The decorative silver foil is edible, too.
That typically rhombus-shaped tile is a kaju katli ($7 per pound), made with ghee, sugar, and (likely) cardamom in addition to its namesake ingredient, cashew. It's not as intensely sweet as the blockier coconut burfi ($8 per pound), which brings to mind a macaroon garnished with pistachio; like all burfis, it's cooked down from condensed milk and sugar.
On the corner of the roof, a weathervane (or what's left of one) and cupola make an odd couple with the sign for an Indian snack-food shop. The Cape Cod-style cupola might date to the 1950s, or earlier, but Usha Foods has been on the premises just ten years, said the owners, who couldn't tell me anything about the previous tenant.
Usha Foods and Usha Sweets
255-03 Hillside Ave., Floral Park, Queens
718-343-1500
www.UshaSweets.com
Is this the little storefront that's on the same block, literally a few paces down Hillside, from the Fiza Diner?
The bakery I'm thinking of is called New Usha Sweets and Snacks, and it's worthy of mention for the Lilva and Mugdal Kachoori I had the other day. Five to a bag, for a buck each. Excellent combination of sweet and spicy, with not too much of the former and enough of the latter to sneak up on you when you least expect it.
P.
Posted by: Polecat | March 21, 2009 at 09:53 AM
This place is just up the road from Fiza, and like many businesses it seems to go by more than one name, depending on whether you look at the awning, or the menu, or the business card. I went by the awning, but if you have any doubt, look for the cupola.
Posted by: Dave Cook | March 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Dave,
I just got back from an extended lunch hour at Mumbai Express, after which I hit Usha Foods. This is not the place I was thinking of, which is actually called New Usha Sweets and Snacks, and is on the same block/same side of Hillside as Fiza is.
That venue is worth a visit next time you're in the hood, but Usha Foods merits return trips as well. I got some pink and orange cham chams as well as a bag of Lilva Kachoori. I'm partial to the Kachoori. Would definitely like to try their lunch options some day - they seem interesting.
P.
Posted by: Polecat | March 31, 2009 at 02:27 PM
THEY ARE SO WORST BEHAVIOUR WITH CUSTOMERS. THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO TALK WITH CUSTOMERS ESPECIALLY GENTS.
THEY ARE TELLING LIES TO TAKE ORDERS.
Posted by: S | June 02, 2010 at 07:46 PM
Simply amazing restaurant! Highly recommended!
Posted by: Shiv Patel | January 06, 2011 at 07:38 PM
This is an absolutely wonderful place!
I have been going to Usha Foods for years and its an absolute pillar of the South Asian Community!
Posted by: Divya Patel | August 25, 2012 at 12:14 AM