Annapurna Thakali Kitchen

"For great Nepali food in Elmhurst, head to Annapurna Thakali Kitchen. During peak hours, you might encounter a short wait, because the compact, two-floor spot is often full of families and groups of friends, each going to town on their own thali set. That’s what you’re here for too, and it’s worth hanging about until you’re seated. Start with the Wai Wai sadeko and then a thali with your choice of protein—we like the pork, which is crispy and fatty like the most perfect chicharron. Someone will come around and offer you free refills of daal and mustard greens—take advantage of this until you’re way past full. " - will hartman, bryan kim, hannah albertine, neha talreja, willa moore

"For a Nepali thali set, Annapurna in Elmhurst is our favorite option. Other people seem to also know this, because the two-level spot on Roosevelt Ave. often has a short wait during peak hours. Tables are occupied by families and groups of friends, each going to town on their own personal thali. Try to get a table on the first floor (the basement lacks windows), and then start with a snack of Wai Wai sadeko before a thali set with your choice of protein. We like the pork, which is crunchy like chicharron. Do take advantage of the free refills of daal and mustard greens each time your server comes around." - willa moore, sonal shah, bryan kim

"Named for a district in Nepal, Mustang Thakali Kitchen has been open since 2008, and if you find yourself in Jackson Heights looking to spend some quality time with a plate of momos, it’s a solid choice. We like the chicken thali with ultra-savory dal and tender chicken, or the samya bajee, a “Nepali bento box” with marinated chicken and beaten rice. The chow mein with beef, which will arrive at your table with every noodle just lightly charred, but still very chewy, is another good choice. The large space has a bar in the back and a big window in the front, which is perfect for people-watching during a solo meal. photo credit: Willa Moore photo credit: Willa Moore photo credit: Willa Moore" - Willa Moore

"During peak hours, you might encounter a short wait at Annapurna Thakali Kitchen. The compact, two-floor spot is a popular choice for Nepali thali in Elmhurst—for good reason—and it fills up with families and groups of friends, each going to town on their own thali set with refillable bowls of comforting daal and greens. A captain keeps things running smoothly: picking up orders from a small window looking into the kitchen, refilling bowls when levels of daal get low, and handing out checks. Try to get a table on the first floor, and start with the Wai Wai sadeko. Then, order a thali set with your choice of protein, and work your way around and around your platter until you are way past full." - Willa Moore