One morning out of hunger/cravings too intense to bear for the greasy finds on Main Street, my friend and I boarded the bus to Queens, equipped with a pricey camera and empty stomachs, ready to pay one last tribute to our second home before we head off to college.
Slightly bitter daikon, sweet carrot, (both cooked until tender), and fatty, salty pork rinds make for a well-balanced and hearty soup, found at Yummy Dim Sum on Roosevelt Avenue. Don't let the softened pork rinds turn you away; it's pleasantly chewy and gelatinous, and its sponge-like attributes help it soak up the delicious broth, creating a burst of flavor with every chew.
Our next stop was the Asian kebob stand on 39th and Main Street, just one of many carts parked on random side roads of Flushing. These stands always remind me of my childhood in China; the smoky aroma from the kebob stand right by my building would lure me in and of course I'd have to get at least half a dozen sticks every time.
Chicken kebobs slowly cooked over flickering charcoal.
They're dusted with seasoned salt, cumin, and upon request, chili powder. Other options include lamb, beef, and even entrails, depending on the cart.
***
After we had Liang Pi noodle- literally "cold skin" noodle in Mandarin- at Xi'an. This particular Xi'an of the award winning chain is located (though concealed would be a more fitting term) in a run-down basement with several other eateries, all of which take "no-frills dining" to a whole new level. The entrance is deceiving, as it appears to be that of a toy store. Duck, make a left, and you can grab yourself a splittable portion for 4 dollars.
Homemade, firm, semi-transluscent noodles tossed in chili oil and a peppery, tastebud-numbing sauce and garnished with mung bean sprouts, celery leaves, cucumber, and spongey bean curd. Really refreshing, really spicy, really good.
***
I have a soft spot for Corner 28. I've gotten the duck buns there numerous times. Julienned scallions, crunchy cucumbers, and slices of roasted Peking duck are sandwiched between fluffy, steamed buns then drizzled with hoisin sauce to finish. The contrasting temperatures, flavors, and textures of the dish are what make for the perfect two bites.
***
Dried pork bun from TaiPan bakery. Two pieces of sweet light bread-like pastry held together by a layer of Asian mayo (thinned out lard) and topped with shredded dried pork, kind of like a pork jerky. The pork is savory with a touch of sweetness and so good with the sweet fluffy bread, especially when warm.
***
Pho Bac Express is just one of the many eateries at the food court inside New World Mall, a relatively new urban complex smack in the center of Flushing. The food court is packed with over two dozen newly established eateries and chains specializing in all types of Asian fast food, from Malaysian bbq to Schezuan hot pot to Japaanese ramen.
I'm slightly embarrased to admit that I had Pho for the very first time a few weeks ago, and I just had to come back to this very place and order the same dish, despite my "try-only-new-foods rule" for the summer. Pictured below are perfectly cooked rice noodles swimming in a light and savory beef broth, garnished with Thai basil leaves, raw mung bean sprouts (partially cooked by the hot soup) and a squeeze of lime juice. Thin slices of beef (usually medium, although this time way beyond well done) sit on top of the noodles.
Ponji Juice Bar, a few booths down, offer a variety of shaved ice combos as well as toppings - syrups, different jellys, milk-soaked peanuts, fruits and beans- a la carte. We split a Taiwanese shaved ice with sweetened mung bean (green bean), kidney bean, and grass jelly bits. Grass jelly has a very distinctive flavor with a strong alkaline aftertaste; for us, it's an acquired taste. A big squirt of sweetened condensed milk brought this whole dessert together.
Yes we admit it does look and sound unappetizing, but believe us, it's delicious -sweet, creamy, and refreshing- and for 3.75, an interesting alternative to ice cream for the adventurous.
***
And that wraps up our food adventure for the day, due to time contraints and emptied wallets. We boarded the bus and headed home, having spent a reasonable 20 dollars between the two of us. It's saddening that cheap comfort food on which I grew up won't always be so readily available. Until then, it doesn't hurt to pig out when our cravings call.
Yummy Dim Sum 135-46 Roosevelt Ave
Xi'an Famous Foods 41-28 Main Street Bsmt #36
Corner 28 40-28 Main Street
Tai Pan Bakery 3725 Main Street
Pho Bac Express and Ponji Juice Bar
@ New World Mall
4021 Main Street
