While places are opening back up as more people are getting vaccinated, many people are still opting for outdoor picnics and gatherings. If you’re Bangladeshi, you might still enjoy having some staple items that can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors!
In this edition of Saa Nasta, check out a list of things we bring to family picnics.
Stay safe and enjoy!
Five Bangladeshi Foods to Take Along for Picnics
It’s summertime and outdoor gatherings are the choice of gathering. Whether by the water or in the backyard. Bangladeshis like to have their staple foods. From mouth-watering mounds of biryani to samosas, what are some of your Bangladeshi-inspired picnic staples?
Check out this list of five things to bring on your next picnic or trip.
Biryani: This rice dish often made with chicken or meat is a family favorite. For long trips, marinate and cook the meat portion the night before. Refrigerate overnight. Then flavor the rice and add the pre-cooked meat in the morning. Couple it with a tomato-cucumber salad.
Chicken biryani recipe - https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/chicken-biryani-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-38860
Instant Pot chicken biryani - https://ministryofcurry.com/chicken-biryani-instant-pot/#recipe
Bangladeshi style noodles with eggs: This easy-to-make recipe is a crowd favorite. Make a tray of noodles by boiling four packs of ramen instant noodles added to stir-fried eggs cooked in onion, Thai pepper, and garnish with cilantro.
Maggi style noodles with eggs - https://www.tarladalal.com/egg-noodles-spicy-maggi-egg-noodles-14311r
Samosas, shingaras and rolls: These bite-sized snacks are easy to make ahead of time, flash freeze, and keep frozen until you need to fry them. You can air-fry or deep-fry for a savory treat. Whether you eat them with Ketchup or chutney or on the go, grab some napkins and savor away.
Easy samosa recipe - https://rasamalaysia.com/easy-samosa/#mv-creation-121
Cake: Simple, sweet and humble, but a nice side treat while outdoors, which we simply call “cake” is something you can make ahead of time and enjoy as part of the picnic.
Bangladeshi cake recipe:
Dhood Saa: Don’t forget to bring my favorite, the saa! This Bangladeshi milk tea is a kick of caffeine and tastes great with cake. Make it in the morning and bring it along in the flask. A perfect treat for washing down your meal.
My recipe:
Boil one cup of water. Add 1 Tbsp Red Label loose leaf tea to water. Boil for two minutes. In a mug add 1 tbsp of Nido milk powder and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir it in the cup. Strain tea with a mesh tea strainer into the mug and give it a good stir.
Dhood Saa Recipe - https://foodviva.com/tea-recipes/milk-tea-recipe/
Whether your Bangladeshi foods supplement your sandwiches and salads, I hope you enjoy these family favorites on your next outdoor gathering.