The Uruguayan diaspora in the United States extends mainly along the eastern seaboard, with sizable communities in Miami and Elizabeth, New Jersey—and one of the largest in New York City, much of it centered in Queens. That means empanada-loving New Yorkers can enjoy the country’s culinary delights without crossing the Hudson. Uruguay itself may only be home to around 3.5 million people, but Uruguayans have made their mark on NYC. Read on for how to experience Uruguayan culture and cuisine around the City.
Photo: Jordana Bermúdez
Grab Lunch at El Chivito D'Oro
Head to Jackson Heights for an authentic Uruguayan lunch at El Chivito D’Oro, located at 84-02 37th Ave. Order the namesake dish, the chivito, which is a staple of Uruguayan cuisine. Though its name translates to “little goat,” the sandwich doesn’t contain goat meat—it comes with a slice of sauteed tenderloin beef and a wide variety of cheese, meat and veggie toppings. It’s often served over a hearty portion of french fries and topped with a sunny-side-up fried egg
Photo: Jordana Bermúdez
Sample the Asado at La Gran Uruguaya
Just down the block from El Chivito D’Oro is La Gran Uruguaya, located at 85-02 37th Ave. Here you can sample the traditional Uruguayan way of eating meat: the asado. Asado refers to an array of meats prepared on an open-grill parrillada (barbecue), and also means rib cut. Traditionally, Uruguayan mixed grill dishes include all parts of the cow—you can try tongue, testicles, brains, liver, kidney, heart and much more. Achuras (offal) include morcilla (blood sausage), molleja (gizzards) and chinchulines (intestines). You can opt for grilled chicken or pig instead of beef.
Photo: Jordana Bermúdez
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at La Gran Uruguaya Bakery
Get dessert next door to La Gran Uruguaya at La Gran Uruguaya Bakery (85-06 37th Ave.), a cultural institution for Uruguayans craving sweets from home. Order dulce de leche treats such as an alfajor (shortbread cookie sandwich with dulce de leche in the middle) or a pionono (rolled-up sponge cake with dulce de leche). Enjoy medialunas—small, sweet croissants often served with ham and cheese—or pasta frola, a pie made from quince. If you’d like something crunchy and savory, go with bizcochos (small breakfast pastries), which pair well with yerba mate, the preferred caffeinated beverage of Uruguayans.
Photo: Jordana Bermúdez
Get Fancy at Tabaré
Treat yourself to delicious Uruguayan fare at Tabaré in their Williamsburg (221 South 1st St.) or Bushwick (1006 Flushing Ave.) outpost. Tabaré translates to “someone who lives far from town” in the Indigenous Tupi language. Owner Ramiro Lescano immigrated to the States when he was 22 and brought with him the culinary traditions of his homeland. When he opened Tabare’s Wlliamsburg location in 2009, it was the only Uruguayan restaurant in Brooklyn. Lescano recommends the signature dish: grass-fed skirt steak with chimichurri. Don’t miss out on the homemade empanadas with caramelized onions and cheese or tuna and olives.
Courtesy, NYC Parks
Visit the General José Artigas Statue
Many Uruguayans in New York City take pride in the statue of Uruguayan national hero General José Artigas, erected in Manhattan’s Spring Street Park, on Sixth Avenue, in 1997. This is one of seven sculptures of Latin Americans on the thoroughfare, which is also known as the Avenue of the Americas. The statue features a Spanish inscription on its pink granite base that translates to “protector of the free people.” Artigas, nicknamed the father of Uruguay, launched the fight for Uruguay's independence in 1811 when he rebelled against Spanish authorities. While you’re in the area, check out the Uruguayan national medallion that hangs on the lamppost at King Street and Sixth Avenue.
Photo: Rob Klein
See a Tango Performance—Then Learn the Dance Yourself
Tango has roots in both Montevideo, Uruguay, and the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Called Rioplatense dance, this style began in urban communities and is set to music that fuses African musical traditions and European-influenced instrumentation, such as the use of the German-invented bandoneon. Song lyrics tend to be about love and contain street slang. You can catch a live performance of the sensual dance at Queens’ Astoria Tango Club. If you’re feeling inspired, take a tango lesson at Chelsea’s Triangulo or Strictly Tango NYC, in the Garment District. The latter will offer tango events and beginners' courses starting at the end of May.
Courtesy, Uruguayan Consulate
Celebrate Uruguayan Independence Day and Other Cultural Events
The Uruguayan Consulate organizes the annual celebration of Uruguayan Independence Day on August 25; festivities, which take place at the Artigas statue and in communities such as Jackson Heights, usually include speeches, performances and parties. The consulate also helps put on cultural events, lectures and art exhibits; check the cultural affairs section of the website for upcoming happenings.
Photo: Jordana Bermúdez
Another important date on the Uruguayan calendar is the 29th of each month, known as Dia de los Ñoquis. This holiday is dedicated to gnocchi: in the 19th century, many Italians immigrated to Uruguay and would share a meal near the end of the month when all they had left in the kitchen were potatoes and flour—the ingredients necessary to make ñoquis. Go to a place like El Chivito d’Oro or La Gran Uruguaya to enjoy some on the appointed date, and leave some change underneath the plate for good luck.
