New York, New York – the city so nice they had to name it twice! It’s no secret that New York City is an absolutely iconic location not only in the United States but in the world. Not only is it the location in which the vast majority of American movies and TV shows are set, but it just really has so much to offer. You can discover here the best food in New York City that you need to try.
From incredible landmarks – including the likes of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park and Times Square – to some of the best museums in the world – like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the American Museum of Natural History – there’s not much you won’t love about New York City. It doesn’t even matter what you’re into, they’ve got it. You can watch sports games, learn about history, go to the theatre, go shopping or enjoy the legendary nightlife – what more could you want?
We’ll tell you what – food. And luckily for you, New York is known for having an absolutely epic culinary scene. And don’t fret, it’s not just an array of American dishes. Because of the city’s massive cultural diversity, New York’s food scene is an eclectic mix of dishes from all over the world. The city truly is a melting pot of cultures and communities, and what better way to experience this than by eating?
So, if you’re heading to New York and want to have the best possible experience, you’re going to want to try all the best food. But if you’ve never been there before, you probably have no idea where to start.
So what is the most popular food in New York, you ask? Don’t panic! We’ve got your back. We’ve put together a list of the most typical food in New York with all the dishes that you absolutely have to try so that you don’t miss out on anything.
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Hot Dog
We’re starting with a simple one, but it truly is one of the most iconic things to eat in New York. But the most important part is that this isn’t just any hot dog – this is a hot dog from a food cart on the side of the road, the best street food in New York that you’ve ever tried.
Now, this may not seem deluxe, but trust me, there’s just something special about getting a freshly made hot dog on the streets of New York City, and eating it as you stroll the iconic avenues of the Big Apple. It may not be the fanciest thing you’ve ever had in your life, but a traditional hot dog is probably the most common food in New York.
Egg Cream
When it comes to the most popular food in New York, egg cream has to be somewhere near the top of the list. If you’ve never tried it or heard of it before, you’ll probably be pleased to hear that it’s a delicious beverage that contains neither egg nor cream. So why is it called egg cream? Who knows, just go with it.
Egg cream is a simple, three-ingredient beverage that’s made with soda water, milk and flavoured syrup. But not just any flavoured syrup – if it’s traditional New York egg cream, it has to be chocolate flavoured U-Bet syrup. Try to argue with a New Yorker about that – we promise, this isn’t one you’re going to win. But you can choose from a few different flavours if chocolate isn’t your thing.
Egg cream is found in many different establishments all over the city, but you’re most likely to come across it at a diner or something similar!
Cronut
Judging by how much cronuts have starred in New York-based Hollywood movies lately, we’d say that they’re certainly a famous food in New York City, and it doesn’t take much wondering to figure out why.
A cronut is pretty straightforward – it’s a croissant doughnut – but basic doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious. In fact, cronuts, in my opinion, are an absolute masterpiece (although the French may disagree). I mean, how do you beat deep-fried pastry with sugar, cream and other delicious fillings?
Khachapuri
When it comes to traditional food in New York, Khachapuri is an interesting one because it’s actually more of a Georgian speciality. But somehow, like most of the city’s other favourite dishes, it’s become super popular in the Big Apple, and now, you’ll find it all over the city.
So what is it? Khachapuri, also known as Georgian bread, is a bread boat (as it’s often so aptly described) filled with melted cheese, egg and often a combination of many other ingredients. It’s baked until the bread is crispy, the fillings are cooked and the cheese is completely melted, and then the crispy outside bits of the bread is used to dip into the fillings – just pure yum. Khachapuri is one of the best food in New York City.
Soup Dumplings
Dumplings are a traditional Chinese food, but these days, dumplings are also an incredibly popular food in New York as the number of Chinese food establishments has skyrocketed. This all stems from there being many Chinese immigrants living in the city, as they have for many years, as well as younger generations with Chinese heritage. So, although you’re in New York City, far away from China itself, if you visit the more traditional Chinese restaurants in the city, you’ll actually find some of the most authentic Chinese food you’ve ever tried.
Dumplings are basically little dough pockets that are filled with delicious fillings – normally meat (most often pork) or some kind of veg if you’re looking for a veggie option – and steamed. They’re often served with a dipping sauce, or, as in this case, in a soup.
We love soup dumplings – although we’d never say no to any kind of dumplings – because you just get so much flavour. The soup itself is normally a super flavourful broth that’ll tantalise your tastebuds!
Street Tacos
It’s not Mcdonald’s or KFC (obviously), but street tacos have kind of become like a fast food in New York – and we mean that in the best way possible. You can find tacos all over the city, being served from food trucks or little stalls, and honestly, these are often 100 times better than the ones you’ll get in restaurants.
With a variety of different fillings available, and a choice between soft or hard shells, these street tacos are often made according to someone’s family recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and let’s be honest, you just can’t beat that.
And not that it needs to get better, but they’re also normally nice and cheap – an absolute win all around!
Falafel
Traditionally a Middle Eastern cuisine, falafel has become a hugely popular food in New York, and the best part is that there are so many different ways in which it can be served.
So falafel balls are basically little chickpea fritters – they’re made with chickpeas, broad beans and a mixture of herbs and spices and all deep fried in a little ball. They can be served in a plethora of ways – whether you snack on the balls as they are (with a yummy dip), pop them in a salad, add them to a sandwich or make a pita.
Best of all, I think that falafel is the best vegan food in New York – as long as you don’t add cheese and are careful with what you serve it with, this is a food that contains no animal products whatsoever.
Bagel
I don’t know about you, but when we think of bagels, the first thing that comes to mind is Sandy Cohen smearing what looks like half a kilo of cream cheese to a bagel in their OC home while Seth chirps him and Ryan saunters moodily in the background.
But in New York City, bagels are a big thing – pretty much just like the way Sandy likes them. One of the best (and easiest) breakfasts in the world, bagels are tasty and come with a plethora of different options in terms of fillings and toppings. But when in the Big Apple, you have to try a classic Everything Bagel – you’ll get one practically anywhere. This is, arguably, the most popular food in New York, and with good reason.
Pizza
Clearly, good food in New York isn’t hard to come by, and although pizza is yet another one that isn’t even from the city (or even the country), New York has a specific style of pizza that has become simply iconic.
So, what makes pizza in New York different to other parts of the world? It’s known for its large, hand-tossed crust. The crust is reasonably thick but crispy along the edge, and the slices are fairly soft and thin, perfect for folding in half if that’s what you fancy. Pizza in New York is normally sold in separate slices, but don’t worry because these aren’t normal slices – they’re big.
Banana Pudding
If you’re into sweet stuff, this is most likely about to become the top food in New York in your books. Banana pudding is made up of layers of sweet vanilla custard, vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. This is all popped in a dish and served with a topping of either whipped cream or meringue – both of which are absolutely delicious.
Banana pudding is something you’re likely to find at different types of establishments all over the city, ranging from diners and family restaurants to even your more upscale places – although they may make the dish a little fancier than New Yorkers are used to. Either way, banana pudding is something you have to try when you’re visiting the city.
Final Thoughts on the Best Food in New York City
Well, there you have it! Some top facts about food in New York, along with all of our favourite dishes.
With this list, there’s no way you’re going to miss out on any of the best foods in New York. We really think that trying out all the different types of food in the city or even different versions of the same thing is one of the best ways to truly experience not only the city itself but to get a real feel for the eclectic culture of New York City as the incredible melting pot that it is.
So, whether you’re there for three days or three weeks, you need to try absolutely everything on this list – you won’t regret it.
Sources
https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/packages/best-food-in-america/photos/what-to-eat-new-york
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/new-york-egg-cream-recipe-2120619
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/chinese-cuisines-nyc/
https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-new-york-style-pizza-2708764
https://ny.eater.com/maps/new-york-city-iconic-dishes-restaurants
Penny is a sought-after wedding and party planner, known primarily for her exquisite culinary knowledge, sharp palette and inventive pairings of wine and drink.
She has traveled the world hunting for the best food and drink to share with her clients on their special day.