Follow these tips to curate the perfect basket for a summer picnic in Mumbai

Pic/iStock

Summer picnics in Mumbai carry their own kind of magic. Sure, the tropical sun and humidity can sometimes test your enthusiasm, but don't let that stop you from grabbing a blanket, packing some snacks, and claiming a quick escape in the city.

In a city where space is at a premium, and there may not be any official picnic grounds, it does offer plenty of leafy corners and breezy patches to make your own. Whether you love unwinding under the shady trees of Hanging Gardens at Malabar Hills or you enjoy the coastal breeze of Madh Island and Gorai Beach messing with your hair, you can always find your own ‘cool' against the ‘hot' tropical sun rays.

Picnics offer an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Decadent offerings and essentials like a well-packed cooler can make outings more fun. Pic\Food Square

Go ahead, find bliss in simple pleasures, because no matter how humble the prep, a picnic becomes a moment to slow down, laugh, share stories, and enjoy the company of those around you. After all, summer doesn't just have to be about the heat - it can be about making beautiful memories for life.

Make it ol' school

Maska Bakery has a menu category called Bombay Picnic Treats. Its founder, Heena Punwani, says, "I believe that food somehow tastes better on a picnic, so its best to keep it simple and delicious."

Punwani carries
. Sandwiches that are easy to eat and layered with fillings that will not turn the bread soggy. Her Maska Kejriwal Babka already has chutney and cheese swirled in and is packed with flavour
. Small savoury pastries, simple to serve and eat - croissants, flaky puffs, and small quiches.
. Tea cakes without complicated frostings that would melt in the heat - lemon bundt, marble tea cakes, and madeleines are her favourites.
. Cookies with a lot of texture are a great option for an easy picnic dessert - chocolate chunk cookies and the new Maska Bourbon biscuits are her top two choices.
. Cold beverages like lemonade, cold-brew coffee, iced tea, and pre-batched cocktails.

Punwani's picnic essentials
A picnic blanket to sprawl on.
Reusable or eco-friendly disposable utensils, plates, cups and napkins.
A picnic cooler or an insulated bag with ice packs keeps your perishables fresh and your drinks cold, especially in the summer.
Sunscreen and hats.
Your favourite beach read.

Heena Punwani

Quick advice: Keep it fun and straightforward, pack food in leak-proof containers and carry trash bags to clean up after you're done. Don't carry food that will spoil easily in the heat or that is too complicated or messy to eat, and skip glass bottles or containers. Include easy-to-eat snacks and refreshing drinks that don't require much prep. Avoid soggy ingredients in your sandwiches and salads. Keep fried foods out of your basket; they don't travel well and can get soggy. Say no to hot beverages - they'll lose appeal in the heat.

Make it cheesy

Cheese and crisp, snacky bites go well together

Eleftheria Cheese recently launched its Summer Picnic Edition, and we couldn't resist learning more about its decadent new treats. We spoke to founder Mausam Jotwani to get her take on the inspiration behind these summer delights, the unique flavours, and how Eleftheria Cheese is bringing a touch of luxury to picnics this season. From creamy cheese blends to perfect pairings, this new edition is set to elevate every picnic spread.

Jotwani's picnic essentials
A well-insulated icebox
Cheese knives or a simple pocket knife
Paper napkins
A bottle opener or corkscrew if you're carrying drinks
A large picnic mat or a light throw
SPF, sanitiser, and trash bags

Jotwani carries

Say cheese, and pack some fruit to go with it; (right) Pics\Elefteria Cheese

. A mix of fresh and aged cheeses - cheddar, a nutty mountain-style cheese, a decadent Brie-style, soft and creamy fromage blanc, and even our Brunost, which makes a great dessert cheese.
. Fresh bread or crackers for cheeses and dips
. Seasonal fruits and preserves - all of which pair beautifully with cheese.
. Some nostalgic Indian snacks or crunchies - like murukku/chakli, khakra, mathri, Monaco biscuits, and masala Lays - all work as fun carriers for cheese.

Mausam Jotwani

Quick advice: Besides an icebox, a good hack is to freeze your water bottles, juice boxes, or drinks - they double as cold packs and chilled beverages. Wrap cheeses in parchment instead of plastic so they can breathe. Keep things simple, pre-portioned, and easy to eat - finger foods work best. Use reusable containers - good for you and the planet (don't stress about making everything look ‘aesthetic') Don't overpack or bring foods that melt or wilt - skip fancy chocolates and overdressed salads.

Make it classy

Pic\Food Square

The culinary director of Food Square, Chef Sushil Multani, feels that whether you're basking under the sun or enjoying a breezy afternoon, a well-curated picnic is the perfect way to celebrate the season. His favourite picnic memory is when they went out in Mashobra, Shimla, with his extended family. "It was a mountain top overlooking the valley, and we packed things like bagel sandwiches, juices, local fresh fruits and salads. Some board games, activities, and music kept us occupied." His guide to creating the ultimate picnic experience includes blending delicious flavours and thoughtful essentials including a picnic basket of your favourites.

Pics/Maska Bakery

Multani carries
. Refreshing sandwich that is light and vibrant. Think tomato mozzarella sandwich with a hint of basil. When packed well, it keeps for two days.
. Summer salad that includes a bowl of fresh citrus, crisp leaves, and perfectly roasted vegetables. Carry the dressing on the side, assemble it on site.
. Veggie crudités and dips that includes colourful vegetables like cucumber, carrots and bell peppers, paired with creamy, tangy dips for that perfect crunch.
. Hummus and pita never goes wrong. A bowl of velvety hummus with soft pita - satisfying and straightforward.
. Cool, refreshing drink like a chilled glass of watermelon ginger juice or iced kaffir lime lemonade.

Multani's picnic essentials
Well-appointed picnic blanket
Reusable plates and cups
Cooler or insulated bag
Sunblock and shades
Loads of ice in an insulated box

Sushil Multani

Quick advice: Opt for fresh, light ingredients that hold up well without refrigeration.