Queens is “The World’s Borough”. There are 91 distinct neighborhoods and you’ll hear nearly 130 different language. In fact, a whopping 47.2% of the population was born outside the US. It’s a borough where the true New York dream is thriving.
Most people might not be making bank on Wall Street or spearheading the next billion dollar start up. But they are providing for their families in a way they never could back at home with the opportunity to pursue passions and dreams.
I’ve been hustling my way through New York City on and off for nearly 8 years. The city is tough, dirty, challenging, and can eat you up and spit you back out. But it’s never short on opportunities and it’s a place where hard work and dreams CAN lead to tangible success. As a gig worker, I have met so many people from all over the world who have shared inspiring stories of wins, second chances, growth, and success. And it’s pretty darn amazing.
*Steps off my love of NYC soapbox to get back to Queens*
Jackson Heights is a neighborhood in Queens that’s home to a cultural enclave with food I particularly adore: The Little Himalayas. There are dozens of Tibetan and Nepalese spots dishing up delectable momo, which is a Himalayan dumpling.
I told two friends to meet me off the Roosevelt Avenue 7 with $15 in cash each for an epic Jackson Heights food adventure…
Let’s time into a frugal Jackson Heights food crawl dedicated to momo.
(This is my second Jackson Heights momo crawl! For the first, click HERE.)
Stop 1: Amdo Kitchen
Amdo Kitchen is a humble food truck that was created by a former Tibetan monk. They dish out fat, juicy momo for a reasonable $7 per 10, and are hailed by foodies across NYC.
The Dough: Amdo Kitchen is a Jackson Heights food spot that profits off of speed. Thus, the trays of momo are usually pre-set. This means they aren’t super fresh, and the dough dangerously dances with “too chewy”. The pleats are lovely and I’m sure these babies are top notch when fresh from the steamer.
The Filling: The beef filling is exquisite. It’s hearty and juicy with a rib-sticking meatiness.
The Sauce: The key to a satisfying Amdo Kitchen experience is to get saucy. Douse those suckers in both the chili and white sauces for a spicy, yet smooth flavor journey.
Total Cost: $8
Stop 2: Phayul
Phayul is tucked away up a dark staircase in Jackson Heights. They serve up Tibetan fare, including made to order momo. You’ll have to wait a bit, but patience is rewarded with mega fresh, mega tasty momo. We opted for the pan-fried chicken, which was $8.99 for the plate.
The Dough: The thicker dough had a nice texture. And the slight crispiness from being pan fried was delightful.
The Filling: It was loaded with chives and a flavorful, juicy chicken mixture.
The Sauce: There was a chili oil and some sort of vinegar sauce on the table. Putting both together gave each bite a pop of acid and zing of spice.
Total Cost: $11
Stop 3: Nepali Bhanchha Ghar
Nepali Bhanchha Ghar serves up some of the best Jackson Heights food. The environment is low key and relaxed, and you can try all types of traditional Nepalese dishes. We started out with a sel roti ($1.50). It is a ring of fried dough that’s made from rice flour. The texture is chewy, almost like mochi, and it has a slight sweetness. The goat jhol momo, however, is the star of the show. The broth is loaded with deep, complex spices that give your mouth a hug, and the gaminess of the meat leaves the mouth salivating for more.
The Dough: Not too thick, not too thin… just right
The Filing: The goat has a tender gaminess that compliments the spice from the soup.
The Soup: Pure magic. One of my favorite flavor experiences in NYC that you need to taste to believe!
Total Cost: $14
Stop 4: Lhasa Fast Food
The Dough: Beautiful pleats with a sensible thickness.
The Filling: The potato reminded me of a pierogi (taste of the homeland!), but with the addition of corn and chives.
The Sauce: Chili, another vinegar sauce of sorts, and soy sauce adorned the table. Mixing all three together was essential, as the potato filling didn’t have too much flavor.
Total Cost: $10
Ranking the spots in the Jackson Heights Food Crawl, Momo Edition….
4th Place, Lhasa Fast Food. While it had nice pleats and good dough, the filling was lackluster.
3rd Place: Amdo Kitchen. While the beef filling was top notch and the white and red sauces are delectable. But the dough was just a bit too thick and chewy.
2nd Place: Phayul. The chicken and chive filling was juicy and flavorful. And the pan-fried crunch added a little somethin’ somethin’.
1st Place: Nepali Bhanchhar Ghar. The flavor reigns supreme.
Cheers to another foodie adventure! Be sure to subscribe for more!
