In Indonesian-Latino Comes to Jackson Heights, Edible Queens World’s Fare blogger Joe DiStefano describes his visit to a new Indonesian-Latino restaurant, Tropika Grill n’ Cafe, in Jackson Heights, Queens. Say what? Indonesian-Latino? You have to question the concept immediately, but as the way DiStefano describes it, Tropika doesn’t sound half bad. Indonesian and LAtin American flavors aren’t completely unrelated. There is abundance of spices, fruits, chiles, and fish.  The chef is from the island of Sulawesi, therefore the majority of the dishes seem to be Indonesian, though the restaurant is right in the heart of the latin community on Roosevelt avenue, so I guess you have to please the neighbors. DiStefano says they serve Beef Rendang, Satay, and even frogs legs. There’s fried yucca and even bolas fritas de maiz, which are seasoned with kaffir lime leaves. There’s also nine flavors of elote, or Mexican grilled corn, including chocolate and garlic. I don’t foresee Michelin stopping by anytime soon, but it’s definitely interesting.

Nicholas Gill (470 Posts)

Writer and photographer Nicholas Gill is the editor/publisher of New World Review. He lives in Lima, Peru and Brooklyn, New York. His work has appeared in publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CondeNast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Afar, and Penthouse. Visit his personal website (nicholas-gill.com) for more information.