There is no better way to enjoy the rains than with a cup of piping hot tea and hot bhajjis. Bhajjis have always been an all-time favourite monsoon snack. It is only now that choices like chilli-boiled corn, katti rolls and momos have come in.
The lane behind Forum Mall has several street-food shops. It has shops that serve fresh juices, Kolkata ke phuchke and Bombay vada-pav. But the really busy ones are the bhajji stalls.
These places have been doing business for the past four years. Its owner Nawaj says, "People who stop by and eat my bhajjis are numerous. Over the years, my bhajjis have earned credibility and now I have regular customers."
The bhajji corner serves egg bonda, chilli bhajji, masala vada, banana bhajji, capsicum bhajji and aloo bonda. The chilli bhajji is Guntur de-seeded chilli filled with a tangy mixture of tamarind and cumin.
This is popular with the locals and people swarm the store after six in the evening to take them home. "I like the bhajjis here.They are crisp and have a delicate taste. I stop here after college to grab a bite or take home a parcel," says Kevin Moses, a student.
The other specialities include capsicum bhajjis, a spicy capsicum treat for vegetable lovers, while non-vegetarians can indulge in the egg bhajjis.
The vada pav corner, next to it, is another favourite with the locals. Aravind, who runs it, says, "My place is five-years-old and I have 100 customers daily and on weekends, it's more."
The vada pav, popularly known as the Indian burger, is always popular with Bangaloreans.
"The vada pav here is tasty and two pieces of pav cost Rs 20 only," says Kamala Devi, a resident.
The vadas are not fried in bulk but are fried from time to time to keep the freshness intact. The vada has a spicy potato filling put in between a layer of peanut, garlic chutney and the pav. It's served with chilli and chopped onions. The vadas are affordable as an everyday snack.