May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and, in honoring this special time of year, we’re profiling one of New York City’s hidden gems; Flushing, Queens.
Flushing is not extremely well-known to non-New Yorkers, but it is actually a major hub of the city. It is the fourth largest central business district in NYC, and its main intersection of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue is the third busiest intersection in the entire city.
Originally colonized by the Dutch in 1645, Flushing has grown into a truly cosmopolitan neighborhood, and is now home to many Asian immigrants. In fact, a 2010 Census showed that Asians represent over 66% of Flushing’s population. The majority of Flushing’s Asian population consists of mainland Chinese immigrants, but Flushing is a hotbed for numerous cultures, including Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese.
According to Muyao Shen’s article “Flushing, N.Y.: Where Mainland Chinese Immigrants Are Moving In” for medium.com, “Fangmeng Tian, a professor specializing in migration at Beijing Normal University, explained in an interview that there have been three recent migration waves from China to the U.S. One was in the 1980s with a trend to study overseas; one was in the 1990s when highly skilled migration was popular; and the most recent one is happening now with more middle- and upper-middle class Chinese heading overseas.”
Shen goes on to explain that many Chinese immigrants find Manhattan living too expensive, so Flushing, with its easy transport into the city, is a good option. Additionally, with its high immigrant population, Flushing feels comfortable and familiar to people new to American life.
Flushing’s Chinese immigrant population is actually larger than that of Manhattan’s Chinatown, and this makes Flushing an even more ideal place to experience Asian culture. Check out some of Flushing’s best restaurants like Hunan House, Spicy & Tasty, and Jade Asian for unbeatable mapo tofu, dim sum, and authentic Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines. Looking for food? Try San Soo Kap San, which is famous for its kimchi stew. Wash everything down with a tall cup of bubble-milk tea from Kung Fu Tea, one of NYC’s most popular boba spots.
For those of you looking for a sweet treat, head over to Flushing’s most iconic bakery, Tai Pan, which is a combination of a café and a food court. Tai Pan offers tradition Chinese desserts, like egg custards and sponge cakes, alongside savory baked goods, like pork buns and meat pies.
Feeling full? You can walk (or run) your meal off at Queens Botanical Gardens, which features 39 acres of gorgeous outdoor space. Queens Botanical Gardens is famous for its Rose Garden (in bloom May through October), Fragrance Walk (full of sweet-smelling flowers), and Perennial Garden. The Botanical Gardens are also a great place for pictures and catching up with friends and family.
At City Running Tours, highlighting the beautiful neighborhoods within our cities is our passion. In honoring Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we couldn’t think of a better corner of NYC than Flushing. It is truly one of the most welcoming, culture-rich, and fun places to explore this summer in New York City.
