BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A fast-casual restaurant chain is expanding its footprint in Northampton County.
The first Lehigh Valley location of Tikka Shack, offering a variety of Indian specialties in a friendly, casual atmosphere, is set to open at 11 a.m. Dec. 12 at the Madison Farms shopping center, at 4817 Freemansburg Ave., Suite 105, in Bethlehem Township, franchisee Meena Sharma told 69 News.
The restaurant will operate 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Ryan Kneller
“We look forward to having everyone here,” Sharma said.
The new fast-casual eatery will occupy an end unit that previously housed other restaurants, including Steak ‘n Shake and, most recently, Wiz Kidz.
Tikka Shack offers street-style starters such as samosas (two crispy pastries stuffed with potatoes, peas and secret spices; served with tamarind and mint chutney), chicken 65 (chicken stir-fried with chilis and curry leaves with a spicy red hot yogurt sauce) and masala fries (loaded fries doused with tikka masala, onions, tomatoes and cilantro and covered in sweet and spicy secret sauces).
Customers also can enjoy naan tacos, including spicy chicken tikka, shrimp coconut curry and paneer butter masala. The proteins are tucked into hand-rolled naan and topped with red cabbage, mango de gallo, onions and cilantro.
Ryan Kneller
“Get grubbin’ on some downright delicious Indian food,” a message on Tikka Shack’s website reads.
“Tikka Shack serves up the best in Indian cuisine, while slinging samosas in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Both the dining environment and the menu have been carefully curated to captivate our guests with the aromatic flavors of India through the artful creation of blended spices. Our lineup of menu offerings provides a variety of traditional Indian dishes, as well as simplified pairings, offering options for both the newbie foodie and the curry connoisseur.”
Other menu highlights include spice-infused wings such as biryani (dry rub), tikka habanero and coconut curry; naan pizzas such as tandoori chicken, tikka chicken or paneer and paneer makhani (spicy malai sauce, thin-sliced seasoned paneer, mozzarella, hot peppers, tomatoes and garnished with dry methi leaves on a naan crust); and hand-crafted curry bowls, served with basmati rice, which include your choice of tikka masala, butter masala, Southern curry, spinach masala, goan vindaloo, methi malai or original curry; choice of protein (chicken, lamb, shrimp, paneer or veggies); and custom spice level (house, hot or X! hot).
Custom kabob bowls (two skewers served on basmati rice with side of mango salad and tikka sauce) and tikka wraps (wrapped in handmade naan with mozzarella cheese, onions, tomatoes and cilantro with side of tikka sauce; served with choice of mango salad, basmati rice or seasoned fries) are also available.
Tikka Shack has nearly two dozen locations nationwide, including four other locations in Pennsylvania, according to the business’ website.
Ryan Kneller
In Bethlehem Township, Tikka Shack will occupy an end unit, next to a Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection store, at the Madison Farms shopping center.
The updated space previously housed a location of Wiz Kidz, a cheesesteak eatery that continues to operate locations on 65 E. Elizabeth Ave. in Bethlehem and 751 Union Blvd. in Allentown.