Part of what drew me (Melissa), and later our group, to Astoria was the wonderful selection of food there. I have always been a fan of Middle Eastern food. I myself am not Middle Eastern but I grew up eating Syrian and North African food because of the people around me.
My favorite food is falafel; Astoria is known for its world-class falafel. Duzan’s off Astoria Blvd is a mainstay for falafel. The restaurant offers Middle Eastern street food classics like shawarma and falafel in a fast food setting. For 6 bucks customers can select from shawarma, falafel or kebab and a variety of toppings, served either on pita or a platter. Most sandwiches are bursting with flavorful hummus, a chickpea paste. Falafel consists of fried chickpea mush mixed with spices like cumin, garlic and minced parsley. Shawarma is usually chicken or lamb roasted on a rotating spit. The salad bar-esque setup behind the counter boasts an array of toppings: corn, pickled vegetables, salads. Duzan’s is one of the few restaurants I know of in New York City that provides the elusive amba sauce with its entrees. Amba is a uniquely savory pickled mango sauce that I first tried when I visited my friend in Jerusalem. It is an excellent condiment when accompanied with any of the sandwiches offered at Duzan’s.
Although Duzan’s has always been the highlight of my visits to Astoria due to its affordability, the neighborhood is rife with all types of restaurants. Taverna Kyclades is a famous Greek seafood restaurant located in the area. It is popular both with locals and a more upscale crowd. It has attracted visitors such as George Clooney, Amal Alamuddin and Bill Murray. There is also an Egyptian seafood restaurant next to Duzan’s. Down the road from Duzan’s there is a Moroccan restaurant. I have never eaten there but I always make sure to buy a cup of mint tea. The soothing and refreshing tea is made on an old-fashioned kettle with fresh mint leaves.
For the less adventurous in terms of cuisine (hey, not everyone likes seafood or falafel), the neighborhood features the flagship Bareburger as well as an array of classic pizza joints, bagel stores, and Asian cuisine, like the Chinese and Thai restaurants pictured above.
