The Philippines, Portugal, Ukraine, Singapore, and South Africa are just a handful of the countries that deliver the diverse and rich cuisine of the borough of Queens in New York City. And while the size of this borough would normally force you to travel for long periods on the 7 train or a bus to experience all of this food in far flung neighborhoods, the Queens Night Market manages to bring it all together into one open-air night market at Flushing Meadows Corona Park every Saturday night this summer from April 20 to August 17 and then again from September 28 to October 26. The night market has over 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food, plus small-scale cultural performances and music for entertainment.
Here are some of our favorite food vendors from a recent visit to help you narrow down your hunt for the best global fare at Queen’s Night Market.
Pasteis de Nata from Joey Bats Cafe
Founder Joey Batista describes his Portuguese pastries as a cross between a flaky croissant and a warm crème brûlée. The recipe is a family heirloom passed down from his mother and is sure to wow your taste buds from the very first bite.
Filipino Lugaw from Kanin NYC
Lugaw is a Filipino rice porridge similar to congee, but with a huge kick of ginger and garlic. Kanin NYC takes comfort food to a whole new level with their version topped with egg, scallions, and peanuts.
Read more about Filipino Food in NYC at Jeepney’s Kamayan Feast
Laksa Noodles from Native Noodles
Kota Sandwich from Jaa Dijo Dom
South African flavors explode in your mouth after a bite of Jaa Dijo Dom’s kota sandwich: toasted bread loaded with potatoes, sausage, cheese, and lots of spices – inspired by the cuisines of Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, and many more.
Hu Tieu Em from Em Vietnamese Kitchen
Indonesian Coconut Pancakes from Moon Man
Pecan Pie Crust Cookies from Janie’s
A cross between a pie and cookie, these flaky pecan pie crust cookies are hand-held pie bites that are both crunchy and chewy as well as deliciously nutty and sweet. Janie’s also makes apple pie crust cookies that taste like autumn in a cookie.
