Immigrants & Refugees

CapNY Eats: Independent Korean Restaurant Spotlight

Updated: July 2025

It wasn’t that long ago in the CapNY where you would either have to have a Korean friend or personally know a Korean family to enjoy Korean Food in Upstate NY. ..(no longer)!

They’d invite you over for a sit down style family meal consisting of white rice, kimchi, and all of the other favored Korean dishes that are served in almost every Korean home. The classic bulgogi dish, or a kimbap roll were not always mentioned between friends looking for a place to meet out for lunch, or in the office discussion as a food option for a group order for delivery.

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, raised in a Korean home with a Korean mother making the most delicious Korean food I’ve ever had… and of course no one makes food the way your own mother does. Going to the market place in Seoul as a child, I still remember the smells of the food being made by street cart vendors and the aromas coming from the restaurants as we walked for blocks and blocks shopping while looking for a place for my family to eat dinner at.

I first moved to Upstate NY when I was a teenager, and since then I’ve always longed for this region to embrace and appreciate Korean food. Today, you can easily find about a half dozen Korean food restaurants offering traditional and newer Korean style foods to CapNY.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY. Visit them on Instagram at @upstatecreative!

Bringing Korean influence to Albany in 2020, Mincho Ko and her son & co-owner, Justin Ko, opened Son of Egg around the corner from Lark Street. The narrow cafe and wall counter seating reminds me of my visits to K-town in NYC, as we walked to different restaurants and grabbed a quick order of mandoo to eat on the go. Son Of Egg offers one of my favorite Korean foods, a traditional kimbap roll. They offer a more contemporary menu with Korean inspired flavors and ingredients, fused into a street food concept that you can eat in-house or while walking around town. They’ve switched up Korean family meals a bit with their Bulgogi Burger… and the Tornado Potato, which is a deep fried spiral cut potato on a bamboo skewer served with a variety of sauces on the side.

As a small locally owned business that cares about their community and those in it, Son Of Egg created “The Good Egg Initiative”, which allows you to purchase a meal in person or online for a homeless individual in need of a meal. The meal tickets are left in a designated location and made available for the homeless and or those with food insecurities to receive a free meal. At any time during business hours, this individual can discreetly come visit, grab an available meal ticket, and present it to the cashier.

IG: @son_of_egg | web: sonofegg.com

An authentic Hawaiian & Asian eatery in the heart of downtown Troy, the Bespoki Bowl started in the Troy Kitchen in 2016, and opened around the corner on 4th Street in 2017. Paul Park, owner of the Bespoki Bowl, has artful murals covering the walls around the dining room, and asking thoughtful questions such as “how do you feel?”

Making their own kimchi in house, and mixing their bulgogi marinade from scratch, you will absolutely find authentic Korean flavors in the Korean foods served in this neighborhood restaurant. You can order traditional bulgogi & rice here, or get a more modern Bulgogi Taco. The Spam Musubi, spam on rice with teriyaki sauce wrapped in a nori sheet, is one of my favorites here. Whether you grab a bulgogi bowl to go, or sit and enjoy a plate of spicy pork and rice, you’ll experience a taste of Korea each time.

IG: @bespokibowl | web: bespokibowl.com

One of the longest operating Korean restaurants in CapNY, Seoul Korean restaurant offers authentic traditional Korean foods as well as street foods. Opened in 2013 in Latham, was purchased three years ago by Mijung Kim and her husband, both from Seoul. You’ll walk past shelves of Korean pantry items and products as you enter the restaurant leading you into a large dining area, which accommodates bigger parties and families looking to dine out together.

The foods and flavors at this restaurant remind me of downtown Seoul and the many family meals of my childhood in Korea. Their traditional Korean food makes this restaurant appealing to anyone looking to be introduced to authentic Korean foods for the very first time or who is in town looking for a good Korean meal. The extensive dinner menu ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can enjoy unique asian bottled sodas for the kid in all of us, and a variety of Soju, Plum wines and asian beers are available for the adults.

IG: @seoulkorean_restaurant | web: seoulkoreanlathamny.com

Jinah Ahn came onto the downtown Troy food scene in 2016, opening her Korean restaurant with a big vision and a huge love for her community. Sunhee’s is a farmhouse style restaurant with a small shop in the back offering some shelves filled with Korean market items, stationary products, and a small fridge with jars of their homemade kimchi for sale. Wooden farm tables, rustic pitchers & glass vases filled with dried wild flowers welcome you to sit in their dining room. In addition to the Troy location, Sunhee’s operates a small family farm in Cambridge, New York, raising chickens and ducks while cultivating a mix of organically grown Korean and domestic vegetables.

Serving traditional Korean favorites such as Bibimpap and Japchae, Sunhee’s goes above and beyond the delicious Korean cuisine they serve by also offering free English classes for adult immigrants, from beginner to advanced via zoom or in person in downtown Troy. Classes are open to all immigrants, and all are welcome.

IG: @sunhees95ferry | Web: sunhees.com

The Authentic CapNY Guide: Old-School Italian Restaurants

Updated: July 2025

The Italian American community in New York City is as established and historic as the city itself. Luckily for us, many Italian Immigrants also ventured upstate to CapNY during the waves of European migration of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These communities quite literally built and shaped the cities we see today.

These once-bustling Italian neighborhoods still exist in pockets all over CapNY. We set out to find authentic Italian restaurants that have been owned and operated by the same families for multiple generations, and have become beloved CapNY institutions.

1 N Jay Street Schenectady, New York 12305
Telephone: (518) 377-9800

We’d be remiss not to start our journey in Schenectady’s Little Italy. This North Jay Street neighborhood was built by the Italian community that you can find here to this day.

Founded by immigrants Salvatore & Carmella Perreca in 1914, Perreca’s is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants in CapNY. The original brick oven, built more than a century ago, is still used today.

Currently owned and operated by the third generation, siblings Maria & Anthony Papa still make their famous bread using the Old World technique brought from Naples by their grandparents. Legend has it that, in more than 100 years, this oven has never gone out. Anthony explains that the bricks expand when hot. If they were to cool down and contract, the oven could collapse. He comes into the bakery every single day, 365 days a year to put coals on the fire. “I don’t think I’ve taken a vacation since I went on my honeymoon,” he says with a laugh.

“Okay, I’m gonna give one secret away,” says Anthony Papa. “[The oven] actually has been out, once.” He explains that at one point he had to let it cool and actually crawl inside to attempt a daring cleaning expedition.

“The history, and the lure of this area is old school Italian food, done right. My thought when I’m cooking is to always honor the neighborhood,” says Head Chef Neil. He should know! A Schenectady native, Neil was born and raised right here in this “Little Italy”.

2080 Western Avenue, Albany, 12203
Telephone: (518) 459-8029

Every Albany native knows about Caffe Italia. In 1974, founder Joseph Romeo opened a small coffee shop on this spot. The local Italian community congregated, drank cappuccino, and picked up an Italian newspaper and other novelties from the Old Country.

Albany’s original “Little Italy” on Madison Avenue was demolished to make way for the Empire State Plaza. As a result, many of those businesses and people were scattered. The Romeos coffee shop stayed where it was, and now and again, Joseph’s wife Jana (Joanne) would make any one of a variety of homemade dishes that were such a hit with customers. Just 6 years later, they bought the Arlington Luncheonette next door and opened Caffe Italia in 1980.

For more than 20 years and with no formal culinary training, Joseph and Jana welcomed the larger Albany community and built an institution that their children have carried on today, with Suzanne as accountant, Pauly as executive chef, and Michael & Maria running the front of house. With room for just 40 guests in the restaurants, Maria tells us of how her family has always prioritized their community above all else.

“The one thing my [late] father really wanted in this business was for people to relax and have it be an experience, similar to what you would find in your own home or in an Italian home. You don’t just sit and quickly eat. You sit around the table, you have a conversation, you get to know people. Over the years, we’ve built relationships with the people who frequent our restaurant. Now we have generations of families who’ve not only watched me grow but watched my kids grow as well.”

Luckily for our community some of the third generation of Romeo’s, most of whom are teenagers and young adults at the moment, are already learning the trade! And, even better, they’re now bottling their sauce, so you can experience a bit of Caffe Italia at home.

85 Fourth Street, Troy, New York, 12180
Telephone: (518) 273-8546

Across the river in Troy, the Lo Porto family are award-winning 5th generation restaurateurs hailing from Sicily. Brothers Salvatore and Michael Lo Porto opened their restaurant in downtown Troy in the 80’s after having immigrated from Italy in the 60’s. Michael is well-known throughout the community as the face of the business. Until a few years ago, you could almost always find him visiting tables to get to know new guests or catch up with the stampede of regulars that have been coming back for 30-something years. His nephew Carmelo, currently the Executive Chef, tells us that he was in the kitchen when he was just 10 years old.

Between Michael and Carmelo, the two Chefs hold around two-dozen credentials and awards. Unfortunately, Carmelo tells me that his uncle Michael has been sick for the past few years. As a result, he has not been as involved as usual. But even during Michael’s absence and throughout the pandemic, Carmelo says that their priority remains the same. “Our number one joy is putting people in the seats, talking to people and talk about our family. We actually see a lot of new faces now. Lots of people have moved up from the city. We see new faces, then start to see them again and again.”

ace albany authenticitalian capny italian littleitaly straightupstate Troy

All Are Welcome Here: Embracing Newcomers in CapNY

My father tells a story: twenty years ago in Ballston Spa NY, someone spotted a group of Mexican immigrants walking up Route 50 in January. Just released from the Saratoga County jail, they had no coats or hats. They wore summer clothes and light shoes. They hunched against the biting cold as they made their way toward the local court house.

Apart from the many questions it raises about mistreatment of the vulnerable, this story makes me wonder. Do immigrants and refugees in the Capital Region now have better chances at fair treatment and equal opportunity?

All Are Welcome Here

“All Are Welcome Here” is a statement of hope. This article spotlights the work of Capital Region leaders providing resources for refugees and immigrants.

Despite growing up with English as my first language and with one American parent, as an immigrant, I often feel like an outsider. We moved to upstate New York from England when I was the fragile age of thirteen. I longed for the ready acceptance and belonging I’d known in my birth country. New to America and lonely, I felt a sense of fractured identity. My hope is that others who feel like they exist on the cultural fringes can share a sense of unity.

Since 2005, over 4,000 refugees have made their homes in the Capital Region. Refugees landing in Albany originate mostly from Afghanistan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, and Syria. In 2019, more than 64,000 immigrants lived in the Albany metro area, paying $647 million in taxes.

The UN Refugee Convention (1951) prohibits refugee warehousing. I would like to believe the Capital Region offers refugees and immigrants much more than protection of basic human rights. For these organizations, All Are Welcome Here is a mission – offering wide ranging resources to support and welcome newcomers.

Sunhee’s Community Place for the People

Born in Incheon, a port city in South Korea, Jinah Kim immigrated to the U.S. at age three with her parents. “It’s a classic immigrant American story,” Kim said. Her parents worked hard to open opportunities for her. Asked how her immigrant story informs her work with Sunhee’s Community Place, Kim replied, “It’s an extremely redemptive experience.”

Employment and Empowerment

Sunhee’s is a community resource for immigrant and refugee empowerment. About 400 refugees per year from around the world come to Sunhee’s for help with employment, etc. Sunhee’s offers adult English classes and a pantry package program.

Kim employs as many refugees and immigrants as possible. Asked what she has learned from refugees, she replied, “ [A] strong work ethic, resiliency – very core family values.” Kim sees a “sacrificial element,” where one generation gives up comforts so the next can reap the benefits. For example, her parents had to do back-breaking work that she does not. Kim spoke of people she knows who spent years waiting in refugee camps. “When you take the power of choice away, it really does have a mental toll.” Many of the refugees working at Sunhee’s have families stuck in poor conditions abroad. They are making the best of it. “Even though there’s no control over circumstances,” she said, “you can choose joy in the face of despair.”

Before founding Sunhee’s, Kim earned a degree in international relations from Boston College. “I’m a big advocate for liberal arts education precisely because of its flexibility.” Her concentration in Ethics and Social Justice led her to ask on a deeper level, “Why am I interested in this?”

Sunhee’s Kitchen/Restaurant and Farm promotes “positive food culture.” About motivation for working day to day, Kim said, “Keeping it going is where you really need the inspiration, after the flashy beginning!” She spoke of the growth that derives from an All Are Welcome Here approach. Through shared struggle, we build mutual respect and desire for community. “You think about what you’re left with,” Kim said. “And it’s a simple answer, it comes down to the people.”

Columbia County Sanctuary Movement

To combat unfair treatment of vulnerable immigrant populations, Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) runs the Mano a Mano Mutual Aid Fund. The fund helps meet needs of immigrants in Columbia and Greene Counties during the Covid-19 pandemic. CCSM supports justice for victims of human trafficking. They serve as regional coordinator for Green Light NY, which addresses the right to driver’s licenses for people with diverse immigration statuses.

Founded in 2016 by three Latinx community members and an ally, CCSM exemplifies All Are Welcome Here. CCSM is governed by a twenty-two person committee. These include essential workers, detained youth, directly impacted, BIPOC, first generation immigrants, from mixed status families, survivors of domestic violence, LGBTQ, educators, organizers, allies, and activists. CCSM offers survival services and campaigns for systemic change. Do not open doors, CCSM’s website warns immigrants if ICE comes knocking. Remain silent. Report and record.

Change comes about through bottom-up organizing, solidarity and mutual aid. It’s built upon leadership by impacted people. CCSM acted to make Hudson, NY a sanctuary city. They carry out support, provide training, rapid response, and direct services to over 700 members.

Mano A Mano Fund

Tanushri ”Tanu” Kumar serves on CCSM’s Emergency Fund and Alternative Economy committees. The Emergency Fund Committee developed and implemented the Mano A Mano fund. Combined with programming, the fund provides financial support, resources, and services to meet the economic, food insecurity, and survival needs of immigrants in two counties. “Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. We prioritize those most impacted by the pandemic,” Tanu said. “We include those not eligible for government assistance.” The fund has given more than $75,000 in cash assistance since Spring 2020. They also offered food delivery.

Asked about challenges CCSM has faced, Tanu said: “The devastating impacts created by the current confluence of crises has exacerbated systemic injustices and community needs. CCSM responded with a programmatic pivot to level up our mutual aid to meet the survival needs of our members and communities.” The Mano A Mano Mutual Aid Fund has generously supported immigrants. “We also launched a food security program,” Tanu said. “From April 2020 and to the present CCSM has distributed over 185,000 pounds of food to immigrants in Columbia and Greene Counties.”

CCSM currently anchors the Fund Excluded Workers Campaign regionally. They are creating a Language Justice Campaign, and are involved in police reform and accountability work. “We hope to continue to build and grow our campaigns to address long-term, systemic injustices, and build member leadership,” Tanu said. “CCSM’s Alternative Economies is in its early stages of development and organizing.” Asked what inspires her about CCSM, Tanu said, “I’m proud to work with such an impactful organization led by a group of amazing, talented, and committed community members.”

RISSE

RISSE (Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc) helps recent immigrants and refugees create independent, sustainable lives. Their offices are situated in Albany’s Pine Hills neighborhood. Originally founded to advocate for Congolese refugees, RISSE has 501 (c)(3) nonprofit status. They partner with the Emmaus United Methodist Church and the College of Saint Rose. RISSE collaborates with the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, offering adult ESL classes and many other services.

Saratoga Immigration Coalition Seeks Essential Humanity

The Saratoga Immigration Coalition (SIC) is “a network of civic groups, faith communities, and concerned individuals” in Saratoga Springs, NY embodies All Are Welcome Here. SIC created the All Are Welcome Here campaign with MLK Saratoga. Through support, education and advocacy, SIC encourages “a community that is welcoming to all immigrants without regard to legal status.” SIC members include the Presbyterian—New England Congregational Church, Saratoga Friends Meeting, Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, Saratoga Unites, Temple Sinai, and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs. SIC recently circulated a survey about police reform in Saratoga Springs, with the heading: “your voice matters.”

I interviewed Terrence Diggory, SIC co-coordinator (with Maxine Lautenberg). SIC offers transportation, connection to legal services, and English language tutoring. They’ve provided emergency funds during COVID-19. They offer scholarships for immigrant and first-generation students. SIC’s first effort was an “All Are Welcome Here” Walk and Vigil in Saratoga Springs on August 24, 2017. As volunteers connected with SIC, the organization connected with other service providers for immigrant community members.

SIC’s vision is “to create a just, welcoming and inclusive community. A community which honors immigrants and aspires to allow everyone to flourish without fear or intimidation.” Asked what inspires him about SIC, Diggory reflected, “Getting to know people from different backgrounds and experiencing the essential humanity that unites us all.”

Effy Redman is a memoirist, educator, and disability advocate living in Ballston Spa, NY. She has published work in the New York Times, Vice, Ravishly, and Chronogram, among other places. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from CUNY Hunter College. Follow Effy on Twitter: @effyredman.

Guidance Immigration Refugees

5 Companies With Unique Social Missions: CapNY

Throughout CapNY, you’ll find all different kinds of innovative businesses that impact their communities in various ways. In this article, we’ll focus on five CapNY businesses which have unique social missions and play an important part to the wellbeing of this region and its people.

CapNY Community-centric Businesses

These 5 CapNY companies have integrated social missions and community commitment directly into their business plans. Their work supports and lifts the people around them, and their leaders are actively contributing to causes that reach far beyond the bottom line.

Collectiveffort is a co-working, media and marketing firm based in Troy. “We tell real stories and create spaces that actually help people,” says Patrick Harris Jr., President of Collectiveffort. This mission is woven through the organization: a “creative agency turned social enterprise.” Collectiveffort provides creatives and companies with projects, resources and community, including:

#DoSomething, bringing creatives together to share and connect.
CollectiveffortTV (CETV) features a range of co-hosts and spotlights independent artists, while providing donation information.
Coworking space that facilitates organic and fluid interaction. They offer 1-on-1 micromeetings and access to in-house media production equipment to their members.
Ongoing film project, “Let’s Talk About Life,” addressing the gap between local residents and organizations.

Collectiveffort’s influence extends beyond its walls. Their deep engagement with the local community helps them broker conversations with stakeholders about development’s impact, particularly the impact on communities of color. CE is committed to innovative, supportive strategies for creative and community growth.

Content Director DeSean Moore adds, “We also work with large companies, who really want to see Black business entrepreneurs succeed. Collectiveffort helps these businesses transition into the digital age.”

Collectiveffort has established a trusted voice at decision making tables. They cultivate their own physical and digital infrastructure. They show the region how creative self determination can translate into meaningful change.

Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen is a Korean restaurant, local family farm and immigrant resource powerhouse all in one.

The restaurant is located in downtown Troy and focuses on wholesome food, supplied in part by their farm located in Cambridge. Thankfully, it has introduced Capital Region diners to Korean cuisine and culture. Take out services, event catering and kimchi workshops provide opportunities for customer interaction and education.

Sunhee’s empowers local immigrant communities, individuals and families in many ways. Sunhee’s non-profit arm gives local immigrants access to services, including three levels of free English language classes and a laptop grant program. Owner Jinah Kim, who recently began attending law school, and plans on adding legal services to the mix.

The restaurant provides both employment and professional development. As Jinah explains, “We provide jobs… in a space that’s not only safe for immigrants but also a great training platform. It’s great for transition.” Her experience in refugee resettlement and immigrant services helps her understand the needs and wants of the immigrant community. Sunhee’s is a fantastic restaurant and critical resource hub, both inside and outside the immigrant community.

Root3d is a project borne out of deep love for community wholeness. The mission statement says it all: “Root3d is devoted to making wellness accessible for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Healing ourselves is our birthright and we all deserve safe space to heal.”

Program offerings include workshops, yoga, group therapy, therapeutic theater, reiki and sound healing. Co-Founders Jamel Mosely and Rachelle Pean opened their storefront in Albany’s South End. They chose to create an inclusive healing space in an area where many services are not readily available. This thoughtful approach has blossomed into Root3d’s collective atmosphere. Root3d’s healers and facilitators have found a welcoming home for their work within Root3d’s warm embrace. The space is an incubator for local BIPOC healers to develop their skills and move toward launching their own projects.

Root3d is a supportive starting point for residents beginning their own healing journeys. In response to Covid-19, the center has moved most of its sessions online. And, it has adopted an entirely “pay what you can if you can” model, ensuring attendee’s continued access to services. Root3d’s personal investment is palpable. Jamel says, “We are thankful for people who have continuously supported both our teachers and facilitators of healing, as well as our community.”

Hudson River Exchange “activates spaces to bring together creativity and commerce” within the larger Hudson Valley. The company offers its members — local makers of various disciplines — support and commercial visibility.

Established in 2013, HRE has morphed through a variety of formats over time, including its annual makers market, a brick-and-mortar retail and rental work space, and more recently, an online store. Co-Founder / Director Stella Yoon explains, “Our programming is inspired by listening to emerging needs. We’re always asking what [makers] need and how we can do this better.” To that end, the company recently developed an innovative micro-lending program. 2.5% of online sales go toward a makers’ microloan fund with another 2.5% matched by HRE, coming to a contribution total of 5%. Loan are offered to network participants with 0% interest rate. They plan to expand upon this model over time, while also trying to demystifying money for participants.

HRE enables and inspires makers to invest in their work. Members past and present have opened their own storefronts and opened makers markets in and around Hudson. Above all, HRE helped members feel that their creative vision can flourish wherever they go.

Rock Hill Bakehouse is dedicated to the art of hearth baked bread and plant based cuisine. Owner, President and General Manager Matt Funiciello explains, “our mission is to make real food for real people.”

The company’s recipes are inspired by early to mid 20th century European immigrant communities in New York City. Rock Hill’s understanding of bread’s historical socioeconomic significance translates to its organizational values as well. The bakery pays a sustainable living wage, and includes employees in decision making. Staff unanimously supported management when they proposed the creation of a free community bread rack. Now Rock Hill offers approximately 100 loaves per day for locals in need, Tuesday through Saturday, no questions asked.

Rock Hill has a newly veganized menu, collaborating with local produce farmers and up-and-coming restaurants. A crowd favorite is the vegan pizza, made with their handcrafted dough, fresh veggies and delicious dairy-free cheeses.

Rock Hill contribute to a wide array of fundraising efforts. They provide free bread to Capital Region soup kitchens, food pantries and animal sanctuaries. The Bakehouse is looking forward to reviving their full calendar of community events, including Glens F alls’ longest running open mic series, once conditions allow.

Rio Riera Arbogast is a freelance writer focused on how creative entrepreneurship impacts the Capital Region’s cultural landscape. You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @riorawrites.

Community Creativity social mission

West Indies Natural Food and Grocery: CapNY Black-Owned Business

Paulette Clarke has run West Indies Natural Food and Grocery in Hudson, NY for 19 years. Their takeaway menu features homemade beef and chicken patties, oxtail stew, seriously amazing chicken curry, rice and peas, and many other dishes from Paulette’s country of origin, Jamaica.

At West Indies Natural Food and Grocery there is great takeaway plus a wide selection of West Indies spices, sauces and specialty food products, and kombucha and drinks in the cooler.

Paulette Clarke came to the United States when she was 18, and raised five sons in Hudson. There used to be a broad mix of residents in Hudson, she said. Lately, though, “New Yorkers bought up the real estate. My customers have moved out to Albany, and Kingston and other places.”

Warren Street is lined with galleries, restaurants, antique stores, and luxury boutiques. It has the distinct advantage of being within walking distance to the Amtrak train station, which makes it a popular destination for New York City residents.

However, this influx of visitors has not been a boon to the West Indies Natural Foods and Grocery. New Yorkers, Paulette said, “don’t come into my store. I want to say, ‘I don’t bite.’ I wish that people would just come in and look around. They don’t even have to buy anything. If someone comes in, it makes the store owner feel good. Don’t just walk by. Don’t ignore my store.”

Paulette is discouraged by the lack of attention her business has gotten from newspapers. She said, they “take pictures of every white business around me. They skip right over me.” Her friend Winston Dunn agreed, saying, “It’s not been easy. Not easy.”

Black-owned hudson Jamaica

Category: Immigrants & Refugees