Arrive Early
You may not need a reservation, but you should still plan ahead. Lines at popular stands like Nansense, Burmese Bites and Treat Yourself Jerk Chicken can mean hourlong waits. To beat the crowds, arrive just as the market opens at 5 p.m. You’ll also get more sunlight.
Pick a Rendezvous Point
Twenty minutes spent trying to locate a friend is precious time that could have been spent devouring pupusas. Meet right outside a subway station or at a nearby coffee shop. Dropping a pin can work, but remember: Cell service isn’t always great in crowded places.
Try More Dishes With a Group
Sharing with friends is a fine way to sample a number of dishes in one visit. Three to four people is ideal. Pick a meeting point, then split up. I stood in line at Ay Cachapas! for the gooey, corn-and-cheese-filled cachapas. My friend Max went to Cambodia Now for coconut-laden khmer fish amok. And my friend Tammie went to Brazilicious for a steak sandwich loaded up with toppings. Get in the longest lines first.
Lanna Apisukh for The New York Times
Bring Cash
No one likes the person fumbling for bills at the front of the line: I bring a fanny pack, so my money is safely on my person and just a quick zip away. And don’t forget to tip.
Prioritize Portable Foods
I never count on being able to find a table. And I like to let families have first dibs at seating because, well, crying children. So I opt for foods that are easy to eat while walking around: arepas, fritters, skewers, paletas, burgers and the like. There will always be some dishes that are not portable, but simply too tasty not to try. So find a nice patch of grass, secure some spoons and dig in.
Queens Night Market (at the New York Hall of Science), 47-01 111th Street, queensnightmarket.com