Che Li to Nong Geng Ji: A Flushing Flavor Loop
Two Flushing dining rooms a few minutes apart, a Michelin-listed Jiangnan kitchen for a composed first table and a fiery Hunan spot for the spicy second, an easy midday loop that rewards a group.
🗺️ Two Flushing tables, one short walk
🍲 Start with a reserved Jiangnan table
Che Li opens at 11:00 AM and gives this route a calm first chapter, with Shanghai cooking shaped around communal plates and a dining room styled like a garden. Book ahead because the venue marks reservations as recommended, then settle in for soup dumplings or a shared signature dish. The address is 133-42 39th Avenue, and the 4.7 rating from 1,785 reviews reflects the polished setting. Arrive around 11:30 AM for the widest midday overlap before the short walk.
🌶️ Turn north for Hunan heat
Nong Geng Ji starts service at 11:30 AM, a natural second stop once lunch at Che Li winds down. Walk roughly four minutes to 135-15 37th Avenue, then let the kitchen set the pace with tea chicken, black tofu, and shareable plates. The 4.6 rating from 396 reviews backs its bold Hunan cooking, while staff can adjust spice levels for the table. Weekdays close at 9:30 PM, with later hours Friday through Sunday.
🧭 Pace the handoff
This pairing works as a focused afternoon because the doors overlap from 11:30 AM and the transfer is a simple four minute walk between nearby addresses. Start at Che Li for a booked table, then move to Nong Geng Ji for a later, spicier round of shared plates. Both restaurants operate indoors, and light rain does not break the plan. Leave from 37th Avenue with subway and bus connections nearby.
