The monsoon season in Chennai brings refreshing rains, cool breezes, and a pleasant break from the heat—but it also brings increased humidity, dampness, and a higher risk of food contamination. For women staying in PG accommodations, especially those with busy work or study schedules, maintaining good food hygiene becomes even more important during this season.
Whether you're living near Siruseri, OMR, Navalur, or any other part of Chennai’s bustling IT corridor, monsoon-related infections and stomach issues can be common if you're not mindful about what you eat. From roadside snacks to improperly stored leftovers, small oversights can lead to big health problems.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what PG girls should avoid eating during monsoon, along with smarter, safer alternatives. These tips will help you stay healthy, energetic, and immune-strong throughout the rainy season.
During monsoons, moisture levels in the air increase dramatically. This encourages the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and molds on food. Street food, pre-cut fruits, and even leftover home-cooked meals spoil faster than usual.
Common monsoon health issues include:
Food poisoning
Diarrhea
Typhoid
Viral infections
Stomach cramps
Indigestion
Seasonal flu
For PG residents, especially those who rely on tiffin services or hostel mess food, being aware of food safety is essential. The good news? With the right precautions, you can easily avoid most monsoon-related health issues.
Below are the top categories of food that become risky during the rainy season.
As tempting as they are, street foods are the biggest culprits behind monsoon illnesses. Water contamination and unhygienic preparation make them extremely risky.
Avoid:
Pani puri
Bhel puri
Chat items
Bajji from roadside stalls
Cut fruits and salads kept in open
Roadside tea/coffee made with reused water
Why?
During monsoons, road water splashes easily into uncovered food, and vendors often lack access to clean water. Even the fried items absorb more oil due to humidity, making digestion tougher.
Safer Alternative:
Opt for hygienic cafes in Siruseri, Navalur, or ECR, or stick to fresh, home-style snacks provided by your PG.
Leafy greens tend to attract dirt, worms, and bacteria during monsoon months. They spoil faster and are harder to clean thoroughly.
Avoid:
Spinach
Cabbage
Lettuce
Coriander (if not washed well)
Why?
Moisture trapped between leaves makes it ideal for bacterial growth.
Safer Alternative:
Choose vegetables like gourds, beans, carrots, and potatoes—they stay fresher longer and are easier to clean.
Pre-cut fruits sold outside are often exposed to contaminated air and moisture. Raw vegetables also carry bacteria that can cause stomach infections.
Avoid:
Watermelon slices
Pineapple cuts
Raw salads in small eateries
Fruit bowls sold in roadside kiosks
Why?
Cut fruits lose nutrients quickly and attract flies, which carry diseases.
Safer Alternative:
Always wash and cut fruits fresh in your PG. Store them in airtight containers inside the fridge.
Seafood spoils faster during monsoon due to bacterial growth. Consuming improperly stored meat and fish can lead to food poisoning.
Avoid:
Fish from local markets during peak monsoon
Cheap non-veg roadside stalls
Pre-cooked non-veg kept outside
Why?
Humidity accelerates spoilage, and contaminated water affects seafood quality.
Safer Alternative:
If you eat non-vegetarian food, choose fresh, well-cooked meals from hygienic restaurants or your PG kitchen.
Fermentation slows down in monsoon, causing batter to spoil quickly.
Avoid:
Batter left outside for long hours
Over-fermented idli/dosa mix
Stale dhoklas and appams
Why?
Spoiled batter can cause acidity, gas, and indigestion.
Safer Alternative:
Store batter in small batches and refrigerate it.
Ice cubes are often made using contaminated water during monsoon. Flavored street shakes may contain expired ingredients.
Avoid:
Ice from outside
Milkshakes at roadside stalls
Cold beverages kept uncovered
Fruit juices made with unwashed mixers
Why?
They can carry bacteria that cause diarrhea and fever.
Safer Alternative:
Drink warm beverages like chai, soup, turmeric milk, or hot chocolate at your PG.
Rain plus pakoras sounds romantic, but overindulging in oily food during monsoon can upset your stomach.
Avoid:
Samosas
Vadas
Gobi Manchurian from street joints
Oily parottas
Why?
High humidity makes oil turn rancid faster. Fried food also takes longer to digest.
Safer Alternative:
Try baked snacks, roasted nuts, or steamed options like corn and sundal.
To stay safe during rainy season, here are essential food hygiene habits for PG residents:
Prevents fungus and moisture from spoiling your food.
Never drink water from outside sources.
Cold leftovers attract bacteria.
Helps remove dirt, pesticides, and microbes.
They spoil extremely fast during monsoon.
Moisture attracts fungus and insects.
Wet plates can encourage mold growth.
Simple meals are easiest to digest during the rainy season.
One major advantage of staying in a premium women’s PG like MSR Luxury PG is the focus on hygiene and resident health.
Here’s how MSR protects you during monsoon:
RO & UV purified drinking water
Freshly prepared meals with no reuse of oil
Properly cleaned kitchen & dining areas
Strict food storage protocols
Timely disposal of spoiled items
Nutritious menu designed for good digestion
Hot water availability for beverages
Clean refrigerators & airtight storage containers
These practices ensure girls living at MSR experience safe, hygienic, and worry-free dining throughout the rainy season.
The monsoon season in Chennai is both refreshing and challenging—especially when it comes to food safety. For PG girls, avoiding risky foods like street snacks, pre-cut fruits, leafy vegetables, and stale leftovers is essential to stay healthy and energized.
By adopting simple hygiene habits and being mindful about what you consume, you can prevent monsoon-related illnesses and enjoy the cozy, rain-filled days without stress.
Staying in a hygienic, well-maintained women’s PG like MSR Luxury PG further enhances your safety, offering clean meals, purified drinking water, and a comfortable environment during the rainy months.
Eat safe. Stay healthy. Enjoy the monsoon season with confidence!
