Where to Find NYC’s Most Authentic International Food
New York City is a city of immigrants, and its greatest strength is its incredible diversity. This is most deliciously expressed through its food scene. You can take a culinary world tour without ever leaving the five boroughs. But to find the most authentic international food, you often need to venture beyond the tourist hubs and into the city’s vibrant ethnic enclaves.
Here’s where to find some of NYC’s most authentic international food experiences.
For Authentic Chinese Food: Flushing, Queens
While Manhattan’s Chinatown is a great experience, the center of authentic Chinese food in NYC is Flushing, Queens. The neighborhood is a bustling hub of regional Chinese cuisines. Explore the food courts in malls like **New World Mall** or **Queens Crossing** for a dizzying array of hand-pulled noodles, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), and spicy Sichuan specialties. It’s a true immersion into the diverse food of China.
For Real Greek Food: Astoria, Queens
Astoria has long been the heart of NYC’s Greek community. Here you’ll find fantastic, family-run tavernas serving up traditional Greek comfort food. Visit a spot like **Taverna Kyclades** for incredibly fresh grilled fish, lemon potatoes, and classic dips. It’s a world away from the gyros you might find on a street cart.
For a Taste of Little India: Jackson Heights, Queens
Jackson Heights is another one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods, with a thriving South Asian community. The streets are lined with incredible Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants and sweet shops. For a fantastic introduction, try the lunch buffet at **Jackson Diner**, which offers a wide variety of classic curries and tandoori dishes.
For True Eastern European Comfort Food: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Known as “Little Poland,” Greenpoint is the place to go for authentic Polish food. Cozy restaurants like **Karczma** serve up hearty plates of pierogies, kielbasa, and goulash in a rustic, farmhouse-like setting. It’s warm, comforting, and incredibly affordable.
For a Culinary Trip to Latin America: Corona, Queens
The streets around Roosevelt Avenue in Corona are a vibrant showcase of Latin American cuisine. You can find incredible food from Colombia, Ecuador, and especially Mexico. A visit to the **Tortilleria Nixtamal** for fresh tortillas and tacos is a must for anyone seeking authentic Mexican flavors. This neighborhood is a key part of the city’s diverse culinary landscape, which also includes a fantastic Caribbean food scene.
