Pakoda

Potato bread pakoda is a delicious variation of the classic bread pakoda, featuring slices of bread sandwiched with a flavorful potato mixture, dipped in a spiced gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. These indulgent fritters are a favorite among kids and adults alike, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

15. Chicken Pakoda

Chicken pakoda is a non-vegetarian variation of the classic pakoda recipe, featuring tender pieces of chicken marinated in spices, coated in gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. These flavorful fritters are perfect for enjoying with a side of tangy mint chutney or spicy tomato sauce.