There are ten thousand Tibetans living in new York City, the vast majority in Jackson Heights.  And with this colorful ethnic influx there are several authentic Tibetan restaurants clustered together to choose from. I found selecting my favorite a difficult decision as each serves authentic Tibetan cuisine,  but I stand confident in my choice of Spicy Tibet as number one. What make my selection somewhat controversial is that it is "the new kid on the block," having been open only eight months. However, the menu is diverse, the food outstanding, and it is always crowded (more than any of the other places) with enthusiastic Tibetans giving it an extra colorful energy.

Then Thug (pronounced Ten Doog) is one of the most common dishes of Tibet. It is a very warming thick soup, almost stew like, with noodles, vegetables and either chicken, beef, or pork. Very satisfying on freezing day.

One of the main reasons that Spicy Tibet is my favorite is because like it's name, they do very good "spicy" dishes. Here is a dish of Chicken Chili which arrives with a large dumpling which has a doughy feel. The dumpling is a good compliment to the heat of the chicken.

Spicy Tibet is very popular, it is almost always full, and sometimes there will be line out the door waiting to get in. There is a sense of close camaraderie of the place and most of the time I eat at a table with local Tibetans. The Tibetan people are shy at first but very kind and I learn greater in-sight into their country and culture by dining with them.

Warmth of service is a trademark at Spicy Tibet. The two waitresses; Doma on the right is from Tibet, Kuenulyn is native of Bhutan.

The momo, the most well-recognized of any Tibetan food item. These juicy dumplings come filled with a selection of; chicken, beef, pork, or vegetable. They are served with a fiery red sauce on the side.

Spicy Tibet has several handsome black and white photographs on the walls. These photos range from dramatic landscapes, to places of worship, to strong character faces of the people.

Like all the Tibetan restaurants I visited in Jackson Heights, homage is always paid to the 14th Dalai Lama.

Tibetan language lesson - "Hello"  (Tash delek)   "Thank you"  (Tujay - chay)

Interesting fact about Tibet - Tibet is the highest region on Earth and is commonly referred to as the "Roof of the World."

Address - 75 - 04 Roosevelt Avenue  Jackson Heights (Queens)   (718) 779 - 7500