New York City is famous for its food scene, restaurants, and street food. The city is renowned for having some of the best eats in the world, ranging from gourmet restaurants to food trucks and carts serving dishes from all corners of the globe. If you are planning a trip to New York City, you must experience the city’s food culture. Here is a guide to help you find the best eats and most traditional New York dishes.
Pizza
When one talks about New York cuisine, it’s impossible not to mention New York-style pizza. This iconic dish, of a thin and crisp yet flexible crust, topped with a delicious blend of mozzarella and a slightly sweet, tangy marinara sauce, is a must-try. The city is brimming with countless pizzerias serving this beloved dish, but a few stand out from the crowd. Lombardi’s in Little Italy claims the title of America’s first pizzeria and still serves exemplary slices. You’ll find Grimaldi’s, famed for its coal-fired, brick oven pies in Brooklyn. Let’s remember Di Fara Pizza, where each pie is a masterpiece personally prepared by the legendary pizzaiolo, Domenico DeMarco.
Delis and Bagels
New York is also famed for its deli food and sandwiches. If you’re looking for the best pastrami sandwich, venture to Katz’s Delicatessen, home of the traditional pastrami sandwich. Other deli classics include corned beef, Reuben and brisket sandwiches. Other popular sandwich shops include Num Pang for Cambodian sandwiches, Faicco’s for Italian sandwiches, and Majorca for Spanish sandwiches.
Bagels are another New York staple, with a history as rich and textured as their distinctive dough. These perfectly chewy, round delights, often topped with poppy or sesame seeds, are best enjoyed with a generous spread of cream cheese. For an authentic bagel experience, head to Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown or East Village, renowned for their enormous, hand-rolled bagels that have delighted New Yorkers since 1976. Alternatively, you can venture to the Lower East Side and visit Russ & Daughters, a century-old establishment offering some of the finest bagels and lox in the city.
Food Trucks and Carts
New York City is also famous for its food trucks and carts. The city has over 5,000 street vendors serving food ranging from hot dogs to kebabs to falafel. Some of the most popular food carts include Halal Guys, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine, and the Wafels & Dinges, a food truck that serves sweet and savoury waffles. You can find them at almost any street corner in the city. These food trucks and carts are an excellent option for grabbing a quick bite to eat while exploring the city or enjoying a picnic in one of the many parks.
Ethnic Cuisine
The city has a mix of cultures and ethnicities, reflected in its food. In addition to traditional American cuisine, you can also find a variety of ethnic dishes. Little Italy and Chinatown are the best places to try Italian and Chinese cuisine. Other popular ethnic foods include Thai, Indian, and Korean cuisine. You can try the traditional dishes in upscale restaurants, food trucks, carts or local eateries in authentic food neighbourhoods around the city.
Desserts
Finally, every trip to New York City is complete with indulging in some desserts. The city is famous for its cheesecake, cupcakes, and doughnuts, and you can find them in most bakeries around the city. Some favourite bakeries include Magnolia Bakery, Doughnut Plant, and Levain Bakery. If you’re looking for something more unique, try Momofuku Milk Bar, which serves cereal milk ice cream, compost cookies, and crack pie. Alternatively, you can visit Serendipity 3 for their famous frozen hot chocolate or Junior’s for a classic New York cheesecake.
New York City is a foodie paradise, and if you’re planning a visit, make sure you get a taste of the city’s diverse food culture. From pizza and bagels to food trucks and street vendors, there is something for every taste bud. Whether you’re on a budget or willing to splurge, you’ll find plenty of options in New York for traditional and world-class cuisine. Happy Eating!
