Queens Tribune

Main Street Vendors
Main Street in Flushing
CUISINE: Everything
HOURS: Lunchtime and Dinnertime
PARKING: Street
CREDIT CARD: No
TAKEOUT: Only

The day is perfect for a stroll down Main Street. The brightly colored awnings are mostly unintelligible and the feel of being transported to another land lingers.
A stiff breeze lifts the smell of the neighborhood high into the sky. Exhaust fumes mingle gently with the different aromas of street vendors, fruit stands and restaurants.
Even at midweek, early afternoon, Main Street is flushed with people. The sidewalks are crammed to the hilt; there is a jostle and a dance added to the awkward movement of people trying to reach a destination.

Here on the already crowded streets, small groups gather close to the street vendors, smoke wafting out the metal sidewalk restaurants with every sway of the breeze. For a patron whose only and native tongue is English, it is hard to decipher the quick tidbits of language and transactions flowing freely before my eyes. But the unspoken language of the dollar and the hand needs no elaborate conversation. There is an understanding.

At the mouth of 41st Avenue and Main Street a cart sits squarely on the corner, Traditional Xinjang Barbeque it proclaims on the side. Customers are waiting patiently; the cook is busy attending to the shish kabobs and applying varying spices.

It is my turn to order. The only thing I can make out is chicken. I go with the familiar. Later I learn that the additional options are lamb and beef. The meat comes piled high on stick, nice and hot. It is not enough to quell an empty stomach, but just enough to whet an appetite and keep the customers visiting.

Two customers of the Xinjang Barbeque said they have visited the vendor for years. Andrew said he and his grandfather visit the cart every time they are in the vicinity.

“I like the food,” Andrew said.

Wrapped hurriedly in foil and tucked in a white plastic bag Andrew gestures, “We like this.”

A city block away another cart proclaims an Afghan Halal menu. Again, the language barrier precludes any real conversation, but the understanding is also recognized here.
For a mere $5 lunch is served. A Styrofoam plate is filled with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, long grain yellow rice, chicken with white sauce drizzled on for taste as the money exchanges hand. The smell ascends quickly out of its holding place assailing the senses.

The exotics are not the only delectable finds in this place crawling with culture and people. Stands advertising a staple for any summertime diet, the all important hotdog, can be found dotting the sidewalks.

Take a chance, come to Main Street immerse yourself in this neighborhood. If you do, two pieces of advice- don’t drive and bring cash.