Cantonese cuisine originates from the provincial capital Guangzhou. Cantonese cuisine incorporates almost every possible meat, including pork, beef, snake, duck, and many others. Fresh seafood is also a big highlight in the dishes. Many dishes are steamed or lightly stir-fried to bring out the natural sweetness of the ingredients, at the peak of their freshness. Spices are used in modest amounts and flavors are noted to be well balanced.
Szechuan cuisine refers to the cuisine from the province of Sichuan in Southwestern China. Szechuan cuisine is noted for its bold flavors and spicy taste. The main meats used in Szechuan dishes are pork, beef, and rabbit. The unique spice for Szechuan dishes is the Sichuan pepper, which is very fragrant and produces the tingly feeling that numbs the tongue when eating Szechuan food.
Shanghai cuisine, as the name implies, is cuisine that originates from Shanghai, China. Shanghai cuisines aims for lightness in flavour and often uses a combination of soy sauce and sugar to produce a sweet and mellow taste in its foods. Shanghai cuisines often use seafood, fish, and salted meats in their dishes and has several high quality vegetable dishes as well.
Many Korean dishes taste tangy, salty, and spicy. An array of banchan (side dishes) are usually served with the meal, notably Kimchi. Korean barbecue is very popular in Flushing, where high-quality meats are cooked at the center of the table over a charcoal grill, and then wrapped with fresh lettuce leaves, with rice, thinly sliced garlic, and topped with ssamjang – a mixture of fermented soybean paste, red chili paste, and other seasonings.
Southern Indian cuisine is delicious in Flushing. From hyderabadi biryani to vegetarian fare such as dosas and uttapams, Southern Indian cuisine is diverse and also well-known for its spicy palate, and rice-centered dishes. Spices such as curry leaves, mustard, Asafetida, tamarind, chilies, and fenugreek seeds feature prominently in meals.
Taiwanese cuisine draws from many different influences, ranging from the Fujian province in China to Japanese influences. Pork, chicken, rice, and seafood are the main ingredients for Taiwanese dishes. Taiwanese dishes also rely on a variety of seasonings, such as rice wine, fermented black beans, pickled greens, chili peppers, and basil.
Southeast Asian cuisines feature unique national specialties. Many of the countries in South-east Asia share cultural and culinary kinship. For example, Malaysian and Indonesian dishes both feature satay, rendang and sambal belacan (shrimp paste, chili and kaffir leaves). Malaysian restaurants in Flushing serve a wide range of authentic dishes from nasi lemak to char kuey teow. Flushing is also home to many top-notch Vietnamese restaurants.
Cajun/Creole/Seafood/Burgers/Paninis
For cajun & creole-style seafood, try seafood restaurants such as Dynamite Seafood (delicious lobster rolls) or Naked Crab (happy hour oysters). Also try spicy cumin lamb burgers at Xi’an Famous Foods, classic burgers at Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel Restaurant, steak and fries at Kanes Diner. To eat healthy, stop by Leaf Garden for a fresh salad and panini.
Japanese cuisine is based on rice and miso soup served with seasonal side dishes. Flushing’s Japanese restaurants offer great value and freshness. Many of the sushi bars tend to offer fresh sashimi and inventive rolls, along with great customer service so customers are in for a treat. Enjoy a range of Japanese cuisine here in Flushing from Shabu-shabu to Katsu bentos.
Family-friendly! The food courts in Flushing offer the largest variety from different regions. The number of vendors in one food court can go up to more than 30. Many food courts are air-conditioned and have ample seating. Sample a range: dumplings, fried rice, curry, noodle soups, seafood, bento boxes, desserts, fresh juices, and more. If you are with a group of friends or family, there’s something for everyone.
Flushing is well-known for local bakeries. Grab a cup of coffee and a fluffy piping hot roast pork bun at one of many bakeries in the neighborhood. You will be spoiled for choice. There’s usually a wide selection of cakes, pies, seasonal baked goods, sandwiches, and drinks to choose from. Try the irresistible Yuanyang, a popular drink that combines sweet black milk tea with brewed coffee.
