15 Famous NY Food you should Track Down


 

Food is in my mind all day every day. I love food. New recipes, restaurants to try, cook shows, and new kitchen appliances are always my best conversation starters. Guess it is safe to call me a foodie and boy, does it show on my waistline….oh, and my arms, legs, and cheeks. And definitely my double chin!

New York (NY) is the most diverse city in the United States. Different communities have migrated and made this their home. It doesn’t matter where you are from, you can always find a taste of home in NY! You can find delicacies from all over the world including Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Mexican. All with a little American twist which makes them yummier. So if you are planning to visit the city that never sleeps, do not get overwhelmed, we have listed a couple of foods you should try and where to get them.

1. Bagels

They came with the Eastern European Jews and NY made them their own. The delicious rolls are made by boiling in a mixture of water and malt syrup and then baking to make them firm and crunchy, while the interior is dense and chewy. They are then generally lightly sweetened with malt or honey. Many attribute the relishing taste to the NY water but we say it is decades of practice. It is hard to find a terrible bagel in NY. New Yorkers love bagel flavors like sesame, salt, poppy, onion, and garlic.

Where to get: Russ & Daughters, Absolute Bagels, Hudson Bagels, and Ess-A-Bagel.

2. Pizza

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NY has the best pizza in the States. No argument. We thank the Italians for this delicious treat but NY recreated it into the pizza we know now. When it comes to pizza balance is everything; crisp crust, sweet sauce but just the right amount of acidity, quality cheese, and enough toppings. You do not have to get a whole pizza to enjoy this delight, get a slice which is a cheese slice with just crust, sauce, and cheese. Trust me it is just as divine! There are so many good joints to get pizza and if you can decide, my rule is to get them all!

Where to get: Patsy’s Pizzeria, Montorino’s Pizza, Lucali, and Roberta’s Pizza

3. Hot dogs

This classic tasty delight was brought by Germans and Austrian immigrants. However, it is American as it can be. You will find hot dog stands all over the city. Add plenty of mustard, ketchup if you must and Sauerkraut if you are a health nut.

Where to get: Gray’s Papaya, Nathan’s Famous, Papaya King, and all other carts in the city.

4. Hamburgers

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Juicy, big, and loaded with lots of toppings are words I like to hear when talking about a burger. The best burger has a combination of tastes and textures; sweet, sour, salt, and with a bit of crunch. The patty needs to be juicy, and soft but sturdy, patty and the ratio of meat/bun/accompaniment should be just right. Even if you are not a burger fan, these locations will turn you.

Where to get: Burger Joint, Minetta Tavern, Shake Shack, and The Grill.

5. Pastrami and Corned Beef Sandwiches

Jewish immigrants from Romania brought pastrami to NY. Both types of meat are cured (brined in a seasoned salt-water solution), but corned beef is then boiled, while pastrami usually gets another round of seasoning on the outside and is then smoked—imparting a more peppery flavor. Either way, both cuts are tender, and for many, it’s hard to choose a favorite. To make a sandwich, thin layers of the meats are piled high between two slices of seeded rye bread. They are a tad expensive but are huge so they can be shared.

Where to get: 2nd Avenue Deli, Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers,  Katz’s Delicatessen, and Pastrami Queen.

6. Tacos

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It is a Mexican comfort food that is a must-try. Various locations all over NYC offer great tacos and their cousins ostadas and quesadillas. Tacos can be filled with pork, fish, chicken, or black beans. They are topped with guacamole, hot sauce, cheese sauce, sour cream, and pickled jalapeno.

Where to get: Los Tacos No. 1, Los Mariscos, Otto’s Tacos, and Dos Toros.

7. Cheesecake

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The cheesecake is a diner special and is filled with ingredients like eggs, heavy cream, sugar, and of course cream cheese. The NY cheesecake is denser and creamier (with extra egg yolk in the cream cheese), unlike the Italian one.

Where to get it:  Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery, S & S Cheesecake, Eileen’s Special Cheesecake, and Diners around the City.

8. Ice cream

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This is my go-to dessert and oh…..midnight snack. Smooth, creamy, and a whole range of toppings and flavors to choose from is how I like my ice cream. What is exciting is that all those people with dietary restrictions can also enjoy this cool treat dairy free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are available in various shops all over the city.

Where to get: Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, Morgenstern’s Ice Cream, il Laboratorio Del Gelato, and Ample Hills Creamery.

9. Black and white cookies

They are NY’s iconic desserts. They are popular all over cafes, shops, and restaurants. Bursting with vanilla flavor and boasting a super soft texture, these large cake-like cookies are topped with thick vanilla and chocolate icings.

Where to get: Levain Bakery, William Greenberg Desserts, and Amy’s Bread.

10. Cronut

Aren’t New Yorkers a talented lot? They took a croissant and a donut married them and begot a cronut! One word genius! After French dessert chef Dominque Ansel discovered it, it became a hit. Many imitators cropped up but his remains the real deal. It can be described as doughnut-like and is made from croissant-like dough filled with flavored cream and fried in grape seed oil. Now we get to enjoy this tasty dessert as 2 in 1. In the morning, pair it with coffee and your day will be jump-started in the right direction.

Where to get it: Dominique Ansel Bakery,  and ChikaLicious

11. Brunch

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Its real origins are still a mystery. However, one thing is for sure, the one who invented it should have been a New Yorker because New Yorkers love a good party! So if you partied just a bit too much last night and need some time to recover in the morning, brunch is here for you. You can barely turn a corner without walking into a restaurant open between 11 and 2 serving refreshing late-morning cocktails and every iteration of eggs imaginable. A typical brunch menu has a mix of great breakfast and lunch treats and refreshing drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike).

Where to get: Le Gratin, Leland Eating, and Drinking House, Russ & Daughters, and Sidney’s Five

12. Fine dining

This list has so many street options and it is time to go boujee. NYC is home to many Michelin-star restaurants, James Beard winners, famous TV chef personalities, and culinary pioneers. From pasta carbonara to caviar and cocktails these upscale restaurants will give you value for your money. So double-check your wallet, make a reservation, dress up and go enjoy your well-deserved treat.

Where to get: Eleven Madison Park, Barbuto, Gramercy Tavern, and Le Bernardin

13. Chinese food

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Finding authentic Chinese Food is a hurdle as many Chinese dishes have been altered over time or Americanised. Nothing says Chinese food like fortune cookies — right? No. Fortune cookies aren’t Chinese. However, NYC has a delicious variety of authentic Asian cuisines, and the best place to find them is in NYC’s Chinatown, including ramen, dumplings, and dim sum.

Where to get: Xi’ an Famous Foods, Joe’s Shanghai, and Flushing’s at Golden Shopping Mall.

14. Soft Pretzels

If you want to experience NYC truly you need to get yourself a pretzel. Soft pretzels have remained a street vendor staple since their early infiltration into New York City’s food culture. They may seem hard to make but it is easier than you think to make the knotted, savory snack at home. Topped with sea salt and served with mustard gives you an authentic New York experience.

Where to find: The Standard Biergarten, Reichenbach Hall, Loreley Beer Garden, and Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream.

15. Buffalo wings

They are also termed Chicken wings or Hot wings. They were invented at the city’s famous Anchor Bar. They can be fried, baked, or grilled and are usually separated into drums and flats. Classic Buffalo wings are tossed in a buttery, cayenne pepper-based sauce that ranges in spiciness from mild to hot. They are often served with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing, as these additions provide a cooling effect.

Where to get: Red Bamboo, Mudville Restaurant & Tap House, Blondies Sport, and Wogies Bar & Grill.