Fork in the Road Guide to Dining in Himalayan Jackson Heights
Carved wooden doors at Himalayan Yak
Over the last 10 years, Central Jackson Heights (the blocks around the subway/bus station) has turned into a concentrated Himalayan business zone, as immigrants from Tibet and Nepal have moved into the neighborhood, turning the area into a Himalayan hub for the entire city. Here are thumbnail sketches of the restaurants found in this exciting new mountain neighborhood.
1. Himalayan Yak -- Founded in 2000 as Tibetan Yak, but changing its name to Himalayan Yak after the addition of Nepalese and Indian specialties to the menu in 2005, T.Y. is the culinary anchor of the neighborhood, and still the most upscale Himalayan restaurant, though that doesn't mean all that expensive, since entrées average $8. The depth of the menu is still thrilling, including appetizers like sadeko bandel (lemon-dressed wild boar) and cheley (sautéed beef tongue). 72-20 Roosevelt Avenue, 718-779-1119
2. Phayul -- The name of the restaurant means "fatherland" in Tibetan, and the menu at this newest and most interesting Himalayan restaurant showcases the Tibetan passion for Sichuan peppercorns and Sichuan recipes, while providing our most home-style versions of more traditional things like gyuma (blood sausage), potato-stuffed momo (big dumplings), and thenthuk (delightful ragged noodles served in a vegetable-driven soup). 37-65 74th Street, 718-424-1869
Enter on 37th Road and climb the stairs to Phayul's second-floor dining room.
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