Jackson Heights Life

Whats yours? Always looking for a quick smallish portion for late breakfast, lunch, first dinner and/or second dinner (besides pizza or deli sandwiches)

Currently mine is at Papa's Kitchen (83rd and 37th). Strange that the menu I found online doesn't include the Silogs.  They are 7 and 8 dollar plates with a big scoop of garlic fried rice (could be a little more garlicky for my taste) but its not greasy like the fried rice at the chinese take-out places.  The rice is topped with a perfectly cooked overeasy egg and your choice of viande . They're all good but I highly recommend the longanisa, a sweet and garlicky sausage.  Thats the guilty pleasure right there.  Woodside has a few places that serve this and have grilled sardines as an option.  Hopefully Papas Kitchen can add this option.

Pretty high on the list was the falafel pitas, and the shakshouka at Zaytouns.  Tried to make the hike across Roosevelt at least once a week.  Best falafel I've had this side of the mediteranean.  So sad they are gone.  Does anyone have any recommendations for a place with similar dishes nearby?

I highly recommend the Thenthuk from any of the neighborhood Nepali/Tibetan eateries.  This is a filling, nourishing, meat/radish/noodle soup that is my favorite neighborhood comfort food, especially on a cold night.  I've been gradually trying the beef thenthuk at many places throughout the neighborhood, and my favorite so far is at Lali Guras ($6, I think).

Occasionally, I will visit Jose Fish Market at 8104 Roosevelt Ave only for their $2.75 fish chowder which is incredible and made fresh all day long.   The fish chowder is not a meal but for those who want a full meal they have many choices of fried seafood such as whiting, shrimp, scallops, flounder, crab stick which includes either french fries or rice priced from $4.00 to $7.75 and the portions are large.  You can dine in or take out.  No table service plus no tax.  Incredible bargain.  The least expensive is the whiting with the fries or rice for just $4.00.  I don't eat fried foods but considering how busy this place is I'm certain you won't be disappointed. 

Any kind of cheese arepa from The Arepa Lady -- $6.

Empanadas from La Nueva.

Bhel puri from Dosa Delight ($6).

Almost any chaat or mini plate from Rajbhog.

Three carnitas tacos $7.50 or two lengua (tongue) tacos, $6 from Taco Veloz on Roosevelt between 85th and 86th.

More taco options:  Octopus tacos and grilled fish tacos from La Esquina Del Cameron Mexicano for $4 each.

For more inspiration, see this 2017 article from the NY Times.

 Tortilla soup is back at the new El Rico Tinto location on Northern Blvd and 73rd st. Yes, soup is the whole filling meal!

 Excellent list JA! You are a true cheap food explorer. Saving this one for the spots we don't know yet...