From Ramen noodles to sushi, soup dumplings and more, the New World Mall offers an array of foods from different countries in North and South-East Asia. Thirty-two unique food vendors offer an experience that transports visitors to the bustling streets of Asia without ever leaving the food court.
The journey to The New World Mall is easily a quick trip on the subway. Upon arriving at the last stop on the 7 train, (Main Street Flushing at Roosevelt Avenue) and walking up the subway steps in Flushing, you are unexpectedly immersed into the overwhelming crowd of Queen’s Chinatown. A whole new world right beside Manhattan is discovered.
The New World Mall in Flushing, Queens may lack the elegance of the new Golden Mall down the block, but its massive crowd on a Tuesday during lunchtime speaks for itself. Through the doors from the hurried crowds and street vendors of Main Street, individuals are presented with endless possibilities of Chinese food from different regions. Customers either use the spot for a quick lunch break or a long family meal. The New World Mall’s food court is unquestionably the best place to eat the most authentic Chinese food in New York City.
As one walks past the tables, each with six seats in the center of the food court, strangers sit with one another due to the unavailability of open tables and the lunch time rush, forcing customers to be friendly to one another. The space is filled with noise from eating and chatting or others placing their orders by the stalls. Smells linger throughout the room from the doughy soup dumplings and flavorful Chinese burger, guiding people to certain food vendors. The menus, mostly all written in Chinese with English translations underneath, offer different levels of adventure and spice tolerance.
Source: Emma Kudelka
Xi’an Cuisine, stall number 28, originates in the Northwest region of China and uses strong and complex flavors, borrowing bold tastes from their Szechuan neighbors. The prices ranged from 6 to 10$ per item on the menu. When it was time to order, a group of four approached the stall and proceeded to wait “on line,” but repeatedly thought they were being cut and quickly learned that it is custom in Chinese culture to walk to the front of the counter and simply order.
The tender lamb soup with tiny Chinese pancakes came in a large clear plastic bowl big enough for a group of people to share, but is meant for one person. Immediately seeing the smoke flying out of the vessel is a warning that waiting 5 to 7 minutes to begin eating is ideal and recommended to not burn your tongue. The broth of the soup, similar to the one in chicken noodle soup, had a mild savory flavor that enhanced the parsley, pancakes and lamb soaking in the liquid.
The Chinese Pancakes were not what one may imagine as a flat fluffy pancake eaten for breakfast, but instead were small white cubes made out of dough and had a chewy texture. However, they were almost flavorless. The lamb had a tender flavor paired with a fatty texture, similar to parts of steak, and was not as soft as you may expect meat to be after sitting in hot soup.
Source: Emma Kudelka
The QQ noodles with chili chicken come in a large portion, piled on a plate. The noodles were long and thick, making it necessary to twist your fork many times before picking the noodles up without having a single one hang off your fork. The “QQ” refers to a boba or noodle in Chinese culture with simultaneous balance and chew. The oil and seasonings provided a tangy spicy aftertaste that urges you to take a sip of water or, being in a Chinese food court, a swig of boba tea. The chili chicken was sweet and spicy, while also being similarly seasoned to the noodles, blending right into the perfect bite.
Among the many types of Chinese burgers, the stewed pork and cumin lamb Chinese burgers were particularly flavorful. They were both served in a thin paper bag with an open top, resembling the way an American fast food burger is prepared. The orange grease dripping and leaking from the corners of the bags immediately serves as a warning that you will get your hands messy. There were two pieces of bread toasted and crispy, holding the chopped onions and lamb inside. Cut into tiny pieces, the red onion provided a mild spicy addition to the tough lamb that was expected to be soft and juicy.
In the vibrant scene of Flushing, The New World Mall food stalls represent the diverse and authentic culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine in New York City.
Source: Emma Kudelka
