Tong - Bengali Street Food (চটপটি & ফুচকা)

- 169 Street Station, Jamaica, NY 11432

If you're an adventurous foodie in New York City, or simply a Queens local looking for an authentic and vibrant culinary experience, you need to discover Tong - Bengali Street Food (চটপটি & ফুচকা). This unique establishment is a celebrated gem in Jamaica, Queens, bringing the dynamic, mouthwatering flavors of authentic Bangladeshi street food directly to the Big Apple. While traditional street food often features a mix of options, Tong has made a dedicated effort to be inclusive, offering a wide and exciting menu that strongly emphasizes vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, setting it apart as a true destination for plant-based eaters.

More than just a restaurant, Tong offers a cultural immersion. It began its journey as a humble street cart, with a vision to popularize the rich, complex, and distinct flavors of Bangladeshi cuisine—often incorrectly labeled as general South Asian—amongst New Yorkers. The Jamaica location, a permanent and inviting storefront, captures the nostalgic essence of a street stall with its vibrant, colorful decor, including murals that depict traditional street vendors in Bangladesh. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual and welcoming, making it a perfect, low-key spot for families, friends, or even for a comforting solo dining experience. For NYC locals, it represents a delightful and authentic taste of a culture that is a vital part of the city's incredible diversity.

Location and Accessibility

Tong - Bengali Street Food is conveniently located in the heart of Jamaica, Queens, a major hub that makes it easily accessible for residents across the borough and beyond. The physical address is a short distance from the subway, ensuring a hassle-free trip for anyone using public transportation. Finding a truly authentic, dedicated Bangladeshi street food experience in New York can be a rare treat, and this Queens location has become a major destination for those seeking the genuine taste of Dhaka and Kolkata-style snacks.

The exact address is: 169 Street Station, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA. While the address references the nearby subway station, its permanent location has become a staple for food enthusiasts. The spot is particularly well-known for accommodating late-night cravings, often being available around midnight when that intense, spicy-and-sour street food craving hits. The centrality of this Queens neighborhood ensures that whether you're coming from work, school, or just exploring the city's diverse food scene, Tong is within reach. It's a casual spot that’s perfect for both a quick bite and a satisfying meal after a long day.

Services Offered

Tong - Bengali Street Food provides a straightforward and convenient service model that caters to the fast-paced New York lifestyle while still offering a welcoming dine-in experience. Their offerings ensure you can enjoy their authentic street food no matter your schedule or preference.

• Dine-in: The location offers a casual atmosphere, often featuring an interior that evokes the nostalgic feel of a Bangladeshi street cart, complete with colorful murals.
• Takeout: Perfect for New Yorkers on the go, allowing you to grab your favorite snacks quickly.
• Delivery: For days when you prefer to enjoy authentic Bengali snacks from the comfort of your apartment, the restaurant partners with various delivery services.
• Menu Options: The menu is structured to offer quick bites, small plates, and comforting food, with a strong focus on delicious, fulfilling street snacks.
• Accommodations: The establishment is noted as being good for kids, making it a family-friendly choice in Queens.

Features / Highlights

Tong is celebrated across the five boroughs for its commitment to authenticity, its unique atmosphere, and its incredible menu of flavorful, comforting street snacks. These highlights are what draw a diverse crowd of patrons, from local residents with fond memories of South Asia to curious New Yorkers looking for a new, exciting taste experience.

• Authentic Bengali Street Food: Tong is a pioneer in bringing truly authentic Bangladeshi street snacks like Fuchka and Chotpoti to New York, ensuring the flavors remain true to their roots.
• Highly-Rated Signature Dishes: Customer favorites include the Fuchka (spherical, crispy shells filled with a savory mix), Doi Fuchka (Fuchka with a sweet yogurt topping), and Jhal Muri (a spicy puffed rice mix).
• Exceptional Vegetarian and Vegan Selection: The restaurant is well-categorized as a 'Vegetarian restaurant' with numerous comfort food, small plates, and quick bite options that are inherently vegetarian or can be easily prepared as vegan, including the popular Jhal Muri and the famous Fuchka (traditionally vegetarian or vegan).
• Ideal for Solo Dining: The casual, quick-service nature of street food makes Tong an excellent choice for solo diners looking for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
• Late-Night Availability: Patrons often highlight the convenience of Tong being open to satisfy late-night cravings, sometimes even around midnight.
• Unique Drinks and Desserts: Beyond the main snacks, the menu features special drinks like Tong Lemonade and often other traditional beverages and desserts like Mango Masala, complementing the savory dishes.
• Vibrant and Nostalgic Atmosphere: The decor is specifically designed to be highly evocative of the street food scene in Bangladesh, with colorful murals and a counter resembling a street cart, enhancing the dining experience.

Contact Information

For New York customers looking to place an order, inquire about the menu, or confirm hours of operation, Tong is easily reachable.

Address: 169 Street Station, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA (The business is a permanent storefront located near the station area in Jamaica, Queens, though a more precise address is sometimes listed as 153-35B Hillside Ave.)

Phone: (929) 257-6996

Mobile Phone: +1 929-257-6996

What is Worth Choosing: Focusing on the Vegetarian Experience

For New Yorkers exploring the best vegetarian food Queens has to offer, Tong is an essential stop. The foundation of Bengali street food is largely plant-based, making this an ideal spot for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for hearty, meatless comfort food. The very nature of the most popular items at Tong ensures they are already delicious, flavorful vegetarian options.

The undisputed star, Fuchka, is a must-try. These crispy, hollow semolina balls are cracked open and filled with a savory mixture of spiced mashed potatoes and chickpeas, topped with cilantro and a drizzle of tangy tamarind water (tok). The accompanying tok (tamarind water) is a signature component and, according to one customer review, earns a flawless '100/10' rating, speaking to its perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Similarly, the Doi Fuchka elevates this experience by adding a layer of sweet, creamy yogurt to the mix, creating a richer texture and a fantastic blend of sweet, sour, and spicy heat.

Another highly recommended item is Chatpati. This dish is a flavorful salad made with chickpeas and potatoes, tossed in a spiced tamarind-based sauce and often topped with crushed crispies, offering a complex, satisfying textural experience. Jhal Muri, a classic quick bite, is a light yet addictive mixture of puffed rice, roasted peanuts, chana chur (a savory mix), chopped onions, and chilies, all seasoned with mustard oil and spices—a perfect representation of healthy and quick street food.

The beauty of the menu at Tong is its flexibility and its inherent focus on these incredible vegetarian ingredients. You'll find: Comfort food that feels like a hug; Healthy options like their various spiced fruit chaats (vortas); Quick bites that are perfect for a lunch break; Small plates ideal for sharing; and of course, clear Vegetarian and Vegan options, ensuring a welcoming experience for all plant-based diets. Patrons often mention that while the spice is authentic and present, the staff is accommodating and happy to adjust the heat level, allowing you to ask for extra spice or extra tamarind sauce ('tok') to customize your meal perfectly. Tong is more than a restaurant; it’s an authentic, accessible, and delicious slice of Bangladeshi culture, deeply ingrained in the vibrant food landscape of Queens, NYC.

Tong - Bengali Street Food (চটপটি & ফুচকা)

169 Street Station, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA