Real Cheap Eats NYC
Hi I am a div
Posts by: Sara Markel-Gonzalez - Under the 7 Train
- QNS
- $5.25
Everyone loves scallion pancakes. But how about scallion pancakes sliced into thick, noodle-like ribbons, then stir-fried with beef, ham, egg, and cabbage? The chewy pancakes soak up the flavor of the meat and the cabbage adds a healthy crunch. Squirt some hot sauce on the dish, and you’re good to go.
Lao Bei Fang Dumpling House
83-05 Broadway at Cornish Ave. (Map)
Queens, NY 11373
(718) 639-3996
- QNS
- $5.39
- VEG
This falafel is the most authentic Israeli-style sandwich I have yet to find outside of Israel. Use Grill Point’s large salad bar, full of fresh and pickled veggies, to top the crisp and tasty falafel balls, which are nestled within a thick and chewy hummus-slathered pita, and then squirted with tahini sauce. The beautiful inclusion of french fries or “chips” make this sandwich even better.
Grill Point on Serious Eats NY
69-54 Main St. at Jewel Ave./69th Rd. (Map)
Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367
(718) 261-7077
- QNS
- $8.50
- VEG
- SPICY
Fried masala noodles—thin pasta strands, simply sauteed with egg, scallion, carrot and your meat of choice—may not sound like much. But it’s the masala that makes this dish so special. The spice mix, heavy on coriander and chile, adds a level of flavor that takes these noodles far above most stir-fried noodle dishes. Order it spicy and it comes spicy, not watered down for the American palate. These noodles are addictive.
Himalayan Hut
75-18 37th Ave. at 76th St. (Map)
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 426-6888
- QNS
- $5.20
There are many places with good rotisserie chicken, especially in Jackson Heights, which has Peruvian and Colombian chicken places on nearly every corner. Yet La Casa del Pollo stands out because of its special green sauce—vinegary, spicy, herby and good on everything, especially fried rice. With bits of roasted pork throughout, the arroz chaufa, Peruvian-style Chinese fried rice (mixed with lots of green sauce, of course) is the best thing on the menu.
La Casa del Pollo Peruano
87-07 Roosevelt Ave. at 87th St. (Map)
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 205-7023
- QNS
- $1.00
The tamales at Taqueria La Casa Del Idolo are generously stuffed with chicken and a spoonful of spicy salsa, either red or green. The masa, or corn dough, is perfectly cooked—not too dry or too wet—and wrapped up tightly in a corn husk. These are close to tamal perfection, and only cost a dollar each. What’s not to love?
La Casa Del Idolo on Serious Eats NY
91-07 Corona Ave. at 91st Pl. (Map)
Corona, NY 11373
(718) 271-0384
- QNS
- $1.00
$1.00 tacos are exciting. $1.00 tacos al pastor with meat actually sliced from a revolving spit are even more exciting. These $1.00 tacos al pastor, overflowing with spiced pork, topped with bits of sweet pineapple and doused with a bright red, spicy salsa, are the most exciting of all. Not much more needs to be said about these tacos; they are delicious, done well, and cheap, cheap, cheap.
Guadalajara de Noche
85-09 Roosevelt Ave. at 85th St. (Map)
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 397-9666
