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,…
Whether by necessity or for fun, lots of people have started cooking and selling out of their home kitchens this past year, adding increased variety to Queens’ already super diverse dining scene. Here are 9 to try. [Last update: July 21, 2021] Every other day I seem to learn about another new home-based kitchen or chef in Queens—someone with or without professional cooking experience making something delicious for…
In the world of native African grains, the significance of sorghum spans centuries and borders, widely scattered around the continent like the seeds from which it comes. But what is sorghum, exactly, and why is it important in Africa? Sorghum is an ancient, nutrient-packed, relatively drought-resistant cereal grain used for food (as a whole grain, ground into meal, and as a sweetener, like molasses), the production of alcoholic…
What happens when neighbors inspire neighbors to eat something new. Two weeks ago, we hosted our first Eat Something New in Queens challenge, and it was so incredible to see so many community members inspiring each other regarding what and where to eat. I didn’t announce it very far in advance, so I was a little concerned about how many people would sign up to participate, but we…
India is a country of humongous diversity that’s reflected in its culinary traditions—and its wide variety of regional breads is no exception. The influence of multiple cultures and different geographical regions is clearly evident in the smorgasbord of Indian breads on offer. The rotis, parathas, and bhakri (millet rotis) are traditionally an intrinsic part of everyday meals. The foreign settlers and migrants, too, left a mark on breads:…
We’ve all heard about the struggles of restaurants, in New York City and elsewhere, but what about the ones we know and love in our own neighborhoods? It’s a question that’s weighed on me, as the few I’ve been in touch with personally in Jackson Heights have expressed many struggles over the course of the pandemic. A lot of the businesses here in our part of Queens…
At a beautiful eco-resort on Sierra Leone’s Freetown Peninsula this spring, Scott and I were invited to tag along for the weekly run to the local market. On the shopping list was everything from groundnuts (peanuts) and pineapple to bread and eggs, and Maggi. I didn’t think anything of the flavoring agent, figuring the stock cubes were thrown into a few of the local stews as a base.…
Mongolian food isn’t “Mongolian BBQ.” It’s meat and dumplings, dried curd and milk tea. Here’s what to know about local cuisine and culture in Mongolia. Say Mongolian food and the first thing that comes to mind is probably a modern chain restaurant. I mean, who doesn’t love a 20-foot, all-you-can-eat buffet filled with raw meat, fresh veggies, and concoct-your-own sauce? Add the excitement of a wannabe-ninja chef cooking…
In Sweden, the ability to forage for food is practically enshrined in law under allemansrätten, the Swedes’ unique right of public access. Here’s how visitors to Stockholm can experience foraging culture: where to forage, take classes, and eat foraged foods. Stockholm photo courtesy of Pedro Szekely/Flickr Imagine it: You’re out in the woods; it’s quiet and peaceful. Moss softens your footsteps and a quaint wicker basket hangs from…
Tibetan cuisine is unique due to the high altitude of the Tibetan plateau, the harsh climate, and Tibetans' traditional and religious beliefs and customs. The daily diet of the Tibetan people consists largely of meat and dairy products, high in protein, to combat the extreme climate conditions and the ever-present highland barley, one of the few crops that can grow well on the high plateau. In the high…
