Kassim's

- 169-28 Jamaica Ave #2r, Jamaica, NY 11432

For New Yorkers searching for truly authentic, deeply flavorful, and affordable Caribbean cuisine, look no further than Kassim's on Jamaica Avenue in Queens. Often cited as a local favorite and a true "hidden gem" of the neighborhood, Kassim's stands out by serving up the heartwarming, homestyle cooking of Guyana and the wider West Indies. This isn't just a restaurant; it’s a destination for comfort food, offering everything from hearty main dishes to a dedicated bakery selection of traditional sweets and pastries. For decades, Kassim's has been a pillar of the community, providing the taste of home to those in the diaspora and introducing newcomers to the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean.

While many establishments offer Caribbean fare in NYC, Kassim’s commitment to authentic, large-portioned meals at great value has earned it a fiercely loyal following. Customers often praise it as the kind of place where the food is prepared with the care and generosity one would expect from a family kitchen. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast patty, settling in for a satisfying lunch, or picking up dinner for the family, Kassim's offers a cozy and casual atmosphere where the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean take center stage.

A visit here is a culinary journey, showcasing the unique blend of East Indian, African, and Creole influences that define Guyanese cooking. From the rich gravies on the stews to the fresh, flaky rotis, every dish tells a story. Kassim's is more than a takeout spot; it's an essential New York experience for anyone who appreciates real food made with heart.

Kassim's is centrally located in the heart of the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, NY, making it a convenient stop for residents and those traveling through the area.

The restaurant is situated at 169-28 Jamaica Ave #2r, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA. This address places it right on the bustling Jamaica Avenue, a major commercial artery in Queens. The area is well-served by public transportation, putting it within easy reach for many NYC residents. Given its location in a lively commercial district, customers can typically find street parking, with options for both free and paid street parking available, though as with any busy Queens avenue, it’s best to allow some extra time.

The consistent operating hours make it highly accessible throughout the week for all meals. Kassim’s opens early and stays open late to serve the community:

Typical Operating Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Note: Hours may be subject to change, especially on holidays, so it's always a good idea to confirm before a late visit.

Kassim's is primarily a takeout and dine-in spot designed to offer maximum convenience for its clientele, focusing on fast, friendly service for all-day dining.

• Dine-in: A casual and cozy atmosphere is available for those who prefer to enjoy their meal right away. The setting is perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with a group.
• Takeout: As a dedicated bakery and takeout restaurant, grabbing food to go is a core service, ensuring your Caribbean favorites are ready to be enjoyed at home or on the move.
• Delivery: Kassim's provides delivery options, allowing customers in the surrounding Queens area to enjoy their full menu of comfort food without having to leave home.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for bringing the authentic taste of Guyanese cuisine to any local event or gathering.
• All-Day Meals: Kassim's serves Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, covering all mealtimes with a wide variety of meal options.
• NFC Mobile Payments: For quick and easy transactions, the restaurant accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Kassim's distinguishes itself from other New York Caribbean eateries through several key features that enhance the dining experience.

• Authentic Guyanese Cuisine: The menu offers an extensive selection of dishes representative of authentic Guyanese and West Indian cooking, a regional focus that New Yorkers appreciate for its unique flavor profile.
• Exceptional Value and Portions: Customers frequently highlight the extremely generous portion sizes for the price, providing fantastic value in a city where food costs can be high. This makes Kassim's a great choice for families and budget-conscious foodies.
• Signature Roti and Curry Selection: The Roti section is a must-try, featuring traditional options like Dail Roti and the popular Chicken Curry Roti, Beef Stew Roti, and Goat Curry Roti.
• Hearty Main Dishes: Core offerings include the immensely popular Oxtail (available with Chowmein, Rice & Peas, or Cook Up Rice), Duck Curry, Goat Curry, and various preparations of chicken (Stew, Curry, Jerk, or Bake).
• Extensive Bakery & Pastry Selection (Great Dessert): The bakery is a major highlight, offering a vast array of traditional Caribbean and Guyanese sweets. Key items include Cassava Pone, Black Cake, Pineapple Tart, Slara (Red Roll), Cheese Roll, and savory options like Patties (Beef, Chicken, Vegetable).
• All-Day Breakfast Options: The restaurant serves a large breakfast menu featuring traditional items like Fried Bake or Roast Bake served with fillings such as Saltfish, Smoked Heron Fish, Chick Peas Curry, or vegetables like Spinach and Pumpkin.
• Unique Caribbean Beverages: The drinks menu includes refreshing and authentic choices like Irish Moss, Mauby, Sarrel, and Peanut Punch.
• Comfort and Coziness: The atmosphere is described as casual and cozy, making it a comfortable spot for solo diners, friends, and groups.

To place an order, inquire about catering, or find the location, please use the following information for Kassim's:

Address: 169-28 Jamaica Ave #2r, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA

Phone: (718) 206-3595

When visiting Kassim's, local New Yorkers have an incredible amount of choice, but certain dishes are consistently highlighted as essential to the experience, especially those that capture the essence of Guyanese cuisine.

First and foremost, the Oxtail is a legendary choice. Described by customers as "juicy and delicious," the tender meat smothered in rich gravy is best paired with a side of Cook Up Rice—a traditional one-pot dish cooked with peas and coconut milk—for the ultimate comfort meal. A key feature mentioned in local praise is the generous serving size, often including complimentary sides like fried plantains, which exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to value.

Another essential item to try is any of the Roti offerings. Kassim's uses a soft, flaky flatbread to wrap up flavorful fillings. The Goat Curry Roti is a popular choice for those who love tender meat in a well-spiced, aromatic curry sauce. For a quick, on-the-go snack, the Chicken Patty served with Cocoa Bread is highly recommended, praised for its well-spiced filling and super-fresh bread.

Don’t leave without visiting the bakery counter. The dessert and pastry selection is a major highlight ("Great dessert" according to official highlights). Items like the Cassava Pone (a dense, sweet cake made from grated cassava), Pineapple Tart, and Black Cake are staples of Guyanese baking that provide a perfect, sweet finish to your meal. For an authentic Caribbean street food appetizer, grab the Egg Ball—a hard-boiled egg wrapped in seasoned cassava dough and fried—and be sure to ask for the accompanying tangy Sour sauce for dipping.

In short, Kassim's is worth choosing because it provides an unpretentious, high-quality taste of home-cooked Caribbean food, particularly Guyanese specialties, at a price point that is increasingly rare in New York City. The combination of savory main dishes, authentic sweets, and a welcoming, casual environment solidifies its reputation as a must-visit dining spot in Queens.

Kassim's

169-28 Jamaica Ave #2r, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA