Picnics are a great favourite of mine, and foods flavoured with oriental spices add an exotic touch. This picnic menu is easy to assemble as the dishes can be made the day or night before and allowed to cool thoroughly, before being properly wrapped for the next day. Although the spicy carrots are usually served hot, I find them equally delicious cold. The salad offers a calming contrast to the noodles and carrots, both of which contain strong spices. The cold sweet soup has just the right cooling touch and makes a grand finale to the picnic.