Cabbies work long days, and often the closest thing they have to a real sit-down meal is a hurried, one-handed snack while racing through traffic. But for those who may get a little homesick, there’s nothing quite like a taste of home to take the edge off living in a foreign land.
ALAMKHAN
Where I hailed him: Midtown East
Where he hails from: Bangladesh
Years as a cabbie: 6
Previous profession: Limousine driver
My favorite restaurant is at the corner of Kenmare and Mott. There’s also one at Duane and Church. They have good Bengal and Indian food. They’re owned by the same people. What’s my favorite dish there? Fish and white rice.
HASSAN
Where I hailed him: Murray Hill
Where he hails from: Morocco
Years as a cabbie: 2
Previous profession: Worked upstate
In the East Village you have a lot of places along Avenue B. I don’t really know any of their names, though. And then in Queens you have a lot of them along Steinway in Astoria especially. I think there is one there called Casablanca — that one is good. Cous-cous — have you heard of cous-cous? That is a Moroccan food. The food here tastes the same as it does in Morocco.
CHOHAN
Where I hailed him: Midtown East
Where he hails from: Pakistan
Years as a cabbie: 5
Previous profession: Policeman
In Manhattan, I go to Haadeni at Lexington and 28th — a lot of cab drivers go there. It’s not that expensive and the food is really good. The service? It is not so good. And there are never any seats available. I found out this restaurant from other drivers. It’s a very popular place with the drivers.
PHILLIP
Where I hailed him: Lower East Side
Where he hails from: Hong Kong
Years as a cabbie: 15
Previous profession: Student
It’s funny. Honestly, I can’t recommend any good restaurants in Chinatown. I like Congee Village on Allen Street, though. That’s pretty good. I also like Japanese food. Sushi, sashimi — they’re great. But I cannot talk right now. I’m driving.
DIMAS
Where I hailed him: East Village
Where he hails from: Peru
Years as a cabbie: 5
Previous profession: Why do you want to know?
The best place to me is Pio Pio on Greenwich and 46th Street in Queens. It’s natural, it’s fresh, it’s just good Peruvian food. It’s the sort of food that you find along the coast when you’re in Peru.