Spend one evening in a home during Ramadan and you’ll notice this quickly — Iftar begins with energy. As sunset nears, the table starts filling up. Dates are placed in a small bowl, glasses of water are lined neatly, and plates of snacks arrive one after another. There’s conversation in the background, someone checking the prayer time, children hovering near the food, and elders calling everyone to sit together.
It’s not just about what’s cooked. It’s about what’s shared.
Samosas, kebabs, fruit chaat or a bowl of haleem — something warm and inviting is always ready to be passed around first. The aroma of spices hangs in the air, mixing with laughter and quiet anticipation. For a few minutes, the entire household slows down and gathers in one space.
When the fast breaks, it’s a collective moment. The first bite is taken together. The first sip is shared in silence. And just like that, the table turns into a place of celebration — not grand, not loud, but deeply connected.
Iftar is food, yes. But more than that, it is people coming together at the same time, every evening, to pause, eat and belong.
Here are seven fried snacks that, in my experience, quietly run the show at Iftar tables across the country.
1. Samosa
Let’s be honest — if there are no samosas on the table, people will notice. The classic aloo-matar version still wins, though keema samosas have their own loyal fans. The joy is in breaking one open while it’s still hot, letting the steam escape, and dipping it into mint chutney before the first bite.
Many families still buy from the same neighbourhood shop they’ve trusted for years. But I’ve also seen people plan smartly — placing an order on Zomato in the late afternoon so the samosas arrive right before sunset, still crisp and warm.
2. Pakoras
Pakoras feel like home. No measuring cups, no strict recipe — just sliced onions or potatoes dipped in besan and slid into hot oil. In some homes, spinach or even leftover vegetables find their way into the batter.
There’s something comforting about making them fresh, but on busy weekdays, plenty of families skip the frying and simply add a mixed pakora platter to their Zomato order. It saves time and keeps the evening relaxed.
3. Chicken 65
Spicy, bright, and impossible to ignore, Chicken 65 has firmly secured its spot on many Iftar spreads. It’s the plate that empties fastest when teenagers are around. Bite-sized pieces mean no fuss, just quick grabbing and sharing.
Restaurants often roll out Ramadan snack combos, and it’s easy to browse top-rated options on Zomato to compare portions and delivery times. One can also avail upto 60% off and free delivery on their first order as well — useful if you’re ordering for a larger gathering, though those deals are usually capped.
4. Dahi Vada
After a long fast, something cool and soft feels like relief. Dahi Vada balances the fried items beautifully. The vadas are fried earlier, soaked till tender, then covered in yoghurt and chutneys. The result is soothing without being bland.
I know several families who don’t bother making it at home anymore. A quick search on Zomato for nearby chaat shops does the job, especially when guests are expected.
5. Cutlets
Cutlets carry a certain nostalgia. Whether vegetable or mutton, they’re shaped by hand, coated lightly, and shallow-fried till golden. Kids usually claim these first.
They’re also easy to top up. If the homemade batch runs short, adding a plate of cutlets to an existing Zomato order is a common move. Free delivery perks, when available, make these small additions practical through the month.
6. Bread Rolls
Bread rolls stuffed with spiced potatoes or keema are a North Indian staple. They’re straightforward but satisfying — crisp outside, soft inside. In many homes, the filling is prepared in the afternoon and the rolls are fried fresh just before the azaan.
Still, I’ve seen working families rely more on delivery apps during Ramadan. A quick glance at the delivery time on Zomato app helps ensure the rolls arrive right on cue.
7. Spring Rolls
Spring rolls have quietly made their way into Iftar menus, especially in urban homes. They add crunch and variety, and younger members of the family usually vote for them.
Do keep in mind that several restaurants bundle spring rolls with samosas and pakoras in Ramadan platters.
Fried snacks at Iftar are not just starters, they’re the bridge between fasting and feasting. They fill that short window with warmth, chatter, and the comfort of familiar flavours. Whether you’re frying them yourself in a small kitchen or timing a delivery so it rings the doorbell just before sunset, these snacks carry the same feeling.
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