Are you planning a trip to New York City? Untapped Cities ranks Queens as one of New York City’s most diverse communities. For anyone who wants to experience the city’s Indian culture and cuisine, a visit to Little India in Jackson Heights, Queens, is a must. Strolling down Roosevelt Boulevard, you could be in Mumbai with all the colorful saris while pungent aromas of chaats transport you to New Delhi. Explore the following four authentic Indian restaurants you can find in Queens.
Jackson Diner
If you’re in Jackson Heights and you’re hungry for Indian cuisine, try the neighborhood icon Jackson Diner. Nibble on tandoori wings or sample a samosa before trying the Chicken Lajwab, a curry dish full of succulent dark-meat chicken seasoned with tomato and ginger with a brightened accent of cilantro. Don’t forget the naan.
Samudra Restaurant
If you are a vegetarian and looking for an authentic Indian restaurant, look no farther than Samudra Restaurant. The Paneer Pakora — an Indian-style cheese marinated in Indian spices, dusted in chickpea flour, and deep fried — is amazing.
With seven authentic chaats, any one will whisk you away to Jaipur as you close your eyes and indulge. Looking for the perfect dosa? The restaurant offers more than 15 types of dosa, with a flavor for everyone. Spinach, however, is the most popular flavor. To enjoy more of this hearty cuisine, you’ll want to book a room at a nearby Queens hotel.
Seva Indian Cuisine
Located in nearby Astoria, Queens, Seva Indian Cuisine will take you on a flavorful journey through India. Start with the Masala Crabcake, made from lump crab seasoned with garam masala, mint, and a lemon cilantro sauce. Try the Chicken Tikka Masala slow cooked in the clay oven and served in a light tomato-cream sauce.
Spice things up with the Chicken Vindaloo prepared with sun-dried Kashmiri red chili, potato, and tamarind, and finished with a fiery sauce. Wash it all down with a creamy lassi, and you’ll feel like you traveled to New Delhi yourself.
Yaar Indian Restaurant
Also in Astoria, Queens, Yaar Indian Restaurant is ranked at the top of Foursquare’s Best Indian Restaurants in Queens, scoring a 9.2. Start with the trio of samosas and you’ll be on your way. Lamb, chicken, and vegetable stuffing offers a wonderful variety to this Indian staple. This restaurant is also known for its Lasuni Gobi, a tasty dish of roasted cauliflower with garlic and scallions. If you have trouble deciding which entree to choose, try the Tandoori Mixed Grill, a savory selection of Seekh Kabab, Malai Kabab, tandoori chicken, and shrimp with basmati rice.
Whether it’s Northern Indian or Southern, Mumbai, New Delhi, or Bangladesh, Queens can transport you to these places with an authentic culinary experience. Whether you are from India and looking for that homestyle meal, or you’re traveling to New York City and have a passion for Indian cuisine, Queens delivers.