Jicama, with its crisp texture and mildly sweet flavor, has ascended from niche culinary status to widespread acclaim in recent years. Its versatility in salads, stir-fries, and even desserts has made it a favorite among health-conscious foodies and adventurous eaters alike. In the vibrant tapestry of New York neighborhoods, jicama has found its place, fueling a fascination that blends culinary discovery with cultural exploration. Below are ten notable locations across the city, each offering a unique perspective on this delightful tuber.
1. Los Tacos No. 1
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Contact: (646) 495-7340
Website: lostacos1.com
Located in the bustling Chelsea Market, Los Tacos No. 1 serves up an array of authentic Mexican delights. Their jicama slaw adds an unexpected crunch to classic tacos. Not only does it enhance the texture, but its freshness complements the spiciness of their fillings, showcasing how jicama can elevate traditional dishes.
2. Taqueria Diana
Address: 540 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (646) 456-8450
Website: taqueriadiana.com
Nestled in Hudson Yards, Taqueria Diana incorporates jicama into its innovative menu items. Their jicama tacos reveal a fusion of flavors that reflect both traditional Mexican cuisine and New York’s dynamic culinary landscape. The juxtaposition of flavors is arresting, making it a go-to for jicama aficionados.
3. The Butcher’s Daughter
Address: 19 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 255-2500
Website: thebutchersdaughter.com
A plant-based eatery in the West Village, The Butcher’s Daughter serves jicama as part of their refreshing salads. Emphasizing health and sustainability, this café celebrates the root’s versatility. The usage of jicama in their dishes not only caters to vegetarians but also invites a broader audience to explore healthier eating habits.
4. Los Mariscos
Address: 95 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Contact: (646) 368-4770
Website: losmariscosnyc.com
Adjoining the aforementioned Los Tacos No. 1, Los Mariscos takes a different approach by incorporating jicama into their ceviche. This addition demonstrates how jicama can serve as a palate cleanser, enhancing the overall gastronomic experience. The contrasting textures provide an engaging bite, making jicama a splendid companion to seafood.
5. Tacos El Bronco
Address: 2104 S, 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029
Contact: (212) 828-1612
Website: tacoselbronco.com
In East Harlem, Tacos El Bronco embraces traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist, including jicama in their tacos and quesadillas. They have cultivated a loyal following by showcasing how this crisp vegetable can be infused within rich, meaty dishes, offering a unique balance that intrigues even the most discerning palate.
6. Urban Garden Center
Address: 64 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
Contact: (212) 354-3038
Website: urbangardencenter.com
For those looking to delve deeper into jicama’s versatility, the Urban Garden Center provides fresh jicama along with cooking workshops. Not only do they sell this tuber, but they also conduct sessions on how to incorporate it into everyday recipes, fostering a community around healthy cooking.
7. La Newyorkina
Address: 37-21 29th Ave, Astoria, NY 11105
Contact: (718) 729-3715
Website: lanewyorkina.com
Famed for its inventive paletas, La Newyorkina takes jicama to a whole new dimension with its jicama and lime treat. This unique dessert transcends conventional uses for the tuber, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. It’s a delightful testament to jicama’s adaptability in both savory and sweet applications.
8. Bodega 88
Address: 88 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Contact: (718) 576-8588
Website: bodega88.com
This Williamsburg gem offers a plethora of fresh produce, including jicama. Bodega 88 highlights healthful eating in an urban area, creating an inviting atmosphere where local residents can explore different uses for jicama, from crudités to salad toppings, making it more accessible to those unfamiliar with the vegetable.
9. Cafe Mogador
Address: 101 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Contact: (212) 677-2220
Website: cafemogador.com
Among the varied offerings at Cafe Mogador, the Moroccan-inspired dishes often feature jicama as a refreshing garnish. The cafe plays a pivotal role in showcasing how international influences can shape the use of jicama in diverse global cuisines, creating a richer culinary experience for all patrons.
10. Fresh Direct
Address: Nationwide delivery (Food Service based in NYC)
Contact: (866) 283-7374
Website: freshdirect.com
Finally, for those who prefer home cooking, Fresh Direct provides a reliable source for ordering jicama online. Their commitment to fresh produce makes it easy for New Yorkers to integrate this versatile tuber into their culinary repertoire, fostering a love for home-cooked meals featuring this remarkable ingredient.
Whether enjoyed in a traditional context or reimagined in new culinary forms, jicama is slowly carving out its niche in the rich and diverse food culture of New York City. The numerous establishments weaving this root into their offerings serve as a reminder that food is not merely sustenance; it is a conduit for exploration, creativity, and connection. As the jicama trend grows, one can only imagine the innovative ways it will continue to influence and inspire culinary artistry within New York’s borders.
