Flushing, Queens, is one of New York City’s most dynamic and diverse neighborhoods, often referred to as the city’s “real Chinatown.” It’s a culinary epicenter, offering an unparalleled array of authentic Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines. While Flushing is famous for its massive indoor food courts, the summer months bring the vibrant energy outdoors, with street food stalls, open-air markets, and eateries spilling out onto the sidewalks.
This guide will take you on a culinary adventure through Flushing, highlighting the best outdoor markets and eateries to explore on a hot August day.
The Vibe of Flushing
As soon as you step out of the Main Street subway station (the last stop on the 7 train), you are immersed in a world where English is the second language. The streets are crowded, the energy is high, and the aroma of spices, grilled meats, and fresh seafood fills the air. Flushing is not a polished tourist destination; it’s a vibrant, living neighborhood focused on authentic flavors.
Street Food Staples: Grab-and-Go Delights
The streets of Flushing, particularly around Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue, are lined with stalls, carts, and small windows offering incredible grab-and-go options, perfect for a summer food crawl.
1. Skewers (Chuanr)
A staple of Chinese street food, you’ll find numerous carts grilling skewers of meat and vegetables over charcoal. The aroma is irresistible.
What to Try: Lamb skewers heavily seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Chicken hearts, squid, and vegetables are also popular.
Where to Find: Look for carts near the subway station and along Roosevelt Avenue.
2. Dumplings and Buns
Flushing is famous for its dumplings, and many spots offer them to go.
What to Try: Pan-fried pork buns (shengjian bao), steamed buns (baozi), and classic boiled dumplings.
Where to Find: Numerous small shops along Main Street. White Bear (see below) is famous for its wontons.
3. Peking Duck Buns
Several spots offer portable versions of the classic dish—crispy duck skin and succulent meat tucked into a soft steamed bun with hoisin sauce and scallions.
Where to Find: Look for windows near the New World Mall.
4. Jianbing (Chinese Crepes)
A popular breakfast food, jianbing is a savory crepe made with mung bean flour, filled with egg, crispy fried dough, scallions, and various sauces. It’s folded up and easy to eat on the go.
Exploring the Food Courts: A World of Flavors
While technically indoors, Flushing’s famous food courts are essential stops on any culinary tour. They offer a vast array of options in a bustling, market-like atmosphere, and the AC provides a welcome break from the summer heat.
1. New World Mall Food Court
The Vibe: Located in the basement of the New World Mall, this is the largest and most famous food court in Flushing. It’s loud, crowded, and offers an overwhelming variety of regional Chinese cuisines.
Must-Try: Dry hot pot (mala xiang guo), hand-pulled noodles, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), and various regional specialties.
Location: Roosevelt Ave and Main St.
2. Golden Shopping Mall
The Vibe: Older and more rustic than New World Mall, this labyrinthine food court (spread across the ground floor and basement) is where many famous vendors started. It’s known for its authentic, no-frills flavors.
Must-Try: This was the original location of Xi’an Famous Foods. Look for vendors specializing in Sichuan cuisine and other regional delicacies.
Location: Main St near 41st Rd.
Iconic Eateries and Hidden Gems
Beyond the street stalls and food courts, Flushing boasts numerous iconic eateries.
1. White Bear
The Experience: A small, unassuming shop famous for one thing: wontons in chili oil. The #6 (Wontons with Hot Sauce) is legendary—delicate wontons topped with chili oil, preserved vegetables, and scallions.
Location: Prince St and Roosevelt Ave.
2. Xi’an Famous Foods
The Experience: While now a city-wide chain, Xi’an Famous Foods offers the unique flavors of the Xi’an region of China. The food is bold, spicy, and addictive.
Must-Try: Liangpi cold skin noodles (perfect for a hot day) and the spicy cumin lamb burgers.
Location: Main St near 41st Ave.
3. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
The Experience: Renowned for having some of the best soup dumplings in NYC. Their new, modern location in One Fulton Square offers a comfortable dining experience.
Must-Try: The classic pork soup dumplings and the crab and pork version.
Cooling Down: Desserts and Drinks
After a spicy food adventure, cool down with some refreshing treats.
- Bubble Tea: Flushing is packed with bubble tea shops, offering endless varieties of flavors and toppings.
- Shaved Ice: Look for shops offering massive bowls of shaved ice topped with fruit, condensed milk, red beans, and mochi.
- Fresh Juice and Smoothies: Numerous vendors offer fresh fruit juices and smoothies, perfect for a hot day.
Tips for Your Flushing Culinary Adventure
- Cash is Essential: Many small vendors and food court stalls are cash-only.
- Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you don’t know what something is, ask or just point.
- Pace Yourself: There is so much food to try. Come hungry and pace yourself. Sharing dishes is the best strategy.
- Getting There: Take the 7 train to the last stop, Flushing-Main Street. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) also stops in Flushing.
- Crowds: Flushing is always busy, especially on weekends. Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular spots.
A summer day spent exploring Flushing’s outdoor markets and eateries is a culinary journey around the world. It’s an essential NYC experience for any food lover.
