Chef Thomas Chen's Guide to Queens

By Chef Thomas Chen

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About Chef Thomas Chen

Thomas Chen is the chef and owner of the East Village restaurant Tuome. Chen took an unconventional route to becoming a chef, spending four years working as an accountant before giving it all up to follow his true passion of cooking. After attending culinary school, he joined the crew in the kitchen at Eleven Madison Park and spent time at Commerce before opening Tuome. He is cooking contemporary American cuisine that showcases his classic culinary training and the Asian influences from his upbringing as a first generation Chinese American.

Chef Thomas has spent the majority of his life in Flushing and below shares his favorites from his Queens neighborhood.

About Tuome

Photography courtesy of Tuome

Tell us about the experience you are creating at Tuome:
"We are serving a seasonal menu with Asian influences in a casual East Village setting. We really try to highlight the best ingredients in a comfortable, accessible environment. I recommend you try the chicken with charred gem lettuce, basil and rice porridge. The rice is comforting and the chicken is cooked two ways for a nice contrast – the breast is pan seared and the thigh is fried." 

TUOME
536 East 5th Street, New York, NY 10009
T: 646.833.7811
www.tuomenyc.com

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Photo Credit: d.aniela [flickr]

CHEF CHEN'S GUIDE TO FLUSHING

“I grew up in Flushing and I love the neighborhood because it’s crowded, but full of great food everywhere. There’s a huge variety of different cuisines (cuisines from all over China, Korean, Japanese).”

— Chef Thomas Chen of Tuome

Morning

Photograph courtesy of Taipan Bakery

Taipan Bakery

My favorite way to start the morning is at Taipan Bakery. Everything is freshly baked in the morning. I love getting a cup of hot Horlick (malted milk), a pineapple bun, and a swiss roll cake.

My favorite locally-made Queens edible souvenir for visitors to take home is their Portuguese egg tart. The flaky exterior and creamy sweet interior makes it a perfect dessert.

37-25 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.461.8668
www.taipanbakery.com

Dim Sum & Noodles

Photograph courtesy of Royal Queen

Royal Queen

My secret culinary-related place that tourists don't know about is Royal Queen. I love it because it has the best dim. It's hidden on the third floor in the shopping mall.

Photo courtesy of Royal Queen

Some of the go-to dishes are Har Gow, Siu Mai, Pineapple Bun Stuffed with Roast Pork, Chicken Feet, and Shrimp Rolls.

136-20 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.321.8258
royalqueenny.com

Photograph courtesy of New World Mall

New World Mall

This is such a great place to visit. The first floor has a large market with a variety of different snacks, sauces, vegetables, and proteins. In the basement, there's a huge food court with many different types of cuisines.

Photographs courtesy of New World Mall

A few of my favorite spots in the mall are Kung Fu Tea, Chinese-Korean Dumplings & Noodles, and Noodle Village. The top floor has one of the best dim sum spots.

136-20 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.353.0551
www.newworldmallny.com

“Be adventurous and try everything like dishes such as chicken feet, tripe, and pig’s ear!”

— Chef Thomas Chen

Lunch

White Bear Wonton | Photo Credit: Robyn Lee [flickr]

White Bear

Order the #6 Wonton with Hot Sauce.

135-02 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.961.2322

Corner 28

Order Char Sui (Roast Pork) and Roasted Duck over Rice. Be sure to ask for ginger scallion sauce and sweet duck sauce.

135-24 40 Road, Flushing, NY 11354
 T: 718.886.6628

Pig's Ear | Photo courtesy of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

Order Soup Dumpling, Crispy Dough, Spicy Beef & Tripe, and Sliced Pig Ear with Spicy Sauce.

38-12 Prince Street, Queens, NY 11354
T: 718.321.3838
www.nanxiangdumpling.com

Afternoon Sweets

Photograph courtesy of Prince Tea House

Prince Tea House

This is a great spot to go relax, enjoy tea and snacks -- I recommend the Fried Squid Legs and the Fruit Toast Box. This is a great spot to bring a date.

36-39 Prince Street, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 917.285.2523

Pre-Dinner Drinks

Photographs courtesy of Leaf Bar and Lounge

Leaf Bar and Lounge

There's a nice outdoor space for warmer days.

133-42 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.865.8158
www.leafbarandlounge.com

Dinner

Photograph courtesy of Mister Hot Pot

Mister Hot Pot

It's amazing and the Creamy Pork Bone soup is the way to go.

G02, 133-42 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.939.3334
www.misterhotpotnyc.com/flushing

Foo Kee Seafood Restaurant

Come here for their traditional Chinese banquet style family dinners. The Fried Lobster, Shrimp with Broccoli & Walnut, Salt & Pepper Pork Chops, Braised Fish with Tofu Casserole, and Fried Rice are all delicious. 

13614 38th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.358.0666

Late Night

Photograph courtesy of Mad for Chicken

Mad for Chicken

This is a great spot. It's not located in the heart of Flushing, but it's worth the trip.

157-18 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 718.321.3818
madforchicken.com

Fat Ni BBQ

This is great for late night eats – spicy BBQ skewers. Try the chicken wing, fish tofu, and lamb skewers.

Prince Street and 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
T: 646.233.8772

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