As you embark on a journey aboard the 7 train, which gracefully glides above Roosevelt Avenue, you will discover a tantalizing array of culinary delights at every stop in Queens, New York. Alight in Jackson Heights, where the air is often infused with the aromatic essence of Nepali spices mingling with the sweet scent of Indian jalebi being fried to perfection. A few stops later, in the vibrant neighborhood of Corona, you’ll be greeted by the enticing aroma of fresh-pressed tortillas and the comforting allure of slow-cooked birria. Here in Queens, the world’s kitchens have set up shop, creating a mosaic of flavors and culinary traditions that reflect its rich tapestry of over one million foreign-born residents, resonating with the sounds of hundreds of languages and the vibrant exchange of cultural wares.
In this edition of our First Stop feature, we turn to renowned food writer and culinary tour guide Joe DiStefano, who is deeply rooted in the Queens food scene. As the founder and publisher of the acclaimed food blog CHOPSTICKS & MARROW and the author of the insightful book “111 Places in Queens That You Must Not Miss,” Joe has dedicated over a decade to exploring the borough’s diverse culinary landscape. His expertise has been featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Gourmet, Food Republic, and Serious Eats, showcasing the incredible variety that Queens has to offer.
Throughout the process of curating his book, Joe recalls hearing from his editor, ‘There’s too much food,’ a gentle reminder that while the culinary complexity of Queens is astounding, the guide needed to capture the essence of the borough without becoming an exhaustive volume solely focused on its gastronomic treasures.
Among the noteworthy establishments in this culinary adventure is Taste Good, a long-standing Malaysian restaurant nestled within the Southeast Asian food corridors of Elmhurst. Helmed by David How, this 30-year-old institution continues to thrive, serving up delectable dishes such as satay, roti canai, char kway teow, and a particularly exceptional curry laksa that keeps patrons coming back for more.
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As reported by culinarybackstreets.com.
