OFF THE EATEN PATH:
A United Nations of Bronx Flavors
T
by Myra Alperson
he Bronx is one of the most diverse boroughs in the city of New York. Of course there is no shortage of Puerto Rican, Dominican and Mexican restaurants considering the borough’s overall Latino population is over 50%. But The Bronx is also home to African, Middle Eastern and Asian communities, and the cuisine is evidence of it. In the Van Nest section one can enjoy a delicious Yemeni meal and then choose from one of four markets to buy exotic nuts, dips, cheeses and much more from North Africa and the Middle East. One such place is Al-Meraj, located on 1903 White Plains Road. YUMMY TIP: An all-time favorite is the fresh ground coffee with cardamom; the counterman will grind it on the spot for you.
Noshwalkers and a Bangladeshi shopowner at Starling Avenue, the main street of Parkchester’s “Little Bangladesh.”
The Bronx has, not one, but two Cambodian markets both within walking distance of each other. Phnom Penh-Nha Trang is located at 2639 Jerome Avenue and Battambang Market at 229 East Kingsbridge Road. You'll see products from Thailand, Vietnam, China and the Philippines. YUMMY TIP: Look for home-made specialties, including delicious banana fritters, red bean pudding and sticky rice, made from Cambodian recipes. The owners are always willing to help so don’t hesitate to ask. This borough also has some of the best Bangladeshi food around. Many markets and restaurants are clustered on or near Starling Avenue in the Parkchester section of The Bronx. A popular favorite is Bangla Garden at 1864 Westchester Avenue. The street level restaurant has just a handful of tables, but you can go downstairs to eat. Vegetarians will love the menu. Right next door is Bangla Town Supermarket at 1860 Westchester Avenue, with a great selection of products from South Asia and other specialties from around the world. YUMMY TIP: The spinach rice and their chicken kofta in a yogurt sauce is especially tasty. Myra Alperson is the founder and owner of Noshwalks and Noshnews. Noshwalks is a walking tour company that specializes in food tours. Go to www.noshwalks.com for more information, check Noshwalks on Facebook or send e-mail to noshwalks@aol.com. Customize your tour. It’s a great culinary adventure for friends, family, school groups or business colleagues.
A waiter serves fresh-baked Yemeni Hadramout bread at Arth Aljanatain, a Yemeni restaurant located at 700 Rhinelander Avenue
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