A national chain known for its fast-casual Indian cuisine has finally opened at the Madison Farms shopping center in Bethlehem Township.
Signs stating, “Coming Soon!” went up in recent weeks for Tikka Shack at the shopping center, off Route 33 and Freemansburg Avenue. Franchisee Meena Arora Sharma celebrated a grand opening this past Friday, the chain announced on its Facebook page.
The eatery moved into the space previously occupied by Wiz Kidz. Wiz Kidz closed its township location in April after opening in July 2021. Prior to that, the space was Steak ‘n Shake.
Sharma took to the Everything Easton’s Facebook page last month to announce various job openings, which included a need for line cooks. She couldn’t immediately be reached for additional information Wednesday morning.
The Bethlehem Township site marks the first regional location for the chain. The next closest sites to the Lehigh Valley are in Lancaster and Hershey. Nationally, there are roughly 20 locations.
Tikka Shack is known for its variety of traditional Indian dishes, as well as simplified pairings. It serves up options for both the newbie foodie and the curry connoisseur, the chain’s website states.
Menu items include street-style starters such as samosas, featuring two crispy pastries stuffed with potatoes, peas, and secret spices; and samosa chaat with samosa-seasoned chickpeas, yogurt sauce, tamarind and mint chutney, red onion, tomatoes and cilantro.
There are naan-style tacos, which include various protein bases, topped with such selections as red cabbage, mango de gallo, onions, and cilantro.
Bowls start with basmati rice and are topped with veggies and protein choices like chicken, lamb and shrimp. Guests can then choose a heat level and add-ons, such as garlic naan, samosa or mango lassi.
There’s also custom kabob bowls, which include two skewers served on basmati rice with a side of mango salad and tikka sauce; and tikka wraps, which come wrapped in handmade naan with mozzarella cheese, onions, tomatoes and cilantro with side of tikka sauce. The wrap is served with a choice of mango salad, basmati rice or seasoned fries.
Other highlights include an assortment of naan pizzas and spice-infused wings. Think biryani (dry rub), tikka habanero and coconut curry.
Tikka Shack joins multiple other dining establishments at the bustling Madison Farms. These include Subway, MOD Pizza, Chipotle, Starbucks and Chocolate Works.
The shopping center was built in 2015 and is anchored by a 67,408-square-foot ShopRite. Additionally, the Lehigh Valley Health Network launched a Women’s Health Center in the shopping center’s West Village area, along with a Pennsylvania Wine and Spirits Premium store, and Provident Bank.
Tikka Shack sits next to the Pennsylvania Wine and Spirits Premium store. Its hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.