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Discover the Queens restaurants where Mamdani Ate First in his first week as NYC mayor. From Kabab King to Boishakhi and Zaab Zaab, see how food reflects the city’s culture and community.
New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, didn’t waste any time showing love to local eateries, especially in Queens. In his first week in office, where Mamdani Ate First quickly became a topic of conversation among food fans and locals alike.
From his inauguration catering to dinner stops in busy neighborhoods, Mamdani’s early meals send a message: NYC’s food scene matters, and he’s here for it.
Rating: 3.6 Halal restaurant
Address: 76-04 Woodside Ave, Elmhurst, NY
On January 1, the day he was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor, Mamdani Ate First at one of Jackson Heights’ most beloved spots, Kabab King. This 24/7 restaurant is known for its hearty South Asian fare like chicken, samosas, and biryani. For the inauguration, Kabab King’s spread was part of the official menu, with drinks from Yemeni coffee spot Qahwah House.
Locals know Kabab King as a true community hub, a place where people from all walks of life gather for late-night meals and big celebrations. The fact that Mamdani chose this place on day one says a lot about his connection to Queens food culture.
Rating: 4.3 Bangladeshi restaurant
Address: 29-14 36th Ave, Astoria, NY
The next day, Mamdani Ate First again, this time at Boishakhi in Astoria. This casual spot is a go-to for authentic Bangladeshi dishes like chicken roast and potato bortha.
Boishakhi isn’t just good food, it’s a community. Its steam-table style and bold flavors reflect the varied voices of Queens, a borough where cultures and tastes truly mix. For Mamdani, it wasn’t just dinner, it was a nod to the city’s immigrant-run restaurants that keep NYC’s food scene alive.
Rating: 4.3 Thai restaurant
Address: 73-01 37th Rd, Jackson Heights, NY
Later in the week, Mamdani Ate First at Zaab Zaab in Elmhurst, a Thai spot beloved for its Northern Thai and Isan dishes. On his visit, the mayor enjoyed duck larb, sticky rice, and skewers.
Zaab Zaab brings bold Southeast Asian tastes to the city, making it a favorite among locals hungry for something different. For many New Yorkers, it’s the kind of place that lives in food guides but feels like a hidden gem, just one of the many culinary highlights in Queens.
Where Mamdani Ate First as mayor isn’t random. It reflects who he is, a Queens-raised politician with deep roots in the borough’s food culture. These restaurant stops highlight places that might not always make the national headlines, but are essential to NYC’s food identity.
By choosing local favorites, Mamdani also puts a spotlight on the challenges restaurants face today, from rising costs to tight margins. It’s a reminder that New York City’s food scene isn’t just about trends or fine dining. It’s about community, diversity, and the everyday spots that feed the city’s soul.
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Why does it matter where Mamdani Ate First as NYC mayor?
Where Mamdani Ate First shows what he values. By choosing Queens restaurants, he highlighted immigrant-run businesses, local culture, and the everyday spots New Yorkers actually eat at.
Which restaurants did Mamdani eat at first?
In his first week, the mayor visited Kabab King in Jackson Heights, Boishakhi in Astoria, and Zaab Zaab in Elmhurst.
Are these restaurants expensive?
No. The places where Mamdani Ate First are mostly casual, affordable spots that many locals visit for comfort food and flavor.
Can anyone visit the restaurants Mamdani went to?
Yes. All three restaurants are open to the public, and they’re popular with both longtime New Yorkers and visitors.
Why did Mamdani choose Queens?
Queens is one of the most diverse food hubs in the world. Eating there sends a simple message: supporting small businesses matters.
Is this just a publicity move?
While it brings attention, it also puts real spotlight on restaurants that work hard to stay open, especially after tough years for the food industry.
What kinds of food did he try?
He ate a mix of South Asian, Bangladeshi, and Thai dishes, showing the wide range of cuisines Queens has to offer.