There’s a familiar routine during IPL evenings. The match is about to begin, someone’s already picked their side, and the conversation slowly shifts to one important question—what are we eating tonight? No one really wants to leave the screen once the game gets going, so the phone comes out, and the scrolling begins on Zomato.
Spicy snacks almost always win this moment. They’re easy to share, keep you engaged between overs and somehow match the pace of the game—quick, sharp and full of flavour.
The Classic Kick-Off: Mirchi Bhajiya
For many, the evening starts with something familiar like Mirchi Bhajiya. Known as Mirchi Vada in parts of India, this snack looks simple but comes with its own personality. Long green chillies, usually the milder kind, are slit and stuffed with spiced potato or besan masala, then dipped in gram flour batter and fried till golden.
The outside is crisp, the inside soft with a bit of heat that builds slowly. Paired with green chutney, it’s the kind of snack people pick up early in the match, when conversations are still flowing and everyone is settling in. Popular across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, it’s a regular for those who like a bit of spice without going all in.
Turning Up the Heat: Andhra-Style Spicy Samosa
Then there’s the moment when someone says, “Let’s order something a little more spicy.” That’s where Andhra-style samosas come in. They look like the regular ones, but the filling tells a different story—mashed potatoes mixed with chopped green chillies, curry leaves and local spices.
Each bite carries heat, and when paired with garlic chutney, it gets even sharper. It’s the kind of snack that makes you reach for water but still go back for another piece. Perfect for those overs when the match gets tense and the room goes quiet for a bit.
The Main Event Snack: Kolhapuri Misal Pav
Some snacks feel almost like a meal, and Kolhapuri Misal Pav is one of them. A bowl of spicy sprouted lentil curry topped with farsan, chopped onions, coriander and a squeeze of lemon, served with buttered pav on the side.
The spice level can be strong—Kolhapuri masalas are known for that—but the mix of textures keeps it balanced. Crunch from the farsan, softness from the pav, and heat from the curry. It’s usually ordered when the match stretches longer and hunger starts to kick in properly.
The Crowd-Pleaser: Chicken 65 (and Its Veg Versions)
No IPL watch party feels complete without something that everyone can pick at, and Chicken 65 often fills that role. Coming from Tamil Nadu, it’s made with chicken marinated in red chillies, garlic, curry leaves, and spices, then deep-fried.
Crisp on the outside and juicy inside, it comes with raw onions as well as lemon on the side. And for those who prefer vegetarian options, Paneer 65 or Gobi 65 offers the same flavour and spice. It’s the kind of dish that keeps going around the table, especially during those mid-match breaks.
The Quick Favourite: Chilli Momo
As the match picks up pace, something quick and easy to eat becomes important. Chilli Momos fit that perfectly. Steamed or fried momos tossed in a wok with garlic, green chillies, soy sauce, vinegar and red chilli sauce.
The result is saucy, spicy and slightly tangy. From college canteens to café menus, this snack has become a regular, and during IPL nights, it often disappears faster than expected. It’s easy to grab, doesn’t interrupt the match, and keeps the flavour going.
Every City, Every Match, A Different Plate
Across cities, IPL nights may look different some watched at home, some with friends, some quietly, some with full commentary but the food often brings everyone to the same place, Zomato.
Also Read: Hyderabad’s Go-To Fine Dining Kitchens for Spicy Home Plans