Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area on the planet, a sprawling borough of New York City where the food is a staggering, authentic reflection of global immigration. In the ninth season of Parts Unknown (2017), Anthony Bourdain crossed the East River to explore this culinary kaleidoscope, explicitly celebrating the immigrant communities that make New York one of the greatest food cities in the world. This episode was a vibrant, delicious argument against xenophobia and a testament to the power of authentic, un-Americanized cuisine. Bourdain’s journey through Queens highlighted the sheer density of global flavors found along its avenues and beneath its elevated train tracks. He sought out the uncompromising heat of authentic Tibetan food hidden in Jackson Heights, the late-night comfort of massive Korean stews in Flushing, and the perfect, crispy roast pork of Ecuadorian food carts. He even embraced the gritty, melancholic charm of eating Jamaican beef patties at the racetrack. It was an exploration of a food culture that is fiercely proud, intensely flavorful, and essential to the fabric of the city. Here are the spots that showcased the incredible, diverse soul of Queens.
The great Anthony Bourdain left his mark everywhere he went. When his death was announced to the world in June 2018, media throughout the globe chimed in and listed all the great things he had done for their respective city, town, province, country. Whereas before, tourists would shy away from exotic foods, thanks to him, travellers now go the extra mile to find and try local bites. With this in mind, here are all the restaurants Bourdain visited and the dishes he tasted when he shot Anthony Bourdain Queens for his show, Parts Unknown Season 9 Episode 5 (originally aired May 21, 2017):
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DISH – Hornado, Morcilla and Llapingachos
WHAT IS IT?
Hornado – Ecuadorian roast pork with crispy skin; Morcilla – blood sausage; Llapingachos – Ecuadorian potato pancakes
WHERE IS IT?
Ecuadorian food cart near Junction Blvd 7 train stop
Queens, NY, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN QUEENS NOTES
In Parts Unknown Queens, Anthony Bourdain shares this tip: “Get off at Roosevelt Avenue and you’re gonna eat well for sure.”
DISH – Spicy Beef Tripe, Lion’s Head Meatballs and Soup Dumplings
WHAT IS IT?
Spicy Beef Tripe – boiled beef tongue and tripe marinated in sugar and soy, served cold with chili oil; Lion’s Head Meatballs – pork meatballs with ginger and soy; Soup Dumplings – filled with ground pork and near-boiling broth.
WHERE IS IT?
Yu Garden Dumplings
46-20 Kissena Blvd
Flushing, NY, United States
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ANTHONY BOURDAIN QUEENS NOTES
Anthony Bourdain on Yu Garden Dumplings: “Everything you need in life”.
DISH – Gamjatang and Galbi
WHAT IS IT?
Gamjatang – pork neck bone soup with rice cakes, pork belly, kimchi and spicy radish; Galbi – grilled short ribs marinated in soy, garlic and sesame oil.
WHERE IS IT?
Geo Si Gi
15228 Northern Blvd
Flushing, NY, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN QUEENS NOTES
One of the popular Korean joints in Flushing, New York.
DISH – Thenthuk, Shaptra and Sha Momo – Anthony Bourdain Queens
WHAT IS IT?
Thenthuk – hand-torn noodle soup with chilis and ginger; Shaptra – thin slices of beef with chili oil, soy and Sichuan peppercorns; Sha Momo – steamed dumplings stuffed with beef.
WHERE IS IT?
Lhasa Fast Food
37-50 74th Street
Queens, NY, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN QUEENS NOTES
Tibetan restaurant sandwiched between two cellphone shops in Jackson Heights.
DISH – Jamaican Beef Patty – Anthony Bourdain Queens
WHAT IS IT?
Golden yellow pastry filled with ground beef.
WHERE IS IT?
Aqueduct
Racetrack
110-00 Rockaway Blvd
South Ozone Park, NY, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN QUEENS NOTES
Anthony Bourdain on Aqueduct Racetrack: “I love this place – the ponies, the beer, the looming sense of despair and melancholy… did I mention they have Jamaican beef patties?”
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The Queens episode of Parts Unknown stands as one of Bourdain’s most powerful and timely celebrations of American diversity. By showcasing the incredible depth and authenticity of immigrant-run restaurants—from hole-in-the-wall dumpling houses to hidden Tibetan enclaves—he proved that the true culinary heart of New York City beats far outside Manhattan. His genuine delight in the uncompromising flavors and the stories of the people cooking them highlighted his belief that food is the ultimate bridge between cultures. The episode remains a vital guide to eating your way around the world without ever leaving the five boroughs. When you visit New York, take the 7 train into Queens and discover the genuine, global flavors that make the city great.
