Around The World in Five Boroughs

Everyone knows New York City is the epicenter of International culture, the gateway of the both the East and West, depending on where you’re coming from. But, not many people know the exact areas where you can score some killer dim sum, authentic meatballs, and spicy kebabs that’ll set your heart (and mouth) on fire.

Read below and use this list as a to-do of everything International in NYC.

Sri Lankan Staten Island
Staten Island might be known for it’s gross population of Italians, and even it’s interesting roundup of German beer hauses, but what most do not know is that this Southern most borough of NYC is actually home to the cities largest population of Sri Lankan’s. One tiny row on Staten Island’s Victory Boulevard houses more authentic cuisine than you can find anywhere out of Sri Lanka itself. New York Times rated spots like Sunshine and cult favorites like Sanrasa are the best spots to enjoy home cooking and interesting conversation, and just a short walk from the ferry, too.

Welcome to Brooklyn: Fuggedabout Pizza
Another Italian immigrant enclave, Brooklyn has recently become a hot spot for hipster muffin houses and DUMBO dining. But, take a short walk away from the shiny, new spots and enjoy an authentically ethnic experience on Flatbush Avenue. Whether or not you’ve stopped by this nabe’ to enjoy the Caribbean Parade, you can still enjoy Caribbean meals. Newbies will wanna try Golden Krust first- just for a sample, but don’t let it deter you from exotic finds at Ambiance on Avenue L, The Spice is Right on Franklin, by Eastern Parkway, and The Islands (a somewhat pricey favorite that takes no credit).

Little India in Jackson Heights
Recently gentrified areas in Queens, like Long Island City and Astoria, might be where most of the hipsters go, but Jackson Heights is a travel lover and foodie paradise. In this hood you can find some of the highest quality foods and wares from the Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani communities that surround it. Grab a few Bollywood flicks, and take out a meal from Patel Brother’s Market, Dimple- a vegetarian option with infamous dosas, or fan fav Maharaja Sweets and Snacks (75-10 37th Ave.)

Finally Hit Your Italian Fix in The Bronx
The Bronx- unlikely place for pasta fagioli? Think again. After World War I, the growth of New York City spawned a mass entrance of Italian and Irish American citizens to the area. They’ve since dispersed southward, but the seeds have already been planted- and sustained- for some of the best Italian cuisine in the city. Forget Mulberry Street, grab your spaghetti here! Those in-the-know head for Barino’s to save on daily specials like “Fish Friday.” Italians stay beautiful due to all that seafood the boot-shaped land provides, and seafood lovers will die for Louis Seafood, a landmark on East Tremont for over 60 years.

A Sweet Brew in The Big Apple
End your culinary tour on the island of Manhattan where you’ll bypass Little Italy, Chinatown, and the Kimchi Restaurants of Midtown for something sweeter. This will come as an enormous surprise to anyone who knows me, but till July’s Belgian Food Celebration, I had no idea there were so many quality places to sample muscles and brews outside of Brussels. In actuality, Manhattan is home to a huge wealth of Belgian restaurants. Upscale numbers like Markt and resto offer your typical Moules Frites with a hefty beer selection. Those on a budget can try Cafe Bruxelles, with it’s $15 lunch specials including appetizer or desert, and an array of weekend waffle brunches. Belge Beer nuts can opt for Vol de Nuit, and cheap eats fans can get their Brussels fix at Pommes Frites.