Five Women-Owned Businesses Around Queens

Ibari is a West African fine goods store advertising the chance to bring the world home at its storefront! Although owner Beatrice Ajaero is not an Astoria native, Ajaero chose to open the store in Astoria after her siblings told her about the neighborhood’s diversity. Each item is meticulously curated by Ajaero, after being imported from West African countries like Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, and Sudan.

Mud cloth, West Africa’s oldest handwoven tradition, via Ibari’s Facebook

Following the success of Ibari, Ajaero opened Nneji, a restaurant inspired by the customers of Ibari who asked her all about West African cuisine.

Nneji serves comforting warm West African soups and stews (many of which are vegan) for $8. Try their Egusi, a Nigerian squash soup, and their on-site selection of confectionaries from Astoria’s Rose & Joe’s Italian Bakery.

Jollof rice with Egusi salmon via Nneji’s Yelp

Within Moma PS1 lies a treat: Chef Mina’s fresh Greek-inspired all-day cafe. Their small plates are based on mezzetaki, late afternoon snacks that you eat on the beach in Greece. But Stone elevates her bites with other cultural tidbits, creating snacks like tahini babka that serves as French toast on the weekends.

French lentil salad with blistered golden raisins, roasted fennel and caramelized onions via Mina’s Instagram

Beating out the competition in Elmhurst, Duangjai “Kitty” Thammasat’s Ayada Thai is one of the most ambitious Thai restaurants in New York City, serving a more modern take on Thai food. The subtle Japanese influence that’s trending in Thailand makes a play here, as well as rarer curries you won’t be able to order at other Thai restaurants like the sour and coconut-free kang som.

Seafood mango salad via Ayada Thai’s Yelp

Katherine Fuchs brings you down under with The Thirsty Koala, a restaurant that takes its flavors from her Australian past. Choose from a menu of grass-fed, free-range, hormone and antibiotic free meats, vegan and gluten-free options, and a Koala Kids section. Try their Kangaroo burger, halloumi fries and Pavlova.

Aussie lamb chops via The Thirsty Koala’s Instagram