Written by: Dr. Dushka H. Saiyid
Posted on: February 04, 2016 | 
Manhattan's 'Little India'
Almost ninety per cent of New York taxi and private vehicles for hire have foreign drivers, and a majority of these are from South Asia. Haandi, a Pakistani restaurant has a perpetual line of yellow taxis parked outside its front door. The Pakistani drivers come here to recharge their energy on a halal (kosher) plate of biryani, nihari or straight off the stove kebabs. The list of what is on offer is long, and includes the perennially popular snacks like samosas and chaat. It’s a no frills eaterie canteen style, you select from the myriads of foods on offer, and there is also the quick option of a take away. The tables are full and the desi television provides the entertainment.
Those into south Indian cuisine have a couple of options, but Pongal has maintained the quality of its dosas, and a masala chai (spiced tea) afterwards completes the treat. On a Sunday afternoon, it is soon packed with people of all ethnic backgrounds.
All the ingredients for a desi kitchen are available at the grocery stores here. Kalyustan is the largest one of its kind, and you can get everything imaginable here, from daals (lentils), spices, savories, dry fruit and whatever else. However you have many options and one of them is Spice Corner, a Bangladeshi outfit a few doors down. Shops also stock dailies and magazines from home that are likely not available elsewhere in Manhattan. There are also a number of small shops advertising the services of palm and psychic readers, a reminder of the superstitious culture that is emblematic of some of these South Asian countries, a fatalism that weighs them down.
What makes Manhattan interesting are these neighborhoods, each with its distinct characteristics and identity.
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