Jackson Heights is among the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, and with that comes a wide variety of cuisines to try.
Sixty-four percent of Jackson Heights residents were born outside of the U.S., according to a city assessment — and the foods found in the area reflect their backgrounds.
From South Asian to South American eateries, here are some of the many restaurants and food trucks that are popular in the community.
Arepa Lady
77-17 37th Ave.
“Arepa Lady” Maria Cano, a single mother of three, started her family business selling arepas, or Colombian corn cakes, in the streets of Jackson Heights. The restaurant’s website describes the arepas as “golden, buttery and cheesy.” Arepa Lady outposts can also be found in Brooklyn and Astoria.
Birria-Landia
77-99 Roosevelt Ave.
You may have seen these tacos on social media. The Birria-Landia taco truck, located along the bustling Roosevelt Avenue corridor, is known for its birria tacos — tacos filled with beef that is marinated in a stew. Brothers Jose and Jesus Moreno brought the California staple to the streets of Jackson Heights. Their food cart has become a popular location, with long lines of food lovers eager to try the tacos.
Jackson Diner
37-47 74th St.
Jackson Diner has served the Jackson Heights community Indian cuisine for more than 40 years, according to its website. Its dishes represent the cuisines of both North and South India. The diner has also been a go-to spot for household names like Hillary Clinton, Sylvester Stallone and Harrison Ford.
Jahn’s
81-04 37th Ave.
An old school diner, Jahn’s is the only remaining outpost of a franchise that started as an ice cream parlor in 1897. According to Gothamist, brothers Peter and Nick Moukas took over the only location left in Jackson Heights and transformed it into a Greek diner. The menu still has sundae options for those looking to relive the ice cream experience of yore.
La Esquina del Camarón Mexicano
80-02 Roosevelt Ave.
A hidden seafood place behind a smoke and convenience store is the place to try shrimp cocktails from Mexico. The owner, Pedro Rodriguez, learned the recipe when he was 12 years old and living in Mexico City. In 2010, he brought the dish to Roosevelt Avenue. A year later, with help from the owner of the store, he constructed a kitchen and expanded the menu to offer seafood tacos, tostadas and empanadas.
Latino Bites
84-15 Northern Blvd.
A food truck that turned into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Latino Bites became popular in the area for its unique cuisine. The owner, John Bedoya, created a fusion menu that combines both Colombian and Mexican flavors in a selection of food that includes hamburgers, pizzas and hot dogs.
Mariscos El Submarino
88-05 Roosevelt Ave.
This Mexican seafood restaurant is owned by couple Alonso Guzman and Amy Hernandez. Both had previous experience in the restaurant industry, and decided to open up their own eatery in the heart of the Mexican community in Jackson Heights. Here, they offer their unique dish, aguachile, a recipe that represents Sinaloa, Guzman’s hometown. The dish is made of a combination of shrimp submerged in chiltepin peppers and lime juice, prepared in a mortar and pestle.
Nepali Bhanchha Ghar
74-15 Roosevelt Ave.
Nepali Bhanchha Ghar, a four-time winner of the “Momo Crawl,” specializes in their famous jhol momo, or dumplings served in spiced soup. Owner Bimla Hamal Shrestha established the restaurant in Jackson Heights in 2015. She says she decided on the location because the neighborhood has a growing Nepalese population.
