The Great Indian Winter Meltdown: Why SOCIAL’s ‘Thand Szn Menu’ is the Only Way to Survive the Chill

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Bengaluru: As the mercury takes a dip and the evening air turns crisp, there is a collective shift in the Indian psyche. We trade our iced lattes for steaming tumblers, our linen shirts for oversized hoodies, and our light salads for something—anything—that comes off the stove piping hot. This year, the nation’s favorite neighborhood café-bar is leaning into this seasonal transformation with a vengeance. From December 18th, 2025, to January 18th, 2026, SOCIAL is launching ‘The Thand Szn Menu,’ a nationwide celebration of all things garma garam.

This isn’t just a seasonal menu; it’s a sensory experience built around the concept of “Sardi Cravings.” It is designed for those moments when you’re shivering just enough to need a jacket, but you’d rather have a plate of spicy soul food to keep you warm from the inside out. It is food that feels like a bonfire in the middle of a forest—unapologetically indulgent, deeply familiar, and unmistakably SOCIAL.

A Symphony of Garma Garam Flavors

The heart of the campaign lies in its ability to blend tradition with the playful, edgy twist SOCIAL is known for. The menu opens with the Winter Munch Platter, a masterful nod to the roadside snacks that define Indian winters. Featuring the fermented tang of Kaanji Vada, the zesty crunch of Aloo Chaat, and the sweet-and-sour notes of Kamrak Shakarkandi Chaat (Starfruit and Sweet Potato), it is a trip down memory lane. For those who believe that the best way to fight the cold is with a bit of “liquid fire,” the platter comes with an optional vodka add-on, turning a simple snack into a spirited winter ritual.

As you move deeper into the menu, the comfort levels skyrocket. Imagine tearing into a Pepper Pop Bun—a soft, pillowy cloud of dough loaded with either juicy pepper mushroom or fiery pepper chicken. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in three bites but leaves a lingering warmth in your chest. Then there is the Changa Chimichanga, a dish that brings “deep-fried drama” to the table. By stuffing a crispy tortilla with a cheesy, spicy baingan bharta filling, SOCIAL has managed to make the humble eggplant the star of the winter season.

The Soul of the Season: Mains and Gravies

For those who view winter as a time for serious, slow-cooked indulgence, the mains on the Thand Szn Menu do not disappoint. The undisputed king of the season, Makke Di Roti and Sarson Ka Swag, takes center stage, offering that rustic, buttery goodness that is synonymous with December. But SOCIAL doesn’t stop at the borders of Punjab. They bring coastal warmth to the shivering masses with their Paneer and Chicken Gassi. These fiery Mangalorean gravies, rich with coconut and spice, are served alongside flaky Parottas, providing a tropical heat that cuts through the winter gloom.

Perhaps the most decadent addition to the lineup is the Misal Paaya. This dish is a stroke of culinary genius, where the gritty, spicy texture of sprout-based misal meets the rich, gelatinous depth of a mutton trotter broth (paaya). It is heavy, it is bold, and it is exactly what you need when the wind starts to bite. Not to be outdone, the Jhinga Thermidor caters to the seafood lovers with Tiger Prawns tossed in a robust Malwani masala, smothered in melted cheddar cheese, and served with turmeric rice and a fresh peanut kachumber. It is a fusion of East and West that feels entirely right for a festive dinner.

Festive Chaos and Boozy Bakes

No winter feast is complete without a sugar rush, and SOCIAL is leaning into the “Festive Chaos” of the holidays. The Plum Cake GadBad is exactly what it sounds like—a glorious, boozy, sweet mess that refuses to be neat. It is designed to be shared, fought over, and enjoyed fresh at the table.

But the sweetness doesn’t end there. Recognizing that some winter nights are meant for staying under the covers, SOCIAL has introduced a selection of Winter Bakes created exclusively for takeaway and delivery. From the deeply soaked Boozy Plum Cake and the traditional Dundee Cake to the playful Pista-La-Vista Choco Cookies, these treats are built to travel. Even those on a restricted diet can join in with the Keto-friendly Peanut Butter Cookies, ensuring that nobody is left out of the holiday indulgence.

The Liquid Gold: LLIIC and The Meltdown

Of course, the SOCIAL experience is never just about the food. The legendary Longest Long Island Iced Coffee (LLIIC), which has been a viral sensation since October, has received a festive makeover. For a limited time, the iconic red jar will be topped with a signature green foam, mirroring the classic colors of Christmas. It’s a bold blend of spirits and cold brew that serves as the perfect “out-of-office” anthem.

And because the holiday season should be about celebration rather than budgeting, the Meltdown #Peena Menu is making its return from December 18th to January 4th. The premise is simple: as the temperature drops, so do the prices. This limited-time offer features slashed pricing on crowd-favorite spirits and beers across all SOCIAL outlets in India. It is an invitation to stay a little longer, laugh a little louder, and toast to the end of another year.

A Neighborhood Winter

As Group Executive Chef Shamsul Wahid puts it, winter changes the way we eat. It’s a time for slower meals and shared plates. Whether you are visiting a SOCIAL in the heart of Bangalore or ordering in for a cozy night of “hibernation,” the Thand Szn Menu is a reminder that the best way to handle the cold is with good company and even better food.

So, grab your heaviest sweater, call your tribe, and head over to SOCIAL. Between the Makke Di Roti, the green-foamed LLIICs, and the Meltdown prices, the winter chill doesn’t stand a chance.