Queens, NY (Astoria + Ridgewood) - I seem to be on a (sausage) roll, so for my 300th review, allow me to highlight a deli & butcher shop that's a beloved New York institution to those in the know, but not yet a secret that's out to the masses. When I was in the Astoria store earlier this month, I overheard an obviously epicurean gentleman who spent some time in Austria (with presumably some appreciation for well-crafted old world charcuterie) share that he had come down from Boston and made a special trek out here to experience this Mecca of meats in person. I myself came all the way from the distant shores of NJ that day, enduring horrendous holiday traffic down FDR Dr. and across Queensboro Bridge, but likewise, finally made this pilgrimage after I became addicted to their superlative pork cracklings (chicharron / čvarci / jumări), which is the best on the planet! It's weighed by the pound and the prime time to get it fresh & hot out of the fryer is late morning, though best to come earlier on the weekend. 90% of the products are made in-house, and one can find a dizzying array of cured and smoked meats, multiple varieties of bacon, prosciutti (including hard-to-find duck and lamb!), sausages, salami, pâtés, purées, cheeses, steaks and chops, as well as pickled and jarred foods, canned delicacies, and shelves of dried goods and snacks from Europe. The founders came over from the Balkan region and likewise the counter staff are well-versed in multiple tongues (Serbo-Croatian, Romanian, Hungarian, as well as Spanish) and can fluidly navigate between ethnic product names according to what the customer is asking for. The staff are welcoming, warm, and helpful, and will offer you samples of everything to try. We stocked up on our favorites and also picked up some new goodies: - Chicharrones (always!) - Tarska bacon (a house speciality) - Rolled garlic bacon - Some other bacon (cos yes it's the land of bacon galore) - Duck prosciutto - Various sausages - Goose & pork liver pâté - Liver - Szalonna (pork fat) - Brânză de burduf, a handmade cheese that's a traditional salty Romanian cheese originated from Transylvania. (Muncan is very popular with the local Romanian community) I've always said Queens is foodie heaven and is worth a trip from the boroughs if not the tri-state, and Muncan is definitely a destination stop! read more

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Great neighborhood butcher that has fresh meats but also tons of deli meats. Lots of things you can't find in a regular butcher store including duck prosciutto. I love the fresh pork rinds and chicharrons that are sold by weight. I was served quickly and with a smile. Def will be back to try more things. read more

Muncan Food Corp - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

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I traveled all the way from Manhattan for the pork crackling. It did not disappoint. Worth the trip. Will definitely be back for the other items to try. Friendly staff. read more

My new favorite butcher shop. I've gone to butcher shops here in New York for the basic necessities; specifically meat for grilling. I've never sought out on for the shear purpose of getting my little hands into cured meat. This week, that would change. I had a friend a few months ago watch me devour some duck prosciutto from Paris with a few slices of cantaloupe during a lunch break. I told her how I knew I'd be in search for more. At the end of the day she sent me a text with a photo of her holding some and a name of the shop. Fast forward to two days ago. The weather was kind and I decided to find this gem of a place. The Store front reminded me of one of those vintage butcher shops that you'd find in a film about a small neighborhood full of 1st generation Americans in their wool jackets and caps. Cured logs of meat hung from the ceiling, fresh Bologne and sausages lined the inside of the glass counters, and head cheese took me back to my youth. The butchers where friend, especially after I told them that it was my first time there and I heard that they offered "lamb pastrami". Offering me a sample after I eagerly asked if I could take a few pictures of their establishment to send to a friend who was more excited about the head cheese. One of my text read "oh my god!!! They have chicken bologna!", after being offered a slice and gobbling it up. I hadn't had bologna in years since I stopped eating pork! I'm already obsessed with Muncan! The Staff is friendly, the prices are good, and the product is delicious! read more

Muncan Food Corp - Inside of Muncan - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Food is delicious and service is excellent. I bought Romanian "Jumări", loose-leaf teas and smoked bacon...ooh, so delicious. The young fellow who helped me was very attentive, helpful and polite. I will definitely go back there again. read more

New things I tried: Duck pastrami: like an upgrade over Deli meat - pretty fatty. This was great and would get again. Pork pancetta: I was looking for double smoked pork that I sampled last time but this wasn't it. It was still good though although I didn't realize it was best cooked - put it in the toaster oven for a little bit. You can ask them for different thickness. I sampled a chicharron, but they have to heat it up and so usually available on Saturdays they say. They gave me a piece while it was lukewarm and it's certainly the best pork rind I've had - soaked in oil and fatty so you really need to eat this with other things. read more

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This place is amazing, I recently moved to Astoria from LI I grew up going to places like this with my parents back on the Island but this place blows ever other place out of the water. I am a sucker for aged and dried meats this place has some of the best selection I have ever seen in my life. There homemade prosciutto and dried sausages are off the hook, (really don't think there's a single bad thing in this store) by far the best prosciutto I've ever had. I actually just stopped in and bought a bunch of their produce to bring back home to my family on Long Island. The staff is amazing and kind you can tell they really care about their customers and community. I can't say enough good things about this place!!!! I wish I could give 10 stars. read more

This is my new favorite sausage and meat shop in Astoria! They have an amazing selection of deli, cured meat and sausages. The service is great too! See you next week! read more

The meats are amazing, friendly accommodating staff, cozy, feels like home. I recommend to anybody that lives or visits the area. Delicious food, always fresh! read more

I have been ordering from this company for more than twelve year. The best all around and I live miles and miles away. Hilton Head Island is my home and reside here full tim. I just call give my order choices and it's delivered at my door a few days late. Always fresh and tasty. Love this company. Ron Brown read more

Love Love LOVE this place!!!! My family and I have been going to them for years! I am not sure what came first, their Ridgewood shop or their Astoria location, but you get the same great service and food at both! My father used to own the property next door to the Ridgewood location, and he used to bring one of their loaves of bread home twice a week. It was always the highlight for me as a kid!!!!! Now that I am physically (not mentally) older, I can shop here myself. Where to begin? This is a realllllly old school Eastern European butcher shop. Salamis, and tons of other meats and bacons and other specialties from Eastern Europe. They pretty much have it all. As soon as you walk in, you are walking back into history with a wall of meats in a display case and tons more dried ones hanging from everywhere! There is nothing that I haven't enjoyed here! Some of my favorites is the crackling, chicharon, pork bits or whatever you call it. Deep fried porky goodness! Bacon 19 different ways is super amazing!!!!!!! Salamis galore!!!!! Staff is curt and courteous. The line is usualy pretty long so make sure you know what you want! But they are happy to let you ask any questions and try anything they can let you. They also have tons of chocolates and other specialties from Eastern Europe! Like Fanta!!!!! All in all a wonderful butcher shop. Call the day before if you want to pick up! 100% go here. read more

Every time I visit New York, I try to stop into Muncan to replenish my cured meat fetish-drawer. The staff is super helpful, so tell them what you like, you'll enter into a new level of meat pleasure. They can shrink wrap everything for easy freezing when you get home. Sausages, bacons, smoked meat, duck prosciutto, whatever. Prices are fair too. Also, for a snack, they have some of the best chicharrones. read more

Best Romanian deli food. Excellent quality and freshness. Great variety. Clean and inviting atmosphere.

If you love pork, this place is as close to pork-lovers support group as it gets. Great selection of meats, meats and more meats. Their sopresata is one of my favorites an all of Queens. Great pickled vegetables options and imported goods, also. The last time that i was there I must've counted about 6 different types of smoked bacon. Try them all! read more

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Fantastic cured meats. Staff is helpful and will answer any questions you have. I ended up purchasing 2 types of bacon, soprassata and some yummy chicharrones read more

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Established in 1978 this has been a local staple for quality meats & cheeses. Everything is always very fresh and reasonably priced for the high quality food you're purchasing. The staff is exceptional and is multilingual so you won't ever have to worry about language barriers. Lots of imports from Eastern Europe as well, everything is very authentic and the ambiance is great. If you aren't hungry when you head there, by the time you start walking out you'll be starting from the amazing smells from inside. I always get the Banat Ham & Beef Pastrami, love their Muenster Cheese & Mozzarella, along with the Pork Rinds they have. read more

They've very good products. Our favorites are duck and lamb prosciuttos. We tried their salamis and sausages as well, which were awesome. Also got a vege spread to go with bread, it was spicy and delicious. read more

Muncan Food Corp - two slices of ham on paper - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

my mom introduced me to this place a long time ago and the service here is absolutely impeccable. every single worker here is positive and greets every customer like they are family. i will make a long journey just to come get their warm pork rinds. read more

Great place! Been shopping here for years! Great quality and great service! You can order ahead of time for a special occasion as well - we have many times. Will be a customer for life! Also - the guys that work there - to say that they are amazing is an understatement! They work 1000 miles per hour, speak many languages and are as amazing as it gets. read more

Muncan Food Corp - a display of sausages and meats - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

For me a five star review is deserved when an establishment excels at what it does. For a restaurant this would mean food, courtesy, attentiveness, and ambiance. For a dentist it would mean, skill, advice, and honesty. For a cured meat butcher it means quality of product, service, and efficiency. Muncan excels in all of three of the requisite areas. When you come in, you take a number. You wait your turn, while perusing the goods. When it's your turn, you will be waited in with patience and generosity. You can ask for samples to taste of nearly everything. I highly recommend that you do, since they have a veritable plethora of products. These range from canned goods, home made pickles, fresh cuts of meat, raw sausages, cheese, and the house cured meats that they are famous for. There are so many items that it's often hard to choose. But everything is good and you would find it hard to go wrong in your choices here. Most importantly, everything is reasonably priced. Most salumi range from $6-$15 per pound. Here are some things that I regularly get. 1. Goose pate, just buy it, seriously 2. Spicy cold smoked sausage 3. Dried beef 4 home made hot dogs 5. Beef salami I eat a lot of salumi, and can easily spend $100 here. But unlike buying salumi elsewhere, that $100 is going to last you many weeks. I try to go here every couple of months. I highly recommend that you do the same. I could not give them a stronger recommendation. read more

Muncan Food Corp - Price list Dec 2018 - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

Definitely a place to check out if you love meat and want to elevate it to a whole next level. They are closed on Sunday so make sure you check the schedule before coming. Their smoke bacon is amazing. It's filled with smokiness and best of all, it's all natural. They also make their own in house hotdog (regular and spicy) and it was yummy. It certainly did not taste like the commercialized hotdogs that are mass produce but instead it had a homemade quality with much less sodium. I would love to come back here again! This is their only store so there food is very much like a mom and pop store. If you're visit, ask for samples. They were encouraging me when I was there, which explain how I ended up buying a lot of their goods. One last thing to mention. Get their chicharrón -it's heaven!! read more

Muncan Food Corp - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

There's a part of me that enjoys a good Eastern European sausage such as Jaternice or Klobasse. Having had those meats in a couple specific Eastern European countries. I like. Watching certain shows reminds me of the taste and I go on a search for certain places here in New York. I pass by Muncan every once in a while, for many years, and have not thought to go in. Then upon watching these shows and a reminder of those taste I searched and on several occasions Muncan popped up. The other day was my second visit in the last couple of months. It's quite a small deli - meat purveyor. But in that small space packs much preserved and fresh meat of European cuts. The visual upon entering is the large stock behind glass cases and hung from the ceiling, some probably still aging. My first taste was half a pound of duck pastrami and Kulen sausage. The duck pastrami is light in color, has a bit of meat flavor, not very salty, clean and tasty. I thought it was subtle and light. I kind of like the darker cuts of meat like the Kulen sausage better. It has a more rustic, organ, more aged taste to it. And from there are very subtle flavors of cuts to choose from such as Hungarian, Czech, Croatian to specific blends of meats and spices from countries in the Baltics I have never heard of. And that's what I like. They also have Chicharron. They also carry the sorts like the European Milka chocolate. I may be less interested in their packaged foods like pastries, pastas, pickles vegetables and other canned foods but they do carry them and nothing wrong if one spots something the like. But, for me it's all about the preserved meats. I think Muncan Food Corp. just landed on my list of to go shopping food places. read more

Muncan Food Corp - Counter - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

This is a ROMANIAN store, selling traditional style charcuterie from Romania, Serbia and Hungary. Amazing quality, great service ! read more

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5 stars for the serbian Isleri Eurocreme-filled cookies here ($2.49). And lots of other packaged cookies & chocolates. And sour cherries for my pumpernickel bread pudding. And a nice welcoming staff. And it's very clean. I have to buy their meats sometime as well. I hear people drive in just for Muncan Food Corp. read more

If you want a great selection of traditional old world delicacies for your home or a special occasion, Muncan is the place to go. If you're a lamb lover, you need to try the lamb prosciutto which has a depth of flavor that you don't taste with prosciutto made from pork. The double smoked bacon is delicious... it seems to ooze just enough oil to give you that tasty fat flavor without it being greasy. If you're looking for some meats then this place is a must. read more

Push the door open and you are immediately greeted by the delicious aromas of the finely cured meats and deli products. This place takes you back through time! There are smoked legs, cured meats, head cheese, sausages, bacons.... You name it they got it and they are soooooo delicious!!!!! Been there twice now, owner is always there, he is very Friendly and welcoming. Their meats are tradition and to die for. I have had their sausages with wine. Their headcheese, their garlic smoked bacon, smoked bacon ..... All are soooo delicious!! I have just bought some of their duck prosciutto and can't wait to try it!! Worth mentioning: while you are there, make sure to get some of their fried chicharons! OMG the best ever!!!!! read more

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Oh my god.. great crispy Pork I ever have in New York! I love it.. whoever eat pork should go try there! A lots of good stuffs there too. read more

Meat Mecca. The smell of the cured meats as you walk in is absolutely overwhelming. The selection is overwhelming, But fortunately, the service is very friendly and quick. Take a number when you walk in and they'll serve you soon. Unfortunately, the sheer number of choices overwhelmed me, and I only picked up some chicarones and the tarska bacon. Both were excellent. The chicharones were not too oily, not too salty. The tarska bacon was very flavorful, with interesting texture contrast between the outside and the tender insides. You could even detect the metallic taste of blood on the outer area of the strips. Picked up a bottle of Elderberry Fanta on my way out too. It's unfortunate that this is so far out of my way. read more

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Meat Heaven. This place have the most delicious pork cracklings. Great selection of different sausages, cured meat, cold cuts, and deli products. The staffs are friendly, patient, and helpful. read more

Muncan Food Corp - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

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I've been back a few times now (post COVID) and things are as good as always. This place has always been amazing -- no wonder it gets 5 stars. The various hams, sausages, bologna, kielbasa are all great. I even picked up a whole pig to barbecue tomorrow. I just need another excuse to travel an hour to get here! read more

CHICARRONES!! Worth the artery clog. So juicy (aka fatty)!! I'm usually very health conscious, but when my husband buys these, I can't help but keep reaching my hand in the bag. Big, meaty & fatty pieces of smoked pork belly. CAN'T GO WRONG. Still great even the day after, if you can keep them around that long. LIFE CHANGING. They also have tons of other charcuterie meats (smoked duck pastrami, beef pastrami), different kinds of cheeses and dips. Samples are always on hand and the workers are very friendly and always ready to answer any questions. The prices are very reasonable and the total is always less than I anticipate!! read more

I can't believe it took me so long to find this place. It's like meat heaven. They have a huge variety of smoked meats and are very helpful. I got kielbasa and garlic bacon. Both were reasonably priced and delicious. I'll definitely be back. read more

Muncan Food Corp - Huge variety of meats - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Calling all Fat Kids and closet fat kids near and far. I have found a meat paradise of epic proportions. A feast for your eyes to see....and your stomach to consume. In a small shop on Broadway in Astoria lies a shrine to all things cured and smoked. The name of this wonderland is Muncan Food Corp and it is good. Very good my friends. On my first visit I stood with my mouth agape marveling at the endless smoked delights. They specialize in many Eastern European treats and 19 different types of bacon. You heard me correct 19 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BACON!!! Row after row, case after case revealed mass deliciousness, one better than the next. While I have no doubt in my mind that every single thing there would garner this place a 5 star review, you would do well to try the following: The signature double smoked bacon, The Istrian Bacon and The garlic crusted bacon roll. The also make a killer hunter sausage that has chucks of meat instead of it being ground up. And for the adventurous there's the lamb prosciutto, duck pastrami and the smoked pork neck. This is a great family owned shop with an outstanding staff that are more than willing to tell you about all of their great products that are all house made and better yet, let you taste a few. I am proud to say that I have added one more entry to my favorite places on earth list. read more

Muncan Food Corp - A sea of sausage! - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Muncan's pork is the apple of my eye. The place is packed at peak hours (especially Saturdays. They're closed Sundays), so you're better off going when you can get personalized treatment. Not sure what the heck you're staring at? Just ask for some random samplings. They're generous when they're not busy. Actually, they're generous even when swarmed, but then you feel like a jerk.. I'm a fan of their lamb salami (in which you can really taste the tang of fermentation), lamb prosciutto (which has the complexity of an aged blue cheese), blood sausage, liver sausage, pates, etc. I also get the smoked pig shoulder for making bean soup (and admittedly for eating on its own). My Slovak friend enjoys their spetazske (I've certainly butchered the spelling, but it's a hot dog best scored into X's and grilled over a camp fire) . All at amazingly reasonable prices. Everything else is of high quality, and it will be based more on your flavor preference whether you'll like it or not. I've even bought a whole suckling pig from them. Though I'm the DIY sort, they'll even roast it for you for $25. I've got my eyes set on those monstrous dry-cured hams. It probably whoops a Smithfield's ass. Don't forget to sample some of the pig crack (like a salty chiccharon with the fat and meat attached). read more

Muncan Food Corp - Menu - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

My father is somewhat of a meat-shop connoisseur and has toured the West Coast looking for authentic and unique carnivore experiences. He also watches the food channel and whenever they feature something interesting in my neck of the woods, he passes it along. This is how I came upon Muncan Food Corp and boy do I owe my dad for this one! Tracking down the shop in Astoria, opening the door, my mouth immediately started to water. Dried, cured and freshly prepared meats of all shapes, sizes, flavors and animals hung around in a dizzying array of delicious scents. Not only was their selection impressive, they are all house made AND the staff were incredibly friendly and generous offering us a taste of whatever caught our interest. My boyfriend was in heaven and I think they have just found themselves a couple new regular customers despite living in Brooklyn - the trip is worth it! read more

Well folks, there are good places, there are great places, and then there are rare places like this that just get everything so right. First they are masters of their trade which in the world of dried/aged/cured/smoked meats is such an art form. Second they get the customer service oh so right. I drove close to two hours to visit this place from NJ and by the time i got there i was a little overwhelmed. Being a gringo from Arizona who is no expert on even identifying most of the foods here i just looked up and a nice guy from behind the counter picked up on the clues. "Where are you from and how did you hear about us." From there he walked us through everything. Sample after sample trying new and killer foods. The first being their pork crackins which were so good and still warm. I never felt rushed or too needy and nothing but smiles and great attitude from the people there. There were no prices posted so i was a little worried i was going to get yanked but all of the prices ended up being very reasonable and i was pleasantly surprised with the bill. So far everything we had had there has been exceptional. I cannot speak higher of a place and i would drive 2 hours to come back every time i visit Jersey. Thanks so much for a great experience from an "out of towner" . read more

This place is the best charcuterie store in NYC. It's still family owned and the actual owner was in the store helping clients! I'm told it's Hungarian and there's a ton of Hungarian food and language in the shop. I tried probably 10+ meats. They slice off little pieces for you. The staff there were some of the friendliest people I've ever seen in a food store. I felt bad because I didn't know what things were but they always offered to let me try. I ended up with 5 different kinds of charcuterie to take home and I couldn't be happier. Goose pastrami, beef pastrami, chicharron, goose + duck pate, spicy cubed meat in some kind of jelly, etc. You NEEEEEEED to get the chicharron. It is so crazy good it's like crack. Also the goose + duck pate is so good on bread! read more

This place is amazing! I loved their delicious lard with generous streaks of meat. Fried salty pork nuggets were sheer heart attack. Sausages were... mmmmm, sa-a-ausages! Anyway, don't be shy to make inquiries, be polite and you'll be rewarded with great service, helpful recommendations and a sample. Oh, and there's one more thing - this place is cheap. Muncan opens early but seems to be closed on Sundays. And, and they were featured in Edible Queens: www.ediblecommunities.com/queens/summer-2011/notable-edibles.htm Psst, find my photo helpful, please. read more

Muncan Food Corp - Muncan is heaven for bacon, cured pork belly and lard - Meat Shops Near Me - Astoria, New York

Ahhhh muncan. Meat heaven! My hubby is Romanian and he loves smoked meat! Muncan definitely delivers and keeps him satisfied. Every time we come here we can't just get one thing. Sausages, pancetta, feta cheese, pickled cabbage and tomatoes and assorted romanian goods. The staff are very helpful and they give free samples. The only thing is they don't display the prices, so we were surprised when our bill came out to $90. We will keep coming back here. One thing I don't like is their hours are very confusing. They told us before that they are closed on sundays but our friend said he's gone to muncan on sunday. read more

This place is really great. The line during holidays runs down the block. I've had various cuts of meat, and they are all exceptionally good. read more