Summer in New York has its own energy. The days stretch long, parks are crowded, and families look for excuses to be outside. Picnics become the go-to, but let’s be honest, after a while the same sandwiches and bags of chips start to feel repetitive. That is where Indian street food can step in and make things exciting.
Tandoori Grill has a menu full of dishes that already feel like they belong outdoors. They are easy to carry, packed with flavor, and honestly taste even better when shared. If you are planning a summer picnic in Hicksville or anywhere nearby, here are a few dishes worth packing.
Every picnic spread needs something you can just grab and eat without fuss. Vegetable samosas are exactly that. Crisp pastry on the outside, spiced potatoes and peas on the inside- there is a reason everyone reaches for them first. Pack a little container of tamarind or mint chutney, and they become even better. They travel well too, which makes them a no-brainer for the picnic basket.
If samosas are the opener, pakoras are the sidekicks. These are pieces of vegetables dipped in chickpea batter and fried until crunchy. They are light, a little salty, and perfect for kids or adults who want to snack while talking. In a picnic setting, they tend to vanish fast, which is the only problem.
Street food in India is incomplete without chaat. At Tandoori Grill, you will find papri chaat and pani puri- two dishes that show off the range of flavor in Indian snacks. Papri chaat mixes yogurt, potatoes, chickpeas, wafers, and chutneys into one messy, delicious bite. Pani puri is more interactive, with hollow shells you fill with flavored water and chickpeas. It is fun to assemble, even at a picnic, and kids usually enjoy the crunch.
Picnics and grilled food go hand in hand. The Tandoori kebabs at Tandoori Grill fit right into that tradition. Seekh kebabs are made with spiced minced meat, shaped into skewers, and roasted in the clay oven until smoky. Chicken tikka is another option that is tender and bold in flavor. Both work well on their own or wrapped in naan, which makes eating outdoors simple.
Sometimes you need food that feels more like a meal but still portable. That is where the rolls come in. Whether it is chicken, paneer, or kebabs, the rolls are wrapped neatly and can be eaten with one hand. If you want something to share, plain or garlic naan also works best. Tear pieces and pair them with kebabs or chutney for a casual outdoor feast.
Street food usually carries some spice, so drinks matter. Tandoori Grill offers mango lassi, sweet or salted lassi, ginger ale, Coke, and other chilled options. A cold mango lassi doubles up as dessert, and it is one of those things that kids especially love during the summer.
The best part about Indian street food is how flexible it is. Some dishes are crunchy, others creamy, and many balance spice with cooling flavors. That mix keeps a picnic from feeling dull. Most of the food is easy to share, and you do not need much more than a few napkins to enjoy it.
This summer, if you are planning a picnic with friends or family, skip the ordinary snacks. Order samosas, pakoras, kebabs, or rolls from Tandoori Grill and let everyone try something different. The menu is full of choices that travel well and taste even better outside. Call the restaurant or order online, and you will be ready for a picnic spread people will actually remember.
