Inside Datz Deli, the family-run Queens spot bringing Guyanese flavor to the masses | amNewYork

A family-run Guyanese-American deli in Hollis, Queens draws long lines for oxtail mac patties and other Caribbean-inspired deli creations. Customers wait hours for jerk chicken mac patties, curry chicken specials, and chopped cheeses layered with Guyanese flavors. Social media videos bring millions of views and attract visitors from across New York and around the world. The owner frames the food as a bridge, Americanizing flavors slightly so more people feel comfortable trying curries and oxtails. The business began from the owner’s father’s cooking and grew into a full family operation with multiple relatives running locations. Guyanese pride is central, including efforts to help people understand where Guyana is and avoid confusion.

"There's a line out the door at Datz Deli, and somebody's waiting three hours for an oxtail macpatty. For most New Yorkers, that sounds insane. For Hollis, Queens, it's just another day at Datz Deli. The family-run Guyanese-American deli has become one of New York City's most viral food spots, known for overstuffed mac patties, Caribbean flavors packed into deli-style creations, and social media videos that regularly pull millions of views."

"“I like to say we're bridging the gap,” the owner, Josh Dat, said. “We're making people try curries and oxtails for the first time because I put it in a sandwich. I Americanized it a little bit, so it makes people more comfortable trying those flavors.” Inside the deli, Caribbean music bounces off the walls while customers crowd around the counter waiting for jerk chicken mac patties, curry chicken specials and chopped cheeses layered with Guyanese flavors."

"“We literally have people coming from all over the world,” Dat said. “Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan everywhere.” The deli first opened because of his father, a lifelong chef who spent years cooking for other people. “I just knew he was a great cook,” Dat said. “And I was like, you know what? You need your own.” That decision eventually became a full family operation."

"“I wanted people to know that we're Guyanese,” he said. “I want to be one of the reasons why people know Guyana and don't confuse it one day.” That pride is woven into everyt"

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