When the skies are grey, and the rain is pouring down, there's nothing quite like enjoying comforting Indian food. Whether you're craving spicy curries or savoury snacks, Indian cuisine offers a diverse range of options perfect for a cosy night in. With many Indian takeaway near-me options available, you can easily satisfy your cravings without braving the weather. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best rainy-day Indian foods for takeaway, focusing on flavours that warm the soul and soothe the senses while doubling as ideal rainy-day comfort food options.
1. Classic Comfort: Chicken Tikka Masala
A staple in any Indian restaurant, Chicken Tikka Masala is a favourite for many. This dish features tender chicken pieces marinated in yoghurt and spices, then cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It's the perfect blend of spice and creaminess, making it a go-to choice for a rainy evening.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days
The rich and warming sauce, combined with the tender chicken, provides a comforting and satisfying meal. Pair it with some naan bread or rice for a complete experience and that classic comfort food feel on wet, chilly nights
2. Vegetarian Delight: Paneer Butter Masala
For those who prefer vegetarian options, Paneer Butter Masala is a must-try. Paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, is cooked in a luscious butter-based tomato sauce with aromatic spices. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days:
The creamy sauce and soft paneer pieces make for a heartwarming meal. It’s a delightful option that can easily be found at most takeaways near you and features on many popular Indian dishes lists.
3. Street Food Favourite: Samosas
Samosas are a beloved Indian snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. These deep-fried pastries are filled with a spiced mixture of potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. They're crispy on the outside and bursting with flavour on the inside.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days
The crispiness of samosas combined with the spicy filling makes them an ideal snack to enjoy while listening to the rain. Dip them in mint chutney or tamarind sauce for an added burst of flavour - an excellent answer to what to eat with chai on rainy days.
4. Comforting Curries: Lamb Rogan Josh
Lamb Rogan Josh is a traditional Kashmiri curry known for its tender lamb pieces cooked in a rich and fragrant sauce. The blend of spices used in this dish creates a deep and complex flavour profile that’s incredibly satisfying.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days:
The hearty lamb and robust spices make Rogan Josh a perfect dish to warm you up. Serve it with basmati rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy one of India’s best comfort dishes for cold, rainy evenings.
5. Savoury Snacks: Pakoras
Pakoras are another popular Indian snack. They are made by dipping vegetables (such as onions, potatoes, or spinach) in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying them. They’re crispy, flavourful, and utterly addictive.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days:
Pakoras are the ultimate comfort food, especially when paired with a hot cup of chai. Their crunchy texture and spicy taste make them perfect for enjoying on a rainy day and remain one of the most traditional Indian snacks during monsoon season.
6. Classic Curry: Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a dish that needs no introduction. It's made with chicken cooked in a mildly spiced tomato cream sauce, enriched with butter for a velvety texture. This dish is a universal favourite and can be found in almost every Indian restaurant.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days:
The creamy, buttery sauce and tender chicken pieces are incredibly soothing. It's a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold, rainy day and frequently appears among the most popular Indian dishes worldwide.
7. Rice Delight: Biryani
Biryani is a mixed rice dish that originated among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. It is made with Indian spices, rice, and usually some type of meat (chicken, beef, goat, lamb, prawn) or, in some cases, without any meat (vegetarian), and sometimes, in certain varieties, eggs and potatoes.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days:
Biryani is a complete meal in itself. The aromatic spices and the tender pieces of meat or vegetables make it a satisfying and hearty option for a rainy day and a top choice for anyone looking for comforting yet flavour-packed Indian food in the rain.
8. Sweet Endings: Gulab Jamun
No Indian meal is complete without dessert, and Gulab Jamun is a popular choice. These soft, spongy balls made from milk solids are soaked in a sugary syrup, often flavoured with cardamom and rose water.
Why It’s Great for Rainy Days:
The warm, sweet syrup and the soft texture of Gulab Jamun provide a perfect ending to your meal. It’s a comforting dessert that’s sure to please your sweet tooth.
Perfect Snacks to Enjoy with Chai on Rainy Days
If you're wondering what to eat with chai during cold, rainy weather, classic pairings like pakoras, samosas, aloo bondas and crisp savoury biscuits make the ideal match. These traditional Indian snacks fit naturally into rainy season cravings and enhance that cosy chai moment.
Healthy Rainy-Day Indian Takeaway Options
For a lighter rainy-day choice, tandoori dishes, lentil soups, vegetable curries and steamed rice offer warming flavours without feeling too heavy. These healthier options still deliver the comfort you expect from Indian cuisine while keeping your meal balanced.
Final Thoughts
Rainy days call for comforting meals, and Indian cuisine delivers just that. From the rich and creamy Chicken Tikka Masala to the aromatic and hearty Biryani, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With numerous Indian takeaway options, satisfying your cravings has never been easier. Whether you're in the mood for a spicy curry or a light snack, there are plenty of popular Indian dishes and rainy-day foods that fit perfectly into the cosy weather mood. Ordering from your favourite healthy restaurants near you can make a rainy day brighter. So, the next time the weather turns gloomy, remember that a delicious Indian feast is just a click away.
