The United Kitchens: Going Deep in the Borough of Global Eats

Dive into the most diverse street food scene in America

Meet Señor Ismael, the Argentinian master of the meats

Savor the sweet taste of Latin America, with a cherry on top

Taste your way through much-loved local bakeries

Follow the scent of lemongrass to one of the hottest Thai kitchens in Queens

The United Kitchens: Going Deep in the Borough of Global Eats

Queens Food Tour

The United Kitchens: Going Deep in the Borough of Global Eats

Dive into the most diverse street food scene in America

Meet Señor Ismael, the Argentinian master of the meats

Savor the sweet taste of Latin America, with a cherry on top

Taste your way through much-loved local bakeries

Follow the scent of lemongrass to one of the hottest Thai kitchens in Queens

The United Kitchens: Going Deep in the Borough of Global Eats

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On this full-day Queens food tour, we’ll visit two of the borough’s most diverse neighborhoods, Corona and Jackson Heights, where we will sample more than a dozen specialities that reflect the incredible gastronomic range that the borough is known for. From the massive Puebla-rooted cemita sandwiches to Bengali street snacks, we’ll criss-cross the globe without leaving the neighborhood.

About

The largest of New York’s five boroughs, Queens is the home of over two million people, half of them born outside the United States, speaking more than 150 different languages. It’s perhaps the only place on the face of the planet where Tagalog bumps up hard against Romanian. It’s also home to countless immigrant stories of the most classic kind: a newcomer arrives and sets up shop – or, more frequently, cart – selling the food of his or her homeland as the first step towards making it in America. As a result, for the culinary explorer, Queens is truly the promised land. On this deep dive into the immigrant cooking experience in Queens, we’ll visit Corona and Jackson Heights, two unassuming neighborhoods that have managed to stay under the radar while other parts of the borough have become increasingly popular destinations. We’ll start our day off in bustling Corona Plaza, in the shadow of the elevated tracks of the 7 train, for a visit to a family-run Mexican bakery and, not far away, a taste of handmade tortillas and, on the weekends, pit-roasted goat. Also near the plaza, we’ll stop into a small bakery and café, owned by an immigrant who got his start toiling in the back kitchens of Manhattan restaurants, for a traditional cemita, the behemoth sandwich that’s the pride and joy of Puebla, Mexico. From there our walk will continue along Roosevelt Avenue, the area’s main artery and Queens’s own version of the Pan-American Highway, ducking into markets and stopping by vendors representing Mexico, Ecuador and Argentina. Before leaving Corona and its Latin American kitchens, we’ll make our way to a beloved Uruguayan bakery and then head over to neighboring Jackson Heights, home to a number of thriving immigrant communities from throughout Asia. As we walk through the vibrant neighborhood, our stops will include a Tibetan momo food truck and a street cart selling highly addictive Bengali snacks. We’ll end our Queens food tour in the neighborhood’s central plaza with some Indian sweets from a nearby business, another reminder that what has always made America great is the ability for anyone from anywhere to come here and make a successful new start.

Details

Group Size: 2-7
5-6 hours
Everyday 10:30am
Corona - Elmhurst
Price: Adults x $175

Dietary

Some, but not all, stops can be altered for vegetarians and pescatarians. Can accommodate gluten-free diet but cannot accommodate a vegan diet. Pork is served, but can be substituted.

Mobility

Easy, flat terrain. Includes residential neighborhood visits that can be crowded at times. Children welcome, but crowds and narrow sidewalks might not be stroller friendly.

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the fee?

In addition to your Culinary Backstreets guide, all food consumed on the walk – almost a dozen different edible specialties – are included in the price. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Why is the Culinary Backstreets tour more expensive than some other walking tours?

Our approach is different than most tour companies. Each of our culinary walks is the outcome of considerable research. We work with academics in the field and our own team of experienced professionals – both guides and local journalists. Our ongoing publishing of articles, from restaurant reviews to features about the intersection of food and culture, constantly feeds new material into the culinary walks, so they evolve and constantly improve. Though costly, we believe that this is how to create the quality experiences we strive for. We practice honest tourism and would never accept a free lunch or any sort of commission. On the contrary, we are proud to know that the money spent during the culinary walk goes to support businesses that we believe in, helping to preserve the social and cultural fabric of the cities we love so dearly.
How does the payment process work?

Once you have made a reservation, we require the full fee to be paid in order to complete the online booking. Our online booking system uses Stripe to process secure payments. Your card is only charged if the walk is confirmed.
What is your cancellation policy?

90% will be refunded if given 1 week notice prior to walk and 50% will be refunded if given 72 hours notice or more. Less than 72 hours is non-refundable.
Are your walks public or private? How many people are on them?

Our walks are 2-7 people and are open to the public. If you would like to do a private walk, you can book it for a supplement by selecting book entire excursion. If it is not available on booking, we may be able to arrange one for an additional fee. Please contact us at walks@culinarybackstreets.com for more information.
Can I get a discount if I join more than one walk?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount to those who join more than one walk. Please email us at walks@culinarybackstreets.comif you’d like to join multiple walks.
Are your walks suitable for people with food allergies?

This can vary based on a number of factors, including the food item in question. Please email us at walks@culinarybackstreets.com to discuss your situation before booking.
Are your walks suitable for vegetarians, pescetarians and vegans?

This walk can be altered for vegetarians and pescetarians but vegans will have difficultly partaking in all of the stops. All dietary restrictions should be noted in the booking.
Are your walks gluten-free?

This walk can be altered for gluten-free diets, but, please note this in your booking.
How physically demanding is the walk?

This walk covers a couple of miles of walking but it is on fairly flat terrain and is not demanding physically.
Can children join the walks?

Of course! We offer a 50% discount to children ages 12 and under, and we charge $25 for children 6 and younger.
Can you pick me up from my hotel? How will I return, once the tour is over?

Our tour prices don’t include transportation to and from the tour. If you book a tour, you’re responsible for arriving to the pre-arranged meeting spot on your own. Once the tour is over, we will help you get an authorized, safe taxi to your hotel, or provide directions on public transportation, if you’re interested in that.
How do I get back to the meeting point when the tour ends?

The end point is a 25 minute walk from the meeting point, about a mile away for both ways. You could also take the R or M trains for 2 stops and transfer to the 7, which would take about 15 minutes.
How much food will I get to try?

This is really up to you. We generally make between 10 and 12 eating stops on our walk and try to include some breaks from eating along the way. The price includes as much food as you’re open to trying. We offer a suggested portion size at each stop and you can take our recommendation if you’d like. Our walks often involve street food and sharing food.
Is Queens safe these days?

Yes, we find Queens a very safe place to explore. We do hit some crowded areas and always suggest that you keep important valuables and passports at your hotel.
How are you dealing with health and safety on your walks?

We have reinforced our commitment to safety with new guidelines and have altered our routes to assure the maximum safety of our guests, guides and community while maintaining the quality of the experience. For more details on our precautions, read here.

Reserve your spot

The United Kitchens: Going Deep in the Borough of Global Eats

Fee includes everything consumed on the walk.