Mamdani ends 2nd day as NY mayor with chicken roast, aloo bhorta at Bangladeshi eatery Boishakhi
Boishakhi, known for its Bengali cooking, has emerged as Mamdani’s go-to spot in a city famous for its diverse food scene.
After a whirlwind second day in office marked by executive orders and high-level appointments, Zohran Mamdani, New York City's first South Asian and Muslim mayor, chose to wind down with a traditional Bengali meal.
Taking to the social media platform X, the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist shared a glimpse of his dinner, declaring it the "best way to end Day 2". His menu of choice featured the quintessential Bengali comfort pairing: chicken roast and aloo bhorta.
The meal was from Boishakhi, a popular Bangladeshi eatery on 36th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. The restaurant has long been a personal favourite for Mamdani, who has frequently praised its authentic flavours during his time as a community activist and local representative.
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For New York City's Bangladeshi and broader South Asian diaspora, the mayor's choice of dinner is more than just a personal preference; it is a symbolic embrace of the multicultural fabric he promised to represent.
Boishakhi, known for its Bengali cooking, has emerged as Mamdani's go-to spot in a city famous for its diverse food scene.
The mayor's affinity for the Astoria food scene is well-documented. He has previously cited local gems like Kabob King and Abuqir as staples of his diet, reflecting a palate that deeply values the immigrant-run establishments that define the Queens neighbourhood he calls home.
Punjabi beats to Bengali treats
Mamdani's second day followed a high-energy inauguration that went viral after Punjabi singer Babbulicious performed the hit track "Gaddi Red Challenger" inside a subway station. The mayor and his wife, Rama Duwaji, were seen dancing with hundreds of attendees in a celebration that many hailed as a historic, multicultural milestone for New York City.
Between the festivities and his evening meal at Boishakhi, Mamdani remained focused on city administration. He signed an executive order to establish the Office of Mass Engagement, aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, and even took the time to serve hot chocolate to the staff at City Hall.
Earlier, on his first day, Mamdani signalled his commitment to accessibility by commuting to work via the subway from his Queens apartment, stopping to take selfies with commuters and introducing himself to tourists as "the new mayor".
Ending the day with a plate of chicken roast and aloo bhorta from Boishakhi, Mamdani's pledge that his government will "look and live like the people it represents" became prevalent.
