One of New Jersey’s beloved dining spots has recently received high praise from The New York Times. Korai Kitchen, a Bangladeshi restaurant located in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood, is managed by Chef Nur-E Gulshan Rahman and her daughter Nur-E Farhana Rahman. While Gulshan oversees kitchen operations and meal preparation, Farhana handles the front-of-house activities.
In a recent review, The Times awarded Korai Kitchen three out of four stars, highlighting various dishes such as bhorta (a blend of mashed vegetables, fish, and meat), fried eggplant, fried rui fish, kebabs, beef curry, and their signature murgir roast, a traditional Bangladeshi chicken preparation.
Ligaya Mishan, the review’s author, expressed that the restaurant offers a feast so ample it leads diners to feel as if they might never eat again, creating a timeless experience that leaves an emotional impact when the meal concludes.
Farhana Rahman expressed pride in the recognition, noting the rarity of such accolades from The New York Times and celebrating the representation of Bangladeshi cuisine within the local community. She remarked, “It’s also a wonderful moment of recognition for Jersey City, and we’re proud to call this incredible, diverse city our home.”
Since opening in 2018, Korai Kitchen has served homestyle Bangladeshi food in a buffet format. The pandemic prompted the transition to takeout and delivery services, but in February 2024, the restaurant reintroduced a dine-in option on weekends, featuring an innovative experience called “Amma’s Dawat,” where Gulshan prepares an eight-course, no-menu feast based on her culinary inspiration that day.
Notably, the restaurant encourages traditional dining practices by prompting guests to eat with their hands, a nod to the cultural roots of the cuisine.
The intimate atmosphere of Korai Kitchen, described as warm and welcoming, fosters a sense of community among diners. Gulshan Rahman was previously recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2024, while the restaurant ranks tenth on NJ.com’s dining guide for Jersey City and has been highlighted for its female leadership in the culinary world.
Reservations are available for the dine-in experiences on Friday and Saturday evenings, while takeout and delivery services are offered from Tuesday to Sunday. In addition to Korai Kitchen, the duo also runs Hilsa Grocery, a Bangladeshi grocery store in Jersey City.
This recognition isn’t unique to Korai Kitchen; earlier in the year, another New Jersey eatery, Chatpati Delhi, was featured on a list of the best restaurants of 2025 by The New York Times.