Nat Geo Day Tour: Flavors from the Melting Pot

Queens, New York, is known for its remarkable cultural diversity. Historically recognized as an immigrant hub, the area boasts a rich blend of heritages to the extent that it's possible to encounter over 300 distinct languages on a single street. The exceptional variety of cuisines available within the borough is a great introduction to the diversity of its people.

With your National Geographic-trained guide you’ll explore the legacy of immigration in the city. As you walk through the areas of Corona and Elmhurst, you'll meet the families that run authentic family-owned restaurants, each with their own stories and cultural backgrounds. These local eateries not only serve dishes from all corners of the planet to their neighbors, but also foster cultural ties, community bonds, and livelihoods.

You’ll start with a traditional Mexican sandwich from a family-owned bakery, then sample a Colombian twist on the iconic New York hot dog. Next, it’s off to Asia with tasting sessions of Chinese dumplings and Tibetan momos. The last stop is a Taiwanese café where you'll learn about the enigmatic durian fruit and taste it in its natural form and in a pastry.

So prepare your tastebuds for a treat on this culinary journey, a gastronomic experience which stands out as a unique opportunity to grasp the extent of Queens' diversity and to understand the immigrant stories that make this borough the cultural mosaic it is today.