Lifestyle / Picnic Like A Pro: Easy South Asian BBQ Recipes To Wow Everyone

Picnic Like A Pro: Easy South Asian BBQ Recipes To Wow Everyone

Lifestyle Jun 20, 2025

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Flavour-Packed, Crowd-Approved & So Easy to Pull Off. There’s something magical about a desi-style BBQ picnic, the smoky aroma of grilled kebabs, the satisfying crunch of kachumber salad, a chilled glass of nimbu pani in hand, and your shoes kicked off on a picnic blanket under the sun. Whether you’re headed to the park, the backyard, or even planning a beach day with your favourite people, this picnic BBQ menu has you covered.

It’s packed with flavour, full of make-ahead options, and totally portable. Yes, even the lassi. Let’s make your summer gathering feel a little more you, a little more South Asian, a little more soulful.

Why This BBQ Menu Works So Well

Balanced flavours – smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet
Make-ahead friendly – most marinades can chill overnight
Total crowd-pleasers – classic dishes with homemade goodness
Easy to pack – and even easier to devour outdoors

This is your go-to guide for a desi BBQ that feeds your people and fills your heart. Let’s get into it, from bold appetizers to spicy mains, cooling sides, summery drinks, and the perfect sweet ending.

Appetizers & Snacks: Bold, Spicy, & Picnic-Perfect

1. Chicken Tikka Skewers

Juicy, charred, and packed with smoky tandoori flavour.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Chicken Tikka Skewers. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Chicken Tikka Skewers. Photo Credit: https://glebekitchen.com/

Ingredients:

500g boneless chicken (cubed)
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp ginger & garlic paste
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp turmeric
Salt to taste

Instructions:

1) Mix all marinade ingredients and coat chicken. Marinate at least 2 hours (overnight if you’re a planner).

2) Skewer and grill on medium heat for 10–12 mins, turning occasionally. Serve with mint chutney and a side of applause.

2. Paneer Tikka (Vegetarian Favourite)

Creamy paneer with a smoky, spiced crust = guaranteed picnic win.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Paneer Tikka. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Paneer Tikka. Photo Credit: https://www.cookwithmanali.com/

Ingredients:

250g paneer (cubed)
1 bell pepper + 1 onion (cubed)
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp tandoori masala
1 tsp chaat masala
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Toss paneer and veggies in spiced yogurt.
Skewer and grill for 8–10 mins until lightly charred and irresistible.

3. Masala Corn on the Cob

Simple, street-style corn, but elevated for the grill.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Masala Corn On The Cob. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Masala Corn On The Cob. Photo Credit: https://www.bonappetit.com/

Ingredients:

Corn on the cob (4–6)
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp chaat masala
½ tsp red chilli powder
Lemon wedges

Instructions:

Grill corn until lightly charred. Brush with butter, sprinkle with masalas, and serve with lemon on the side. Bonus points if you wrap them in foil for mess-free munching.

Mains: Smoky, Spicy & Totally Worth the Grill Time

1. Seekh Kebabs (Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness)

A South Asian BBQ without seekh kebabs? Couldn’t be me.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Seekh Kababs. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Seekh Kababs. Photo Credit: https://www.teaforturmeric.com/

Ingredients:

500g minced lamb or beef
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp garam masala
2 tbsp chopped coriander
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Mix everything until sticky (yes, with your hands).
Shape onto skewers and grill 10–12 mins, turning until beautifully charred. Serve hot with naan or paratha.

2. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy skin, juicy insides, no-fuss marinade.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo Credit: https://www.epicurious.com/

Ingredients:

6 chicken drumsticks
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp tandoori masala
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Marinate for at least 4 hours (longer is better).
Grill 20–25 mins, flipping occasionally for even cooking and that perfect smoky finish.

3. Malai Boti Wraps

Creamy chicken, warm paratha, fresh crunch = picnic gold.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Malai Boti Wraps. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Malai Boti Wraps. Photo Credit: https://foodfusion.com/

For Chicken:

500g chicken breast (cubed)
½ cup cream
¼ cup yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp white pepper
Salt to taste

To Serve:

Parathas or naan
Sliced onions, lettuce, mint chutney

Instructions:

Marinate chicken for 2–4 hours. Grill until tender.
Wrap with toppings in warm naan or paratha and watch them disappear.

Sides & Breads: For Scooping, Wrapping, and Balancing Heat

1. Garlic Naan (Yes, on the BBQ!)

Soft, buttery naan with a garlicky punch.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Garlic Naan. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Garlic Naan. Photo Credit: https://www.foodandwine.com/

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup yogurt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

Mix dough, rest for 30 mins, then roll out.
Sprinkle garlic, and grill 2–3 mins per side. Brush with butter and serve warm.

2. Zeera Rice

The unsung hero of BBQ spreads, fragrant and perfectly fluffy.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Zeera Rice. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Zeera Rice. Photo Credit: https://delishbite.in/j

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice
1 tbsp ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 bay leaf

Instructions:

Cook rice with ghee, cumin, and bay leaf. Fluff and serve warm or room temp.

3. Kachumber Salad

The crunchy, lemony bite that balances all that spice.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Kachumber Salad. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Kachumber Salad. Photo Credit: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/

Ingredients:

Cucumber, tomato, red onion (diced)
Juice of 1 lemon
Chaat masala + salt to taste
Fresh coriander (optional)

Instructions:

Toss everything together and chill before serving. Refreshing and no-fuss.

Desi Drinks to Beat the Heat

1. Nimbu Pani (Spiced Lemonade)

A South Asian summer staple.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Nimbu Paani. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Nimbu Paani. Photo Credit: https://lovelaughmirch.com/

Ingredients:

Water
Lemon juice
Roasted cumin powder
Black salt
Mint leaves

Instructions:

Mix everything together, serve over ice, and enjoy the chill.

2. Mango Lassi

Creamy, tropical, and completely sippable.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Mango Lassi. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Mango Lassi. Photo Credit: https://www.bluediamond.com/

Ingredients:

1 cup mango pulp
1 cup yogurt
½ cup cold water
2 tbsp sugar (optional)
Pinch of cardamom

Instructions:

Blend until smooth. Serve chilled in insulated bottles or jars.

Sweet Finish: Because No Picnic Is Complete Without Dessert

Quick Kulfi (No-Churn!)

Cold, creamy, cardamom-y heaven.

The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu - Kulfi. — The Ultimate South Asian Picnic BBQ Menu – Kulfi. Photo Credit: https://ellegourmet.ca/

Ingredients:

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk
½ tsp cardamom powder
Crushed pistachios & almonds

Instructions:

Mix all, pour into moulds or cups, freeze overnight.
Serve frozen and enjoy every creamy bite.

Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Desi Picnic BBQ

Prep ahead – Marinate the night before so you can just show up and grill
Pre-skewer everything – Makes transport and grilling super simple
Pack smart – Airtight containers, squeeze-bottle chutneys, and yes, lots of wet wipes
Insulated jugs or thermoses – Great for lassi, chai, or Rooh Afza
Don’t overpack – Choose a few hits from each section. Keep it delicious, not overwhelming.

Whether you’re a BBQ boss or a first-timer just looking to impress the family, this South Asian picnic BBQ menu is full of recipes that are easy, flavourful, and meant to be shared. The beauty of it? You can mix, match, and build your own version based on what you love most.

Now tell me, which dish are you making first? Tag your BBQ crew, bookmark this post, and don’t forget to pack extra naan.

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Author

Kiran R. Khan (@kiranrkhanandco) is a journalism graduate from Sheridan College, possesses an extensive freelance portfolio encompassing various topics, including lifestyle posts and profile stories. Kiran loves to craft engaging content that resonates with readers, aiming to leave a lasting impress...

COMMENTS

This Might Get Heated: The Ultimate Chai Ranking No One Asked For

Picnic Like A Pro: Easy South Asian BBQ Recipes To Wow Everyone

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Why This BBQ Menu Works So Well

Appetizers & Snacks: Bold, Spicy, & Picnic-Perfect

1. Chicken Tikka Skewers

2. Paneer Tikka (Vegetarian Favourite)

3. Masala Corn on the Cob

Mains: Smoky, Spicy & Totally Worth the Grill Time

1. Seekh Kebabs (Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness)

2. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

3. Malai Boti Wraps

Sides & Breads: For Scooping, Wrapping, and Balancing Heat

1. Garlic Naan (Yes, on the BBQ!)

2. Zeera Rice

3. Kachumber Salad

Desi Drinks to Beat the Heat

1. Nimbu Pani (Spiced Lemonade)

2. Mango Lassi

Sweet Finish: Because No Picnic Is Complete Without Dessert

Quick Kulfi (No-Churn!)

Pro Tips for a Stress-Free Desi Picnic BBQ

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

COMMENTS

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