Indulge At These 5 Culturally Diverse Hole-in-the-Wall NYC Eats
Here at ABJ, we're firm believers that eating good food makes us feel good. But we’re just as much of a firm believer in not always needing to break the bank or going broke to indulge in delectable dishes. Still not convinced? Then take a look at these five culturally diverse hole-in-the-wall restaurants below where you can save substantial amounts of money, while continuing to spoil your taste buds. An added bonus is you’ll end up becoming more open-minded and inclined to try the vast amounts of cuisines New York City and the tri-state area has to offer.
With two locations in New York City being West Village and Hell’s Kitchen, this Latin-American and Indian-infused cheap eatery is incredibly innovative in more ways than two. Their roti and naan tacos are the main attraction and rightfully so. They’re nothing but packed with so many wonderful flavors enough to make your taste buds sing in a falsetto.
Various types of tacos they serve include their meat-filled chicken tikka masala and lamb kabob along with their meatless saag paneer (vegetarian option with chopped spinach and paneer cheese) and chana masala (vegan option with chickpeas stir-fried in authentic masala spices).
Further complimenting their menu are their hearty, perfectly-seasoned basmati rice bowls paying tribute to the popular burrito bowls that all walks of life cherish and love. Every Indian restaurant in the city should take notes on how to be even more innovative just like this hole-in-the-wall, who’s rapidly growing in popularity.
*Prices start at $5 for roti tacos, $10 for naan tacos, $14 for basmati bowls, and $18 for entrees.
This no-fuss, quaint Vietnamese spot officially deserves a medal for remaining a longstanding local eatery staple. More evident especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Located on Chrystie Street in the heart of Chinatown, Manhattan, this hole-in-the-wall of course has your belly-satisfying pho soups.
However, they also have unexpectedly unique options to choose from that are just as delicious. They have appetizers such as banh xeo: a Vietnamese-style omelet stuffed with pork, shrimp, and other tasty as well as desirable fillings. In addition, they also have insatiable entrees like vermicelli noodle bowls where you can pick any protein of your choosing.
*Prices start at $6 for appetizers, $9 for vermicelli bowls, $10 for pho soups, and $14 for entrees.
Established and nestled up in Parkchester, the Bronx, this Mexican restaurant can be easy to walk past at first due to its cozy setup. But once you spot it and step right inside, eventually you’ll be able to experience their massive burritos, large-portioned nachos, and mouth-watering quesadillas as prime examples of their out-of-this-world dishes.
Also don’t look past their torta sandwiches packed with only the finest, freshest ingredients along with their flautas which are deep-fried, crispy rolled tacos jam-packed with moist, well-seasoned chicken, chorizo, steak, cheese, and even potatoes.
*Prices start at $11 for appetizers (reasonably-portioned) and $16 for entrees.
Close to the Hoboken Path train station less than 20 minutes away from West Village, Manhattan, this unfussy, immensely homey Puerto Rican/Dominican spot provides simple, yet delectable eats and an even friendly dining experience.
Honing in their authenticity status are their entree dishes such as their incredibly moist mofongo (highly recommend the shrimp in creamy garlic sauce!), nice and tender braised oxtails, and various tapas (appetizers) like their empanadas. Seriously, try out their guava & cheese or chicken. Neither of them will disappoint!
*Prices start at $2.35 for tapas and $12 for entrees.
Making a name for themselves since 1995, this family-owned Jamaican restaurant where they made Prospect Lefferts Gardens in Brooklyn their home, serves familiar staples authentic enough to take your palate on a lovely, mesmerizing trip.
Options to endlessly indulge in include their jerk chicken, curry chicken, and escovitch fish. And if you wish to turn it into an entree, then there’s many sides to choose from their mac & cheese, rice & beans, and their fulfilling steamed cabbage.
*Prices start at $13 for entrees per person.
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We at ABJ believe luxury starts at home, and one of the quickest ways to experience luxury is on your plate. This week we’re giving tips on elevating your plate and palette.