Momos Take Center Stage at Jackson Heights Momo Crawl
If you’re a dumpling fan, mark your calendars for this Sunday’s 12th annual Momo Crawl in Jackson Heights. This event celebrates the beloved Himalayan dish known as momos, which are crimped and spiced dumplings originating from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India.
For those unfamiliar with momos, these delectable treats come in a variety of mouthwatering variations. You can find them steamed, fried, or in a spicy soup, stuffed with beef, goat, or potato, seasoned with soy sauce or ginger, shaped into rounds or crescents, and served with a tantalizing chile-tomato dipping sauce.
Twenty-four vendors from the vibrant Himalayan community of Jackson Heights will be showcasing their unique momo creations on Sunday. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide array of momos and vote for their favorite. The event has experienced exponential growth over the past decade, attracting just 30 attendees in 2012 and drawing 2,000 participants last year, even in the midst of a downpour.
According to Rinzin Thonden of Students for a Free Tibet, the organization behind the Momo Crawl, this surge in popularity has had a positive impact on local vendors. Tsering Rabgyal, owner of Om Wok and winner of the momo contest in 2022, attests to the crawl’s influence on their business.
The Momo Crawl’s rise in popularity reflects a broader trend in New York City, where Himalayan cuisine is gaining recognition among locals. The city’s Nepalese population, one of the fastest-growing groups, tripled between 2010 and 2019. Thonden notes the increasing number of Himalayan eateries across the five boroughs, with Queens boasting approximately 70 restaurants and Manhattan and Brooklyn each hosting a dozen establishments.
Diverse Influences in Himalayan Cuisine
The culinary landscape of Himalayan restaurants in New York City is a melting pot of global influences. Establishments like Nangma in Elmhurst offer Sichuan dishes alongside traditional Tibetan fare, while Wasabi Point in Elmhurst incorporates Japanese flavors into its ramen and udon dishes. Cafe Catmandoo serves up American classics like hamburgers, showcasing the fusion of diverse culinary traditions in Himalayan cuisine.
Newer additions to the dining scene, such as Lakeside in Jackson Heights and Newa Chhe in Sunnyside, delve deeper into regional cuisine and indigenous Newari culture. Zhego, the city’s first full-service Bhutanese restaurant, opened its doors in 2023, introducing diners to a unique brand of momos inspired by Bhutan’s dairy-rich culinary heritage.
Chef-owner Tobden Jamphel of Zhego is known for his innovative approach to momo preparation, using a blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses to mimic a traditional Bhutanese cheese. His momos, filled with cabbage and cheese, are complemented by a spicy chile-tomato dipping sauce, showcasing the diverse flavors of Bhutanese cuisine.
Exploring Culinary Creativity at Momo Crave and Om Wok
Momo Crave, a popular momo spot, offers a range of innovative dumpling creations, including a taco momo topped with avocado and black-bean paste. This inventive twist on a classic dish has garnered widespread acclaim among locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, Om Wok’s signature momo—a super-sized dumpling filled with hot soup—has been a standout at the Momo Crawl, earning the top prize in 2022 and 2023.
For Rinzin Thonden, the Momo Crawl serves as a gateway to the diverse culinary traditions of the Himalayan region. He hopes that attendees will explore the myriad offerings of Jackson Heights beyond the annual event, discovering the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures that define the neighborhood’s dining scene.
The 12th annual Momo Crawl will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 15th. Attendees can purchase a $15 “passport” for access to momos from various vendors at $1 each. Passport sales and pickups will commence at 11:45 a.m. at Diversity Plaza on 37th Road between 73rd and 74th streets in Jackson Heights. Be sure to cast your vote for the best momo before the ballot box closes at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.