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Project Postre: South American Desserts in Queens

Peruvian picarones

You already know that Queens is incredibly diverse. Its 2.3 million residents from more than 120 countries contribute much from their various cultures, particularly in cuisine. The sheer variety lends itself well to deep dives into specific cuisines—via food, one can be immersed in a certain culture, and more easily pick up on the similarities between cultures.

My family is from India, but as my hometown is Queens, the richness of Latin American culture has drawn me in. During the pandemic, like many other people, I found myself with extra time, so decided to focus more fully on immersing myself in Latin America, via Queens. I visited many restaurants, neighborhoods, and even started learning Spanish. This Latin-South Asian blend is quite fitting for the area, especially for Jackson Heights, where my parents started their journey in the United States.

I especially love desserts, and learning their history and context (not to mention eating them!). One day it hit me: Have I tried desserts from every country in South America? I’d already enjoyed picarones from Peru, rainbow cookies from Argentina, and alfajores from Uruguay. I had easy access to sweets from almost every South American country, right here in Queens. I quickly set out to gather the ones I was missing to complete my collection.

Introducing … Project Postre! Here’s what to try and where to go to sample some of the best South American desserts in Queens.

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  Bursame/Chukame

  Ethiopia
  samson
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  Batil's Food House

  Philippines
  christine2021
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  Bún mọc

  Vietnam
  vietnamfoodsafari
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  Bún Bò Giò Heo

  Vietnam
  vietnamfoodsafari

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  Mekele, Ethiopia

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• Grilled Meat, Cracked Egg, and Joy

  Siem Reap, Cambodia

  zanmerusteff

  One balmy June afternoon in Siem Reap, Cambodia, sitting with a group of locals on the dirt floor of a friend’s house, I had a realization. At that point, I was a 20-year-old American woman…    Read more

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