Some stories only return with the rain.

The first shower has a way of bringing back moments we haven’t thought about in years a familiar road trip, a favourite meal, an old song playing in the background, or an afternoon spent with family.

For this special edition, we invited some of Mumbai’s leading founders, chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers to share the one monsoon memory they still carry with them.

Rajiv Kapoor

General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai & Roswyn -

“For me, the monsoon has always been about warmth, togetherness and creating lasting memories. I fondly remember family evenings spent over comforting meals and simply enjoying each other’s company. Even today, that sense of comfort is what I associate with the season. Those experiences have shaped my belief that genuine care and thoughtful moments leave the strongest impression, a philosophy we strive to bring to every guest experience at Fairmont Mumbai.”

AD Singh

Founder , Call Me Sofia- 

“I was very commitment-phobic growing up. However, one trip to Goa in the rains with my new girlfriend started to change things. There was something about the feel of the air, the glowing greenery, the romance of walking under an umbrella together, and the shared laughter every time we got soaked that felt quite magical. Somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, I found myself looking at commitment a little differently. That monsoon trip went a long way towards helping me settle down.”

Hitesh Keswani

MD & CEO, Aspect Hospitality - 

“Growing up, one of the best parts of the monsoon was taking a drive to Tiger Point in Lonavala with family and friends. We’d get completely soaked, enjoy the cool weather, and make the mandatory stop for hot Maggi, vada pav, corn bhajjis and chai. It’s a simple tradition that still brings back some of my happiest memories.”

Saamir Chandnani

Partner, YUME Culinary Hospitality LLP - 

“The year was 2000. No weather apps. No forecasts. Just instinct. If it started pouring on a weekend morning, Senior Chandnani would simply say, ‘Chalo, Lonavala chalte hain.’ We’d stop for vada pav and bhutta on the highway, drive with fogged-up windows, splash around at Bhushi Dam, and later open up the home-packed biryani that somehow tasted even better after the rain. Before heading back, there was one non-negotiable stop at Cooper’s fudge and chikki. Looking back, no itinerary has ever felt more perfect than those unplanned road trips.”

Jawairia Mercant

Co-founder, Thai Naam - 

“My favourite monsoon memories are the quiet ones, a hot cup of ginger tea, something comforting to eat, and old songs playing in the background while it rains outside. There’s something about the monsoon that makes you slow down and enjoy the little things. Those moments have always felt warm, peaceful and full of comfort, and they’re still some of my favourites.”

Timanshu Mokal

Founder, Amelia - 

“For me, the monsoon has always been about taking a pause from the rush of everyday life. Some of my fondest memories are of unplanned drives, warm cups of chai, and conversations that lasted much longer simply because it was raining outside. Those are the moments that have stayed with me over the years.”

Afsana Verma

Co-founder, Soraia Bombay - 

“Monsoon memories are less about a single moment and more about a feeling. One of my favorite monsoon memories are from the years I lived just a few metres away from Marine Drive. I loved getting drenched in the rain, walking along the promenade as the waves crashed against the sea wall and splashed over everyone passing by. There was something magical about those carefree moments. The feeling that Mumbai truly came alive during the monsoon. Even today, those memories bring an instant smile to my face. I find that there is something incredibly calming and magical about the monsoons in Mumbai and even today, the rains reminds me that life’s happiest moments are often the simplest one

Mishal

Founder, Amichi - 

“I don’t remember the monsoon because of the rain as much as I remember where it brought people. We would cancel big plans and sit around one table. We’d get something warm to eat, stay way too long, and leave with stories that we’d laugh about for years. Looking back, I learned from those evenings that people don’t always remember the meal. They remember who they had it with.”

Swati Upadhyay

Founder, Conçu - 

“One of my favourite monsoon memories isn’t from home at all. It’s from the Serengeti where my eight-year-old daughter and I were on safari a couple of years ago. We had stopped to watch a pride of lionesses playing with their cubs when, without warning, we were caught in the middle of a hail shower. It was her first experience of hail, and there we were, collecting tiny ice stones in our palms stretched out from the windows, all squeals and giggles while majestic African lions and zebras galloped past our van. This is a core memory both of us will cherish forever.”

Long after the skies clear, these are the stories that still stay with us.