The Restaurant Hidden In An NYC Subway Station

Tin Ko Naing and Thidar Kyaw, along with their daughter Yun, run Yun Cafe, a Burmese restaurant tucked away inside the Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue subway station in Queens. As one of NYC’s only Burmese restaurants, Yun Cafe serves classic dishes from Myanmar such as mohinga and a variety of tea leaf salads.
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[@bimapamungkas9109]

Good set of folk like these are the salt of the earth. Honest, humble and hard-working immigrants with an amazing outlook on life, who are just trying to make things work against all odds. "Not flying.. trying". And always great to see fellow Southeast Asians thriving!

[@jasonlucas2328]

Well, I hope that they don't get hate emails like the school board meetings. They are an example of interrupting someone who wants to get a monthly paycheck by doing nothing.

[@channelinikhususbuatliator81]

As an Indonesian, it is relieving to see Burmese food is getting more spotlight. Myanmar is such an underrated country due to sadly, unfortunate reasons. It so sad that despite its political situation, their food is eye-catchingly delicious like mohinga, lahpet, etc. I wish the country can break free from Circle of Conflicts and I could taste some of Burmese foods like Yun's. The halal of course. Love from Indonesia 🇮🇩❤🇲🇲

[@phyoko3141]

Burmese food was world class of Asian food, but Burmese military junta give 55 years of experience under military rule so no Popular as world class.

[@Bluecheese1400]

Burma use to be known as rice bowl of Asia before junta ruined the country

[@channelinikhususbuatliator81]

@@Bluecheese1400 yeah...

[@buuh7592]

Munchies never fails to find these amazing hidden places and people. Their stories always warm my heart

[@kristyburroughs2267]

Just love it when they share the stories of restaurant/ food places that are small family owned

[@zebrajenks]

I love munchies I just wish they would seek out places like OKC, Tulsa, Omaha, Des moines, Boise, Winston Salem/Greensboro, Birmingham, Burlington, Salt Lake City, El Paso, albuquerque, Reno, etc. So much good food in the smaller cities. I was pleasantly shocked by the amount of amazing food in OKC and how thriving the asian district is there! Hands down the largest asian market I have been to, larger than Seattle's, it is called super cao nguyen

[@tlim]

Her parents are like “we need to get back to work” the whole time :) Named it after their daughter. So awesome!

[@zzizahacallar]

I saw that too.

[@pinkmonkeybird2644]

It’s nice to see underrepresented cultures given a spotlight, and I wish that everyone could taste tea leaf salad - it is such an incredible burst of flavors all at once. Immigrants in the US are our best resource and have strengthened us at every turn. We should all take better care of our health, so it would be beneficial to focus more on cuisines like this that rely primarily on fresh vegetables, legumes, and seafood. It may be a bit too salty for some diets, but I’m sure there’s a compromise.

[@animusdx]

I'm ethnically Chinese but had a lot of family born in Burma. I spent a lot of my childhood at family gatherings eating Burmese food and Chinese food. Burmese food is amazing and holds a special place in my heart. It was a great time.

[@WellBehavedForeigner]

Wow you probably know somebody with dark hair

[@ThumperKJFK]

Wow. I have passed your store many times but not have gone in to ask what you selling. My mouth was so hungry watching this video. Next time I am in the Jackson Heights station I must stop and sample your cooking. This is my home Queens. I love to cook and try other styles from all over. I have been shopping in the Korean markets near you for such a long time. Now I am going to have to make your shop also a stop when I am in the area. Thank you and your Family for sharing your love of your food. Thank You. 👍👍

[@jokerproduction]

This place is awesome. Been there a couple times. Highly recommend it.

[@mmatakespodcast1idiot793]

No u havent

[@JimmyStrom]

@@mmatakespodcast1idiot793 lol. Angry as fuck.

[@lisa4498]

@@JimmyStrom what?

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

This nigga supports the Burmese government 🧢🧢🧢🧢

[@KRayxKodessA]

Lucky. Looks fantastic.

[@mhwaymhway2403]

Ahh as a Burmese, I feel so proud of yun and her family. If you're seeing this, thank you for letting NYC have a taste of our amazing Burmese food. Exactly like Yun said, our Burmese food is so unique!!

[@zzizahacallar]

I wish I could try.

[@Pyongyang4948]

Enjoy the rats in the subway with your food

[@FoodandFootprints]

Queens has the best spots like this in the most unsuspecting places!

[@jokerproduction]

Queens is so underrated for good food. Every few streets the ethnic foods change from Halal to Chinese to Indian to Mexican and more.. It's just so densely packed with people from different cultures and the food is amazing and very affordable.

[@ThumperKJFK]

@@jokerproduction LOL Not under rated. I don't want our Queens little food area's to become like Manhattan. I remember me and my girl used to shop and eat at some of the great locations that sold and made food from all over the world, little markets affordable and very good cooking. Now all gone because of the rise of Rent. It got so popular that they raised rent. I am not poor yet to do what I used to it's almost impossible. way to expensive. Brooklyn is also getting like that, but our Queens is still a Diamond in the rough. Little hidden area's of shops run by the small Mom and Dad store.

[@jq3822]

@@jokerproduction Coming from BK where food used to be one of our strong points, I think Queens is taking that mantle. So much innovation and change going on there makes it truly a melting pot of culture. I visit sometimes and its always worth it.

[@aidanmandude]

I have a feeling Bourdain would enjoy this!

[@moeruss2726]

He probably would’ve loved it. 💕 So sad he isn’t with us anymore.😥

[@tainanking]

Oh man. Hasn’t been anyone able to replace the great. We have some great youtubers but that guy was a legend.

[@tainanking]

@@moeruss2726 can’t believe he let some female do that to him. Dude was so important. Had so much more to offer the earth

[@aidanmandude]

@@tainanking I meant the location! Action Bronson and Matty Matheson are the unique ones right now. Plenty of other radical people - but no one like him for sure.

[@shunle2728]

He definitely did enjoy Burmese food 🥺

[@triggerfish9967]

Myanmar is currently in the midst of a war, under a dictatorship known as the junta. Please help spread the word & pray for the people of Myanmar.

[@mayaung674]

THANKS A LOT .

[@John77Doe]

Don't they sort of deserve misfortune after oppressing the Muslim Rohingya minority, burning down Rohingya villages and indiscriminately shooting down the fleeing inhabitants?? 😟😟😟😟

[@kymeana]

@@John77Doe Hey John, the citizens never wanted that. The military is not our ally, they destroyed Rohingya and the Burmese, their own people. Please think and listen to the news, not online people.

[@whatevs3665]

@@John77Doe is it fair for the entire country to suffer for what the military did to the rohingya? Mind you the Myanmar people were suffering way before the rohingya crisis. They hold the title for having the longest civil war in the world. Please choose your words carefully. That country and their people have suffered so much

[@John77Doe]

@@whatevs3665 Is it fair to hold the German people accountable for Nazi Germany?? Is it fair to hold the Japanese people accountable for Imperial Japan. Is it fair to hold the American people accountable for Black slavery and the Genocide of the American Indian?? 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨

[@oyun2025la]

I don’t why this video made me cry. She is such a confident and beautiful girl. wish to visit her place once I visit NYC soon. Love from Japan 💜

[@fanchongchan4958]

I knew I heard a little bit of the Singaporean accent at the start of the video!! Great to see that you guys are successful in the US! Much love from Singapore!

[@shortstuff611]

I live in Jackson Heights and I was very happy when this place opened. Their salads are amazing and very unique! Everyone should try at least once

[@notimportant8806]

this is why queens NY is so magical. The diversity, the cultures, the stories.

[@okashishishiclaw6938]

I live in Minnesota, St. Paul, and we have a pretty big Burmese community! they have history I feel like a lot of people don't know and am glad they are sharing the amazing food as well!

[@jq3822]

St. Paul is like Southeast Asian capital of US lol.

[@John77Doe]

You guys get all the weird Southeast Asian ethnic refugees like the Hmong Montagnards and the Laotians. Why did the US government resettle them out in the great North woods completely cut off from other Asians?? 😟😟😟

[@PapagenoMF]

@@John77Doe Saint Paul was one of the only communities in America to welcome them with open arms. And you obviously haven't been to the Twin Cities if you think that it is "the great North woods" in any shape of the imagination.

[@John77Doe]

@@PapagenoMF When you say "them," do you mean the Hmong after the Fall of Saigon?? Long Beach, California welcomed even more Vietnamese and Cambodians than Saint Paul and became the South East Asan gang capital of the United States. Now we are trying to deport a lot of them back to Vietnam and Cambodia. 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@MTMF.london]

@@John77Doe Why are you calling the Hmong and Laotians "weird"? And why do you think all Asians should live near each other? There are more than 40 countries that comprise Asia and even within the countries, there are many different ethic people with entirely different culture and language to one another. Educate yourself.

[@lcc726]

Thank u for showcasing burmese food. Both my parents are from there and I grew up eating it. I love it! Mohinga, cao soy dook, tea leaf salad are my faves!

[@lS-qp6zq]

NYC, the best place for a cultural-specific cuisine to carve a name in the world of food. So of course a tropical country like Myanmar (Burma) got lots of ingredients to offer, so their cuisine needs the PR indeed.

[@randolphpinkle4482]

I lived in Myanmar for a year in a couple of remote towns and villages. I must admit, I wasn't crazy about the food--at least compared to Thailand--but the kindness and grace of the Burmese people will always make me cherish the time I spent there. That said, I think I will visit this cafe next time I'm in Queens. Myanmar has several culinary masterpieces.

[@mattsdick]

Thank you for giving Burmese people a platform

[@TLH9979]

Thank you for keeping the turtleneck alive.

[@mattsdick]

@@TLH9979 anytime jebroni

[@SunaAoimori]

@@TLH9979 hahahahaha

[@NYCJayRoams]

Since my mom passed away, this is the closest tasting food I’ve had since her cooking, it’s all delicious!

[@TheAmz1028]

Such an amazing episode and family! These people deserve all the success they desire! And the daughter…she can hustle! Go girl!

[@groundsymphony]

They look like great people, I hope through this video they got more visitors, cheers from Indonesia!

[@BnaBreaker]

Burmese food is truly a world class and sophisticated cuisine... it's incredible!

[@PapagenoMF]

I like pizza.

[@tendol4846]

Can’t wait to check this place! Such a humble family and wish you guys the best of luck ☺️

[@dangerislander]

Such an underrated cuisine from SE-Asia. A mix of Thai, Indian, Bengali, Chinese cuisine that dances on the palate.

[@lincolnklo]

The sacrifices that immigrants make just for the faintest opportunity of a better life better for their family is inspiring.

[@mxxxn]

It's sad how many Burmese restaurants don't make it in NYC. My family's Burmese and we're pretty invested on trying and supporting every single one we find in any state or country we're in. There are many of them, but also many closures. Since we aren't as well known of a country or cuisine, it's hard to get people through the doors in the first place. I'm glad their business has made it onto this large platform. I hope more people will decide to try something new and see that it is a very rich culture indeed. I'd love to have an everlasting Burmese restaurant in my home city. 😌

[@77youdoc]

Wonder why that is . Ive had Burmese food in London and its tasty and healthy!! Would think with such a varied population NYC would be the place......Maybe locations?

[@mxxxn]

@@77youdoc I've seen closures from tiny stalls inside grocery stores to higher end restaurants. Most were in prime locations, bustling neighborhoods. I think it's mainly rent prices. After a certain point, the rate of customers doesn't always fulfill that necessity

[@rollercoaster24]

@@77youdoc it’s common for all restaurants to close within the first few years, no matter where it is. It’s just hard to make it out there

[@AndrewSmith00000007]

@@77youdoc I think it’s because not many people know where Myanmar is and what their cuisine is like. On top of that, some ingredients maybe strange to western palate and others are acquired taste.And when it comes to presentation, Burmese has a lot of catching up to do.

[@squirrelboss7067]

Awww you can feel the love/unity in this family. I wish I could try their food but I’m so far away! I also want to wish them well in everything they do.❤️💐🙏🏽😌💫

[@Snorac11]

This is so wonderful!!! May this family find nothing but Success

[@crystalng7414]

Really proud of you yats ❤️❤️❤️ food looks vvv good and if I every come back I wanna try the tea leaf salad!!!!

[@ivantan5207]

its so nice to see diversity and appreciation of other cultures!

[@RamagsKitchen]

The humility and smile speaks volumes about your food. Definitely it's going to taste superb. All the best!

[@bigmike1065]

Loved the video, full of love, and compassion. Even though I live in Atlanta now, I missed when I lived in NYC for the simple reason that I loved eating unique food from hidden gems throughout the city. My next visit is I will be trying this spot.

[@GodsChild100]

They're amazing, gave me a much needed kick in the butt today. Thanks for the inspo!

[@thethemichaelcheung]

This is so well produced. Timeless content.

[@erica_thecreator]

Definitely a hidden gem worth checking out!

[@myintzu2441]

I am really proud that she can show what's Burmese foods are like...Hope everyone enjoy.Support from Myanmar🇲🇲 .

[@AsianFoodNerd]

🥢Great storytelling. I learned about Burmese from growing up in San Francisco eating at Burma Super Star. Heart their tea leaf salad. Keep posting. 🍜

[@erikgonzalez2278]

wow NYC is amazing for all these hidden gems thank you munchies I watch your vids and save them for when I go to NYC. That young girl is smart her marketing degree studies shows. She knows how to explain things!

[@SpiceyM]

Happy to see our people doing well! Wishing you guys success! Don't forget us in your prayers!

[@warriorprincessphl]

Will have to check yalls out! I’m looking forward to it!

[@brownbbydoll1777]

Blessings to them and their family & their business. Hard working people just trying to get it how they live . 💜

[@boundsgarneff5157]

Inspiring! May you guys be blessed with hundreds of sales every day. 💜Good people spreading love in NYC. Sharing ur food and traditions. Definitely i'll visit ur joint.

[@dr3754]

Very well done video -- thanks Yun and family I will see you soon!

[@BoyAditya]

I grew up in Myanmar for 5 years during my toddler year. I grew up with mohonga. I hope mohinga will be as popular as pho.

[@iWasBetterOffDead]

Love all these stories. Keep sharing

[@JackMarshallEatsFood]

Tea leaf salad is one of the best dishes I've had. Would recommend trying it if possible.

[@eatdrinkpure]

Such a lovely family. I love Khaw Suey and make it often. In fact, it is my family's favorite meal!

[@jollyjohn2751]

I am so glad y'all are doing well! Love from a Singaporean!

[@GregCurtin45]

These are my favorite stories on Munchies. Thank you Munchie team for sharing these family adventures of staring from the ground up.

[@alvinlee140]

Thank you for showing this street food

[@spikedog20]

Can’t wait to come and try it out!!!

[@hninhnin4351]

Such a lovely family 🥰 The food looks delicious 😋

[@curioush1905]

This is why I luv queens so much ! So much diversity in world 🌎 cuisine! God bless this family for hard work ethic n serving home style Burmese food especially during hard times. Def going there soon ! 35 min from my home 🏠

[@JackieOgle]

Looks so good!

[@shiolei]

Awesome story and glad there's a place to grab mohinga!

[@TheSaba2115]

A gem. Storing this information for my next visit.

[@Ogkushdabz]

Love this family

[@TimesRyan]

Bless their family and business. I live in Brooklyn and love making trips to these diverse Queens neighbourhoods. I'll head up and see you guys soon!

[@jq3822]

Queens is definitely overtaking BK as a foodie borough. They have so much to offer.

[@adicahya]

Always amaze to see different people from different cultures come and thrive in America...

[@judaoh24]

What an awesome place and a beautiful family! I have a 20 months old girl at home and I pray that my daughter will also be this bright, kind and responsible when she gets older. Wish I can visit this place!

[@jadebrooks311]

What a lovely family. Togetherness and hardworking. They are doing way more than they think. Hope they stay safe and sound down there and get tons of new customers.

[@tkatsk]

Thanks Yun for saying something for our struggle and the fight against military evils.

[@2kmerz]

Beautiful story! And now I want to go to New York and try their food

[@aymansiam515]

Very heart warming story!

[@sadeekali5294]

Bruh that looks freaking tempting af

[@jenniferrivera8627]

Food looks amazing. NYC never seems to amaze me

[@lalapuii7433]

the Laphetauh mix with fermented tea leave is the best 💜

[@rgwak]

There's a Burmese restaurant here in SF and it is AMAZING. The Tea Leaf Salad is maybe the best salad I've ever had, so many textures and a real symphony of flavor. Sooooo gooddddd. 🤤

[@hurricanestrongpower]

My parents are from Burma. I love this lappa thow. My mouth is watering. Trust me Burmese food is very unique, tasty and healthy. Once you try you will try again and again. Burmese food is a hidden jewels. Keep it up and happy to see sharing taste of Burma. God bless you!

[@monowarabegum2954]

My mouth is watering 😋 😩 😫 Thanks for the share 🙏 Have to visit this place, next time I'm in your city. Everything looks so good 👍

[@yehtoon4237]

Its all about location location location!!!! There are so many burmese people living in Elmhurst and Jackson heights area.

[@julietchu7008]

Yum, I will stop by this weekend to try their food and support them/their cause.

[@dwd1111]

Love her! Wonderful spirit, would love to visit one day soon!

[@WOUNDZnTATTOOZ]

I’m half Burmese and half Puerto Rican I stay in Harlem and never heard of this place I’m coming by!!!

[@waiyantun8422]

Puerto Rican - Burmese. That's rare and beautiful. Hello from Burma

[@shakiyagotdreams8563]

I’m by there now! I’m going to try there restaurant 💓💯

[@ayolaipo]

UNDERRATED ! BEST FOOD IVE HAD IN A WHILE ! DOES NOT DISAPPOINT

[@moeruss2726]

This family seems so lovely. Such hard workers and nothing stopped them from achieving their goals , even a fire burning down their business to the ground.They were separated for 5 years but just kept their faith that if they worked hard and did the right thing , they would be reunited again. I’ve never tried Burmese food but it looks very flavorful. What cuisine does it most resemble or is it truly a one of a kind cuisine ?

[@AdmSyfq]

Looking at some of the ingredients and style of cooking, I’d say it’s closest to Indonesian and Thai (and nuances from just the SEA region). I’m sure it has its unique tastes and qualities though. [I’m Malaysian]

[@braetonwilson4296]

It's closest to Thai but it has strong influences from India just because India and Burma are located very near each other. That's why Yun mentioned Thai and Indian cuisine in major influences in the video and why one of the menu items is samosa salad.

[@markchu4970]

Such awesome people

[@hsupyaepyaelwin5179]

It's exciting to see Burmese food featured on food channels. Their food looks authentic and I'm looking forward to trying it when I visit NYC.

[@JonnyBoots2020]

Looks amazing. Damn gotta try it one of these weekends

[@naywyne]

Love to see burmese food in newyork And also thanks for explaining situations in burmese

[@SuntaX10]

Welcome to Queens, NY where all restaurants are freaking good!

[@phoenixgamer6737]

I grew up on this food so its cool to see it get some recognition lol

[@JJ-yu6og]

Wow. Sounds amazing .

[@tiffanythompson5072]

I would love to try this soon. I love their story. The food looks so yummy!

[@awt2181]

Glad to see fellow Burmese on munchies.

[@shouravmandal6079]

first time heard about them & gonna visit soon!

[@jaytee6804]

Wow; such a beautiful family!

[@Yana-km6xs]

Beautiful family and lovely girl. Wish you guys wore in London x

[@rn4life297]

I grew up eating Mohinga, such a great comfort food. Beautiful story.

[@JoeDiStefanoQNS]

YUN AND HER FAM ARE THE TRUTH!!

[@SunaAoimori]

what a lovely family . i can feel their warmth i wish i could visit their shop but im :3 in europe

[@davidbatin1699]

Not only does she explained the Burmese cuisine very well she's also pretty & her mom & dad seems very nice. I wish them all the sucess & also hope to see them open a Burmese restaurant in LA area one day.

[@Lacycsgo]

what a hidden gem!

[@Jae-lg6nv]

What a lovely family. ♥

[@brianmoody2549]

The food looks fresh cooked well.learning from the family, and understanding what makes the food tastes great,love heart too put out great food,learning from the home is the best way.

[@yukky341905]

I am not Burmese but I used to live in Myanmar for 4 years. Super sad that I couldn't find a place that serves the cuisine in the states. my fav are definitely the popular shan kao swe, mohinga, laphet thoke

[@MTMF.london]

Blooming eck! Had I known about this I would have stopped by to have a Burmese feast. I was just in NYC a couple of weeks ago! Definitely next time.