Hidden Immigrant-Owned Gems of the Lower East Side

As a journalist covering immigrant-owned businesses, I’ve found numerous hidden food gems–shops, cafes and bakeries–in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This Jane’s Walk wonders through the LES, visiting seven food establishments, all immigrant-owned.

At each location, the owner will step outside for a moment to give a brief explanation of their particular food’s history in a NYC context, answer questions and perhaps offer snacks as samples. Countries of food origin include: Malaysia, Sweden, Lebanon, and Portugal, among others. One shop selling locally produced packaged goods will have one or two immigrant producers on hand.

This would be a fun and informative tour for people who want to learn about new foods, get a glimpse into the life of immigrant food entrepreneurs and support small businesses.