New York City’s new Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, didn’t start his first day with champagne or cigars — but with a cup of chai and a plate of momos.
The 34-year-old Indian-origin democratic socialist spent his first day meeting press, preparing for his transition, and sharing a quiet lunch with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a Jackson Heights bistro. Photos from the lunch — featuring aloo-dam, paneer tikka, and steaming chai — quickly went viral.
Mamdani, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, made waves by defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in a stunning election upset. During his victory speech, he quoted Jawaharlal Nehru and declared a “mandate for change.”
He ended the night with a bold message: “So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching — turn the volume up.”
