Spicy Mina

Axel/Ben (the other belly in this blog) is a devoted reader of Chowhound and, as such, has been spearheading our Queens eating adventures. Last night: Spicy Mina, which is just a few blocks away from the Thai destination, Sriphiphai, where we went several weeks ago. Mina's is traditional Bangladeshi food and according to the message boards has an uneven reputation. Yet our meal last night was fantastic. Bangladeshi cuisine is similar to Indian food, but more lemongrass and ginger and less gravy. We ordered samosa chat ($5) to start, followed by fantastic chicken soup for two ($5) - make sure to generously add the fresh chopped green chilies in vinegar for heat - and then two mains: shok ponir, $9.95 (aka palak paneer or saag paneer and in English: spinach)and shrimp dopeaja, $15.95 and a couple of garlic nans. The total came to $46 before tip. The entrees were great; the shok panir was made with whole fresh spinach leaves, easy on the paneer, and dotted with red chilies. It was extremely fresh and unbelievably tasty. The shrimp was also full of flavor, with a spicy ginger sauce, and was perfect wrapped in a little nan. My only regret that there was not more sauce to mop up. For the most part the restaurant was quiet and the service was languid. No beer served, but they do have fresh lassi. We highly recommend trekking to Mina's!







Where: 64-23 Broadway, Woodside, Queens, NY, (718) 205-2340