The 2026 World Cup is not just a global sporting event; it’s a celebration of cultures, and New York City’s immigrant communities are at the heart of this festivities. As teams from around the world compete, these communities are bringing the flavors of their homelands to the forefront, offering a taste of home and a glimpse into their culinary traditions.
From the bustling streets of Jackson Heights to the vibrant neighborhoods of Harlem and Astoria, New York City is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects this diversity. As the World Cup begins, these communities are showcasing their culinary heritage, inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in traditional dishes that tell a story of their homeland.
Colombia: A Taste of Home in Jackson Heights
In the heart of Queens, the neighborhood of Jackson Heights is home to a thriving Colombian community. Known as Little Colombiathis area stretches along Roosevelt Avenue from 79th to 84th Streets, offering a taste of Colombia in the heart of New York City.
For those looking to experience the flavors of Colombia, Los Arrieros on Roosevelt Avenue is a must-visit. This cozy corner spot offers a variety of traditional dishes, including the humongous bandeja paisaa platter that includes Colombian chorizo, chicharron, beef, avocado, fried egg, sweet plantain, stewed beans, and white rice. The restaurant also offers soup specials like ajiaco on Wednesdays and sancocho de pescado on Fridays.
No visit to Little Colombia would be complete without trying an arepa from Arepa Lady. Founded by Maria Cano, a former lawyer and judge from Medellin, Arepa Lady has become a staple in the community, offering corn cakes stuffed with a variety of proteins like shredded chicken, avocado, and cheese. For a carb and caffeine fix, Pecoshitas bakery is the go-to spot for Colombian pastries and coffee.
Morocco: A Culinary Journey in Astoria
In Astoria, the Moroccan community is leaving its mark on the city’s food scene. While Moroccan immigrants make up only a small percentage of New Yorkers, their culinary contributions are significant. Two Moroccan-American women chef-owners, Siham Bourhane and Touria Lamtahaf, are bringing traditional Moroccan dishes to the forefront.
Moroccan Bites by Siham on Steinway Street offers a variety of classic dishes, including chicken tagine with salty olives and bitter-sour preserved lemons, whitefish meatball tagine, and tender lamb shank sweetened with prunes and apricots. The restaurant also serves khobza round, warm bread that is a staple in Moroccan cuisine.
For more fantastic Moroccan classics, head to Dar Lbahja on 30th Avenue. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes, including royal couscous with merguez, beef, and chicken, chicken bastilla, and harira, an aromatic soup with tomato, chickpeas, lentils, and meat.
Senegal: A Celebration in Harlem
In central Harlem, the Senegalese community is gearing up for the World Cup with a variety of traditional dishes. The micro neighborhood around West 116th Street is home to a number of Senegalese restaurants, offering a taste of West Africa in the heart of New York City.
Chez Maty Et Sokhna on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard is a neighborhood staple, offering a variety of traditional Senegalese dishes. The restaurant’s classic thieboudiennethe national dish of Senegal, features tender stalks of carrot and cassava, layers of cabbage, and thick fish fillets on a mound of rice reddened with tomato sauce and spiced with Scotch bonnet. The restaurant also offers methouibrown jollof rice, and house-made bissap and ginger juices.
For more traditional Senegalese cuisine, head to Chez Alain or Africa Kineboth located on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. These restaurants offer a variety of dishes, including nems, mafe yapp, and grilled chicken or lamb dibi.
As the 2026 World Cup begins, New York City’s immigrant communities are bringing the flavors of the world to the forefront. From Colombian arepas to Moroccan tagines to Senegalese thieboudienne, these communities are offering a taste of home and a glimpse into their culinary traditions. So, as you cheer on your favorite team, be sure to indulge in the diverse and delicious cuisine that New York City has to offer.
