A Little of Everything

New York is by far the most multicultural place in the world. Queens alone has more variety than the rest of the Western Hemisphere. So it should be no surprise that this city offers some of the best ethnic cuisine on the planet. With so much variety though, it can be hard to figure out where to start. We asked our resident food expert, Angelica, to put together a short list of some of the best exotic restaurants in New York. Put down that cheeseburger for two minutes and read this:

La Portena

Argentinean

This excellent restaurant in Jackson Heights is very authentic to its ethnic roots. The restaurant has a very classy, yet comfortable ambiance. The people working there are extra sweet, and the food is unbeatable. I recommend any of their salads, especially the Russian Salad, which comes with potato, carrots, peas and mayonnaise. If you're craving something meatier, their Skirt Steak is tender, juicy and well seasoned with a perfect little complementary sauce. To die for!

Jardin de China

Chinese and Spanish

A Chinese restaurant where the servers speak Spanish? Cultural meshing like that only happens in New York. I've been eating at this restaurant in Corona since I was a little girl and it still hasn't lost its charm. There are an endless amount of tasty well-priced combinations. There's the boneless crackling chicken with rice and platanos if you're in the mood for something Spanish or the beef and pepper steak if you're leaning towards Chinese. And if you can't make up your mind, try the sesame chicken with rice and beans. The possibilities are endless.

Pollos A la Brasa Mario

Colombian

This joint, also located in Jackson Heights, offers big affordable portions of the best Colombian food you'll find anywhere in New York. The dishes are always exactly what you ask for, nothing more, nothing less. I recommend trying the Bandeja Tipica. It's grilled steak with rice, beans, plantains and some delicious crackling pork. Even if you've never eaten Colombian food, it will hit the spot. Best of all, it's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Caridad Restaurante

Dominican

This hole in the wall on the Upper West Side offers great cheap food. Get a whole chicken with rice and beans for just ten dollars. But the real bargain are the lunch specials, which cost all of $7. There's something here for every meal of the day. Start your mornings right with some Mangu (mashed plantains). For lunch grab the scrumptious Cuban sandwich. Finish your day with one of the daily specials. I recommend the stewed oxtail. But if that sounds too exotic, stick with the whole chicken. Then start all over again the next day.

Got a recommendation for the best NYC ethnic cuisine? Leave a comment here or e-mail us at losersguidenyc@gmail.com