Irvine Was Designed for Families, Not Singles. We're Fixing That.

Irvine has become one of the most South Asian cities in Southern California, and UCI’s Indian student body is a big part of why. The campus, the tech companies along the 405 corridor, and the broader Orange County professional scene have created a desi community that’s young, educated, and growing. The parks are pristine, the schools are ranked, and the master planned communities are immaculate. What’s missing is a social scene for single people that doesn’t require driving to LA.

Garam Masala Dating is the #1 live South Asian dating show and singles mixer from New York City. Real singles go on blind dates on stage, the audience watches and reacts, and everyone mixes before and after. It has been selling out in NYC and we’re expanding to communities that have the population but not the programming.

The thing about Irvine is that it’s designed for families, not singles. Everything closes early, the nightlife is limited, and the town’s layout makes spontaneous social interaction nearly impossible. You drive to a parking structure, walk to your destination, and drive home. No wonder the apps feel like the only option. This show gives Irvine’s South Asian singles something the city planners forgot to include: a reason to be in the same room on the same night.

We’re building the Irvine waitlist. UCI students, OC tech workers, anyone in the South County desi community. Get on the list for first access, or apply to be a contestant below.

Yes, we’ll find a venue that’s not in a strip mall. No promises about the parking structure though. This is still Orange County.