Overview
Welcome to Flushing, Queens—New York City's most authentic Asian food destination! Wander through bustling streets filled with the aroma of freshly steamed soup dumplings, sizzling jian bing, and crispy shen jian bao. This vibrant neighborhood serves as the cultural and culinary heart of NYC's Chinese and Asian communities, offering everything from hole-in-the-wall eateries to modern shopping malls. Sample street food legends at every corner, from the famous corn croissant egg tarts to perfectly griddled rou jia mo. Browse through Tangram Mall for a taste of contemporary Asian retail, or dive into traditional tea houses and bakeries that have perfected their craft over generations. Whether you're chasing the best XLB in the city, hunting for the perfect gua bao, or exploring the endless hotpot and BBQ options, Flushing delivers an unparalleled culinary adventure without leaving New York City.
Essential Tips
Many of the best hole-in-the-wall spots and food stalls in Flushing are cash-only. While larger restaurants accept cards, you'll want to have cash on hand to fully explore the neighborhood's street food scene and smaller establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout the area.
Flushing gets extremely busy during lunch (12-2pm) and dinner (6-8pm), especially on weekends. Popular spots like Shanghai You Garden and Pan Bao 66 often sell out or have long waits. Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience, or embrace the hustle and bustle as part of the authentic Flushing experience.
Many establishments primarily speak Mandarin or Cantonese. Don't be intimidated—pointing at menu items or photos works well, and the food speaks for itself. Some restaurants have English menus or picture menus available upon request.
Take the 7 train to Flushing-Main Street station. The neighborhood is very walkable, with most restaurants and shops concentrated within a few blocks of the station. The area can get crowded on weekends, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Top Recommendations
1 Golden Pancake
Start your day with their legendary corn croissant egg tart—a perfect fusion of East meets West.
Shanghai You Garden
Famous for soup dumplings (XLB) at $8.50 and incredible duck buns at $2.50. A must-visit spot.
Pan Bao 66
Crispy-bottomed shen jian bao that rivals the best in Shanghai. Get there early before they sell out.
Corner 28
Authentic Chinese regional cuisine with generous portions and bold flavors.