Pani puri to pineapple juice: The monsoon food blacklist

The monsoon season in India is all about hot piping chai, crispy snacks, and cozy evenings as the rain taps on your window. But, let’s be honest, it’s also a time when your favourite food can easily turn into a stomach disaster. Whether it's from the street or your own kitchen, here’s a quick list of foods that should stay off your plate this monsoon.

Pani puri and anything with mystery water
That pani puri or bhel puri may look tempting, but beware. Mystery water and hygiene concerns during the rains make these snacks a risk for your stomach. Skip the roadside carts. Your gut will thank you.

Fruit that's already been cut… by someone else
If you find pre-cut pineapple, guava, or papaya from a roadside vendor, think twice. The rain’s been on it, it’s been sitting around for hours, and that fly sitting on it isn’t doing you any favours.

Soggy fried snacks that should’ve been hot
Vada, samosa, or kachaudi that’s been sitting in the rain? Not worth the risk. A parippu vada that’s soft and soggy instead of crispy? Leave it. It’s a rainy-day trap.

Meat from stalls with no power backup
If you’re craving some mutton curry or chicken fry, be extra cautious. With the erratic power cuts during the monsoon, there’s a chance that the meat hasn’t been stored properly. If it smells off, steer clear.

Seafood that might have seen one too many rains
Fresh fish is great, but the monsoon isn’t the best time for seafood unless you’re sure about its freshness. Pomfret, prawns, and fish curry are best avoided unless you know the fish was caught that day and cooked immediately.

Payasams, lassi and dairy products that have been left out
Milk-based sweets like palada payasam, kheer and lassi are popular during festivals, but they don’t do well in the humid monsoon air. If they’re not stored properly, they can spoil quickly. Think twice before buying payasam that’s been sitting out all day.

Juices with questionable ice
That refreshing glass of sugarcane juice or lemon soda might look like a monsoon treat, but it could be a stomach nightmare. Ice from questionable sources and unfiltered water can lead to digestive issues. Stick to bottled or boiled water-based drinks.

Mayo-based foods that have no business in the rain
Sandwiches or wraps with mayo from the bakery or street vendor? The humidity does mayo no favours. It can spoil quickly in the heat and humidity. Don’t risk it unless you’ve made it fresh yourself.

Salads that were chopped with questionable knives
Raw veggies like cucumber, tomato, and carrot are healthy, but they need to be prepared with proper hygiene. If you’re not sure where those veggies came from or how they were cut, just skip them. Dirty knives and hands can turn your fresh salad into a stomach disaster.

The safe list?

• Hot, freshly made food straight from your kitchen
• Snacks that are crisp and fresh
• Freshly brewed chai or coffee

Monsoon in India is beautiful — don't let a bad meal spoil the magic. Eat hot, eat fresh, and enjoy the rain without worrying about your stomach!