If you’ve ever visited Niagara Falls, NY, you’ve probably noticed a strange pattern: a sizable majority of food offerings in the downtown core (especially outside of Niagara Falls State Park) is geared toward a particular region: South Asia.

It is fairly common to see signs along the main strip highlighting “veg and non-veg” options, “live dosa”, “desi”, “thali”, or the straightforward “all-day Indian buffet”.

How is it that a region on the other end of the globe has such a strong culinary presence in Niagara Falls?

The Evolving Market

The plethora of South Asian restaurants in Niagara Falls isn’t a fluke: a look around the State Park on any given day gives the simplest answer: a sizable number of travelers from South Asia visit Niagara Falls every year.

In fact, “sizable” is an understatement: India alone is the top visiting nation to Niagara Falls, NY, having knocked China off the pedestal several years ago. India’s domination of the travel market isn’t just localized to Niagara: they are now the second-largest overseas demographic visiting America as a whole.

This increase in visitors from India and other South Asian countries is a major benefit to the Cataract City. With the Middle Class in India continuing to grow, and the Falls themselves being seen as a renowned destination for visitors from this part of the world, Niagara’s economy is now being bolstered by a surge of spending on attractions, retail, lodging, and of course food.

An Immigrant Community

As a growing number of Middle Class South Asians look for better career and living options, the United States is an enticing option. New York state currently has close to 600,000 South Asians living here, making us the second-largest home to this population in the US (the largest being California). While a decent portion of this number resides in New York City, there have been recent inroads into the state as a whole. Western New York, with a housing market that packs a much favorable value over the national average, is a natural place to settle. With Niagara Falls being the top tourist destination for the very country that these immigrants come from, it makes sense that they would build into the hospitality sector, particularly in the restaurant industry.

A Shifting Palate

Post-pandemic, the South Asian influence on business development in Niagara has surged. Old Falls Street, generally a burger and hotdog stopover directly outside of the State Park, now features an entire block of Indian and Nepali eateries. An assortment of South Asian food trucks now find corner pockets in the pedestrian-heavy thoroughfare as well. Over on Third Street, the city’s somewhat worn bar district (notwithstanding the stalwarts of The Craft and Wine on Third, or the punchy Archive Pub) has shifted into a hub for some rather exceptionally-serviced (and tastefully appointed) South Asian restaurants.

Just as the explosion of new restaurants shows the variety of tastes, the offerings reflect the full gamut of dietary preferences and requirements of both immigrants and tourists. Most “Desi” (of the Indian subcontinent) eateries will feature vegetarian and non-vegetarian options clearly listed (especially in the handful of buffets we have downtown). In addition, spots with connections to Pakistan or Bangladesh (like Street Cafe on Niagara Street) will explicitly list that they are halal on the outside of the building, making it easier for the Muslim traveler or resident to find a quality food options quickly.

A Harmony of Flavors

While restaurants catering to the tastes of travelers from the Indian subcontinent appear to be dominating Niagara, a closer look truly shows just how diverse our food offerings have become. For the first time ever, it is possible to get everything from Soul Food to Shawarma in the Cataract City. A prime example of this is Pine Avenue. The former “Little Italy” district of the Falls has become a hidden gem for foodies, with pizza and pasta being joined by oxtail gumbo, pad thai, and curry. There was even a plan to reopen the street’s iconic Como Italian Restaurant as a Desi-Italian combo eatery, although the project was scrapped earlier this year.

As Niagara Falls evolves with the changing demographics in visitors and residents, the landscape of the city’s rich culinary history continues to evolve with it. It’s fascinating to see the gamut of variables both large and small that lead to an exceptionally good plate of Lamb Rogan Josh on the Boulevard, or Gutti Vankaya on Third Street. It seems that Niagara Falls is truly a wonder of world flavors.

Is there a topic about Niagara Falls, NY you would like me to cover? Leave a comment below. Be sure to follow the blog for more posts about all things Niagara!

-Sheepie ❤