NEW YORK: New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani spent a bustling first day in office preparations, but what stood out most for him was a taste of Nepal.

Sharing an update on X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani said one of the highlights of his day was having lunch with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) at Laliguras Bistro, a well-known Nepali restaurant in Jackson Heights.

“A busy first day as your Mayor-elect: early morning interviews, transition announcements and meetings. More to say on all of it tomorrow. But a highlight was lunch with my Congresswoman @AOC at Laliguras Bistro in Jackson Heights,” Mamdani wrote.

Laliguras Bistro, named after Nepal’s national flower rhododendron, is celebrated for authentic Nepali and Himalayan dishes such as momo, thukpa, dal bhat, and gundruk soup.

The restaurant has become a community favorite in Jackson Heights — an area known for its South Asian diversity and immigrant roots.

Mamdani’s choice of Laliguras reflects his ongoing connection with the multicultural communities of New York City.

Known for championing immigrant rights and working-class neighborhoods, the Mayor-elect has long emphasized inclusivity and local entrepreneurship.

Dining at a Nepali restaurant in one of New York’s most diverse neighborhoods symbolized his commitment to supporting small immigrant-owned businesses.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in New York, Zohran Kwame Mamdani is an Indian-Ugandan American politician and community organizer.

Before his mayoral win, he served as a New York State Assembly member from Astoria, Queens, representing the 36th District.

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani is known for his progressive policies on housing, workers’ rights, and social justice.

For Nepalis living in the U.S., Mamdani’s visit brought pride and visibility to Nepali cuisine on a big political stage.

Social media users from the Nepali diaspora praised the moment as a “cultural win,” with many celebrating how Nepali food continues to gain recognition in New York’s vibrant culinary scene.