‘Momos, Chai With Ocasio-Cortez’: How Zohran Mamdani Kicked Off First Day As NYC Mayor-Elect

Last Updated:November 06, 2025, 11:20 IST

Mamdani shared a glimpse of his busy schedule on X. He met Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on lunch at Laliguras Bistro after his historic victory.

Following a historic victory in the high-stakes New York City mayoral election, Zohran Kwame Mamdani began his first day as mayor-elect on Thursday with a packed schedule of interviews, transition meetings, and announcements. The 34-year-old Democrat shared a glimpse of his busy day on X, promising to provide more details the following day.

Highlighting a special moment, Mamdani noted that he had lunch with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at Laliguras Bistro in Jackson Heights.

“A busy first day as your Mayor-elect: early morning interviews, transition announcements and meetings. More to say on all of it tomorrow. But a highlight was lunch with my Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at Laliguras Bistro in Jackson Heights,” Mamdani wrote on X, sharing snapshots of the meal.

In the photos, Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani can be seen enjoying tea alongside momos and aloo-dam among other dishes—an ode to his South Asian heritage. Laliguras Bistro is a Nepalese eatery in Jackson Heights, Queens.

Ocasio-Cortez was one of the few Democrats to endorse Mamdani during his mayoral campaign. Mamdani’s historic victory made him the first Indian-origin Muslim person to lead New York City, and, at 34, the youngest mayor in a century. His left-wing agenda focused on affordability and reducing wealth inequality.

Celebrating his heritage, Mamdani referenced India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his victory speech. “I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older, I am Muslim, I am a democratic socialist and — most damning of all — I refuse to apologise for any of this,” Mamdani told supporters inside a Brooklyn music venue.

Born in Uganda to Indian-born parents—academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair—he has long embraced his identity. From campaigning among South Asian taxi drivers to celebrating local cuisines in Jackson Heights, Mamdani’s journey reflects the growing influence of South Asians in American politics.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More

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