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Anil Amin’s American Dream, 25 Years After 9/11

September 15, 2026

After losing friends and his workplace in the attacks, Amin endured recession and pandemic before starting again at Cardamom in Queens.

Anil Amin, owner of Cardamom Indian Restaurant at 43-45 45th Street, was recently featured in Fine Dining Lovers by S. Pellegrino, sharing his incredible journey of opening the beloved restaurant we all know and love.

From humble beginnings in Goa, India, to experiencing one of the worst tragedies in American history, losing everything, and starting over, Amin’s journey is one of perseverance and resilience. Today, Cardamom has become a pioneer in pan-Indian cuisine, bringing the rich and diverse flavors of India to Sunnyside and beyond.

Amin’s story is a remarkable reflection of the resilience of the restaurant industry and New York City as a whole, and a reminder of the incredible stories behind the businesses that make our community shine.

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