(upbeat music)

Almost every nationality on the planet is represented in the neighborhoods of Queens, New York, which means the streets are lined with food from around the world.

And if there's one man who's tried them all, it's this guy.

Don't be fooled by his slight frame.

He spent the last 20 years unearthing every hidden gem this side of the East River.

We're here in downtown Flushing, and there's all sorts of things here including Soy Bean Chen Flower Shop, which is, of course, a florist.

But you might wonder why Soy Bean is in the name, and that's because they sell douhua, or fresh flower tofu, wonderful, warm, custardy tofu right out of this window.

I love this one. It's really...what a great breakfast.

(jazz music)

Hi, Joe.

(speaking in foreign language)

Cherry, my sister.

How are you?

It's good.

Pata Paplean specializes in Thai boat noodles and it's a really funky Thai bar with this crazy decor, and the owner's a trip.

Where did you learn how to make the boat noodles?

I used to cook with my mom when I was in Thailand before I moved to New York.

And then, no other place that make it in New York.

Aha.

- So it was out of necessity. - That's why I...

Yeah, that's why I try to make it in here.

(jazz music)

One of my favorite Tibetan restaurants, Lhasa Fast Food, is nestled in-between You and Me Wireless and Little Myanmar Mini Mart, one of the best places for Tibetan Beef Momos.

If you think you're lost on the way in, just look for the prayer flags.

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What makes the Moma unique is the masala, or seasoning, that's in there.

So you find Sichuan peppercorn, ginger, celery, onion.

I like to think of them as the hamburgers of the Himalayas, and I mean that as a compliment.

(relaxing music)

The reason that places like this resonate with me is because they're not trying to make it the next it thing, the next Instagram food.

It's just like, "Hey, this is what we make back home. If you like it, too, come on in."

Queens has everything.

Go explore the neighborhood and find what's out there.

It's super easy, accessible, delicious, and people are a lot more welcoming and open than you might think.