INDIAN FOOD FOR COMFORT ON RAINY DAYS
Jul 11, 2025There’s something about the rain that changes the way we eat. The sound of water falling outside makes people crave warmth, spice, and food that feels like it was made to be shared. In India, the monsoon isn’t just about umbrellas and damp clothes. It’s also about food. The first showers almost feel incomplete without a plate of pakoras, a couple of samosas, or some steaming hot chai on the side. At our restaurant, Shalimar Of India, that feeling is part of the menu. We’ve kept the snacks that belong to rainy afternoons, the ones that are simple but have a way of making everyone smile. They’re not fancy, but they hit the spot in a way that comfort food should. Come explore the menu with us and see for yourself.
Samosas
Ask anyone about rainy-day food and the first answer is usually the same: samosa. There’s no debate. Our Vegetable Samosas ($6.25 for 2 pcs) are everything you expect them to be: crisp pastry, soft potato, peas cooked with mild spices. They’re the snack you want when the rain won’t stop and you’re in the mood for something that feels familiar. But then, there’s the richer cousin. The Keema Samosa ($9.25 for 2 pcs). Filled with minced lamb and peas, seasoned gently so the flavor isn’t lost in spice, this one is for days when you want something heavier. One or two pieces with chutney, and it feels like a meal on its own.
Aloo Tikki
If samosas are the star, Aloo Tikki ($6.25 for 2 pcs) is the quiet comfort food. Potato patties, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, fried in chickpea batter, and served hot. It’s the kind of snack that doesn’t need a long description. Everyone has a memory of biting into one, maybe with green chutney or tamarind sauce, and suddenly the rain feels less gloomy.
Pakoras
Rain and pakoras go hand in hand. The Vegetable Pakoras ($8.25 for 6 pcs) are light, crunchy, and made with fresh-cut vegetables. They’re the sort of snack that disappears quickly if you leave the plate unattended. Then there’s the Paneer Pakoras ($9.25 for 5 pcs), which bring in a softer, creamier bite thanks to the homemade cheese. For anyone who struggles to pick one thing, the Vegetarian Platter ($12.25) is the easy choice. A mix of Vegetable Pakoras, Samosa, Aloo Tikki, and Cheese Pakora. It’s the kind of plate you put in the center of the table, and everyone reaches in while chatting about the weather.
What makes the dishes so special is the way families came together during the rain. No matter which corner of the house you were sitting in. One call from the kitchen and it was understood that it was pakora time in the house. We have learnt to enjoy every season with our families. Through Shalimar, we wish to bring that culture to you. Come and experience the happiness of rain with us.
