"For a quick takeout or sit-down meal on 125th Street, head to Mama Africa. The buffet trays behind the counter at this Senegalese spot are full of lamb curry and white rice, and golden-brown chicken comes out smoky, like it was grilled outside in the summer. Takeout orders line up by the cash register, but the sight of a couple peacefully eating a whole fish might convince you to sit down and stay awhile before jetting off again. Either way, don’t leave without a ginger juice, which is equal parts spicy and sweet." - neha talreja, hannah albertine, bryan kim, willa moore, sonal shah