A curated first-week guide to the Desi community in New York. Find your temple, your grocery store, and your people.
Share with a friend →Step 1: Find a temple, mosque, or gurdwara
Your first connection to the community. Most welcome newcomers.
Sikh Cultural Society NY
📍 95-30 118th St, Richmond Hill
718-846-8870
Ganesh Temple NYC
📍 45-57 Bowne St, Flushing
(718) 460-8484
Hindu Temple Society of North America
📍 45-57 Bowne St, Flushing
(718) 460-8484
Ganesha Temple Flushing
📍 45-57 Bowne St, Flushing
718-460-8484
Step 2: Stock up on groceries
Indian grocers carry everything from atta to fresh curry leaves.
Patel Brothers Jackson Heights
📍 37-27 74th St, Jackson Heights
(718) 899-8899
Kalustyan's Indian Grocery
📍 123 Lexington Ave, New York
(212) 685-3451
Kalustyan's Spice Shop Curry Hill
📍 123 Lexington Ave, New York
(212) 685-3451
Step 3: Connect with the community
Cultural associations, non-profits, and newcomer networks.
Indian Consulate Area Community
📍 3 E 64th St, New York
212-774-0600
Federation of Indian Associations NY
📍 550 Mamaroneck Ave, Harrison
(914) 713-7447
Federation of Indian Associations NYC
📍 3 W 35th St Ste 1, New York
(212) 470-7161
Step 4: Eat your comfort food
From biryani to dosa — find the flavors that feel like home.
Curry in a Hurry
📍 119 Lexington Ave, New York
(212) 683-0900
Jackson Diner Queens
📍 37-47 74th St, Jackson Heights
(718) 672-1232
Saravana Bhavan NYC
📍 81 Lexington Ave, New York
212-679-0204
Chola Indian Restaurant
📍 232 E 58th St, New York
212-688-4619
Step 5: Get essential services
Desi doctors, accountants, salons, and travel agents who understand you.
More community resources
Everything else you need to settle into New York