Little Guyana, nestled in Richmond Hill and Ozone Park near John F. Kennedy International Airport, stands as a vibrant community marked by a rich cultural mosaic. Residents of diverse backgrounds, particularly those of East Indian and African descent, contribute to the neighborhood’s unique identity.

A notable historical connection lies in the fact that Shirley Chisholm’s father was among the early Guyanese immigrants to the U.S., adding a layer of significance to the area. The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a substantial wave of Guyanese immigrants, with a noteworthy proportion identifying with the Hindu faith.

As the demographic landscape evolved, Richmond Hill and Ozone Park emerged as not only hubs for Guyanese communities but also magnets for Trinidadians, Chinese, and Indians. This blending of Caribbean and Asian cultures over time has shaped Little Guyana into a remarkable tapestry of diversity and cultural fusion.

Many residents of East Indian and African descent call Little Guyana home. Shirley Chisholm’s father was one of the first Guyanese immigrants to the U.S. The 1970s and 1980s saw a substantial wave of Guyanese immigrants, with a significant number identifying as Hindu. Over time, Trinidadians, Chinese, and Indians were drawn to Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, resulting in a blending of Caribbean and Asian cultures.

S&A, known for dishes like aloo pie and pumpkin talkari, is situated on the western boundary of Little Guyana, approximately 10 blocks west of the next closest Guyanese spot. Further east, Trini Delite Roti Shop is a popular destination for doubles, a Trinidad and Tobago street food consisting of fluffy bread called bara filled with curry channa (chickpeas). Rising Tide Restaurant has been serving customers for over 20 years, and GT Rice Bowl, which opened in September 2020, specializes in dishes like coconut choka.

A few blocks down, after passing by a handful of Guyanese clothing stores and offices, you’ll find Little Guyana Bake Shop, which also functions as a small grocery offering specialty West Indian products. On Liberty and 118th Street, three West Indian markets display plenty of fruits and vegetables outside. Moving east on that block, you’ll come across a few restaurants: Tropical Jade 3 Roti Express, Tropical Isle, and Sonny’s Roti Shop, the last of which features some Guyanese-Chinese fusion dishes.