The definitive list of what to eat in NYC! I’m sharing the BEST foods to try in NYC, including iconic dishes you’ve likely heard of plus some underrated faves.
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Having lived in New York City for three years before moving to Germany, it’s safe to say I know the food scene very well. (I even worked as an editor for an online food publication, so I spent those three years essentially eating my way through NYC!)
In this guide, I’m sharing the top foods you have to eat in NYC. Many of the items listed below are famous foods that NYC is known for, but quite a few are dishes you don’t typically find on a roundup like this.
I wanted to share these “atypical” NYC foods, though, because my mind was blown when I moved to the East Coast and realized how many cuisines are readily available here!
Table of Contents
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Tip: Go on a Food Tour!
There are SO many great foods to try in NYC, and it’s impossible to eat everything on this list in one visit. Make the most of your time in New York by signing up for a food tour.
New York Style Pizza
Where to get it: Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, Prince St. Pizza, or 2 Bros Pizza (for a dollar slice)
Would it be a list of the best foods in New York if a classic New York slice didn’t top the list?
Pizza shops are a dime a dozen here, and there are so many styles of slices to choose from (thin crust, Sicilian, and so many more).
Dollar slices are becoming harder to find, and the few dollar slice joints still in business don’t sell the best quality pizza (although when it costs only a dollar, does it really matter?).
So even though you’ll be paying a few bucks for a slice of pizza, it’s worth tracking some down and folding your slice New York-style — hold the slice by the crust and fold it in half so you can eat it while you walk.
Cannoli
Where to get it: Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Having grown up in Indiana, I had never eaten a cannoli before visiting NYC. As a kid, the thought of a sweet ricotta filling sounded so gross, but I very quickly learned how delicious this Italian treat is.
Most New York bakeries don’t sell cannoli, so you’ll need to hit up an Italian bakery for one. Little Italy bakeries are a little overpriced, but the cannoli there are good.
Bagel & Schmear
Where to get it: Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish and Black Seed Bagels
Confession: I can’t bring myself to call cream cheese schmear. But if you hear the person in front of you order a bagel and schmear, odds are they’re a real New Yorker.
After pizza, bagels are probably the most famous food in New York, and it’s impossible to know what the best bagel shops in the city are since people are usually loyal to their local shop. But hey, that just means you have an excuse to get bagels from more than one place!
When you order a New York bagel topped with schmear, you can expect about an inch of cream cheese on your bagel. Just don’t forget to ask for a toasted bagel, because they won’t do it unless you ask.
Want to learn how to make New York-style bagels at home? Sign up for a Bagel-Making Workshop!
Bacon, Egg & Cheese
Where to get it: Murray’s Bagels
Also known as a BEC, a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is the ultimate breakfast sandwich. Most bagel shops can whip up a BEC, or you can grab one from one of the many food carts lining the street.
Be ready to specify how you want you egg cooked, what type of cheese you want, and the kind of bread you want your sandwich made of (bagels, croissants, and rolls are the typical options).
This is a pretty hefty sandwich, so don’t order a BEC if you’re not that hungry.
Chicken and Waffles
Where to get it: Sweet Chick
One of my first meals after moving to NYC was a massive plate of chicken and waffles. My mom and I had never eaten this combo before and didn’t understand what the fuss was about. But holy crap is this sweet and salty brunch item incredible.
My all-time favorite chicken and waffles place is Sweet Chick; their seasonal waffles always pair well with the crispy fried chicken, but they always have traditional waffles on the menu for anyone wanting to go the traditional route.
Soft Pretzel
Where to get it: Any street cart
While you’re in the city, grab a soft pretzel from a food cart when you need a snack. The pretzels are super salty and surprisingly filling, and you eat them plain without dipping sauce.
Soft pretzels are a warm weather treat for me, and I love grabbing one to munch on while I walk through Central Park. This is a great food to eat in NYC when you’re on the go!
Hand Pulled Noodles
Where to get it: Xi’an Famous Foods
Of all the cuisines that are readily available in NYC, the abundance of incredible Chinese restaurants is what impressed me most when I first moved to the East Coast. After a childhood filled with sticky sweet orange chicken, being able to find real Chinese food in NYC blew my mind.
In particular, I’m hooked on spicy hand-pulled noodles and I typically inhale a plate just before seeing a Broadway show. I’m not sure how this ritual of mine began, but I always get noodles before heading to the theatre!
ShackBurger
Where to get it: Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a place you either love, or you think is way overhyped. I personally love this chain!
What makes Shake Shack’s burgers so good is their signature Shack Sauce, which you can actually order on the side for free! (I like to dip my fries in the sauce too.)
Be prepared to wait in line at Shake Shack, since it’s on everyone’s bucket list when they visit NYC. Shake Shack is definitely becoming one of those iconic New York food places you just have to try once!
Corned Beef or Pastrami
Where to get it: Katz’s Delicatessen
Jewish delis are hugely popular in the city, and for good reason. The most famous is probably Katz’s Delicatessen, which is known for its massive pastrami sandwiches (they’re huge, but also pricey).
Even if you’ve had pastrami and corned beef before, order a sandwich from a legit deli while you’re in NYC. It’s so much fresher here and doesn’t taste like it’s been sitting in salt for the last five years.
Dim Sum
Where to get it: Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Golden Unicorn
I had never heard of dim sum until I moved to the city, and my first dim sum experience was a touch overwhelming.
The traditional dim sum places in the city are always packed with people, and you often share a table with another party. Servers push carts laden with all sorts of dishes, and you have to flag them down and tell them what you want from the cart.
What I love about the dim sum experience (besides the great food) is that you’re forced to enjoy the meal at a leisurely pace. Each cart typically carries just one dish, so you can’t order your meal all at once like you do in a restaurant.
NYC-Style Cookies
Where to get it: Levain Bakery
I don’t buy cookies often since they’re so easy to make at home, but the cookies from Levain are a different story. Their chocolate chip walnut cookie is the shape and size of a hockey puck, and the center is just the right amount of ooey gooey deliciousness without being raw.
Yes, the cookies are a little expensive and there’s always a long line for them, but they are AMAZING. Grab a couple to split with friends, but don’t waste your money buying an overpriced glass of milk. Instead, hit up a nearby corner store and get some milk there to dunk your cookies in.
Pierogi
Where to get it: Veselka
When you think of foods to try in New York, it’s unlikely that Eastern European food comes to mind, but hopefully I can change that.
Of all the pierogi places in the city, Veselka is probably the most famous. It’s open 24/7, and it serves seriously good Ukrainian food — pierogi, potato pancakes, blintzes, you name it.
The only downside of Veselka is that it’s a touch overpriced and the wait for dinner on the weekends is often over an hour long. But this is another spot that’s so fun to experience with friends!
If you’ve never had a pierogi before, order a plate of those (they’re filled with mashed potatoes and served alongside sour cream and onions). And the desserts here are so underrated, so save room for a slice of carrot cake.
Babka
Where to get it: Breads Bakery (they only sell their babka by the loaf, though)
Babka is essentially the lovechild between a cake and a loaf of bread. It’s quite dense and the dough itself isn’t too sweet, but the filling can completely transform the babka.
Babka isn’t your average bakery staple, as it takes a lot of time and skill to make. But if you find a bakery that sells babka, grab a slice! I’ve never had another baked good quite like it, and it makes for a great afternoon snack.
Ramen
Where to get it: Ivan Ramen
NYC has some fabulous ramen — it’s rich and salty, and almost buttery (although I’m 99% sure there’s no butter in ramen).
There are ramen shops scattered throughout the city, but the most popular ones are on the East Side. For the best experience, go to an actual ramen shop and not just a Japanese restaurant.
Handmade Ice Cream
Where to get it: Morgenstern’s and Van Leeuwen
NYC has some phenomenal local ice cream shops. Morgenstern’s and Van Leeuwen are two of the most popular shops (and therefore have the longest lines in the summer).
Personally, I don’t love the over-the-top ice cream concoctions you see on Instagram (like the soft serve in a fish cone or the ice cream with a halo of cotton candy around it).
Fresh Pasta
Where to get it: San Marzano
With its huge Italian-American population, it’s no surprise that New York City is home to more than a few Italian restaurants. Fresh pasta, though, is a little trickier to find here.
My all-time favorite pasta shop dishes up $14 plates of fresh pasta, and it blows me away every time. If you’ve never had fresh pasta before (versus the dried stuff you buy at the store), it’s worth ordering it while you’re in New York.
Korean Barbecue
Where to get it: Jongro BBQ
Korean barbecue isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Different cuts of meat are brought to your table, along with various sides and toppings. There’s a grill in the middle of the table for you to cook the food.
If you’re with a big group, plan on spending at least two hours at the restaurant. It takes time to prepare everything, but that’s the whole point of Korean barbecue!
Word to the wise: if you’re traveling by yourself, there’s no way you could enjoy Korean barbecue alone simply because you get so much food. However, there will be plenty of other delicious Korean foods on the menu, so you should still order something!
Handmade Donuts
Where to get it: Dough Doughnuts
I know the East Coast is known for its obsession with Dunkin’ Donuts, but please don’t get your New York donut from there. Artisan donuts are super popular in the city, and it’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a truly amazing donut in NYC.
Dough Doughnuts is my personal favorite (think: huge fried donuts with unique flavors), but Doughnuttery’s miniature donuts are also popular. Such a fun food to eat in NYC!
Love donuts? Go on a Donut Tasting Tour to try the best of the best!
Falafel
Where to get it: Mamoun’s Falafel
Halal food carts are on practically every street corner, and you can tell which are the best based on how long the line is come lunchtime.
I’m a sucker for falafel wraps loaded with hummus, but you can also order them plain or atop salads. If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, schwarma is another solid option.
Dumplings
Where to get it: Vanessa’s Dumpling House
My favorite thing about the authentic dumplings in NYC? They’re insanely cheap!
Like with most of the best foods in NYC, I highly recommend trying dumplings (whether they be Japanese gyoza, Chinese soup dumplings, or another variety) from a legit dumpling house.
Most dumpling places will have seasonal flavors, which is what I gravitate towards. And don’t forget the dipping sauces! There’s usually chili sauce and/or soy sauce on the tables, plus a house made sauce unique to each shop.
Shaved Ice
Where to get it: Grace Street Cafe
Shaved ice is essentially the lovechild between ice cream and a snow cone. Milk, cream, sugar, and flavoring (be it fruit or something else) are mixed together and frozen, then shaved.
Shaved ice looks and feels icy, but as it rests in your mouth it melts and becomes super creamy. The only shaved ice spots I know of are in Koreatown, but I’m sure there are more than that in the city.
I love topping my shaved ice with boba pearls, and I encourage you to be adventurous with your toppings as well!
What Else to Eat in NYC…
There are a few iconic New York foods that didn’t make this list simply because I think they’re overrated (and I bet you already have them on your food bucket list anyways!).
But I felt the need to mention them because my roommate, Tricia, had a good argument for why they should make my list. These foods are: New York cheesecake, black and white cookies, and hot dogs.
The most popular cheesecake restaurant in NYC is Junior’s. They have a giant food menu as well, but you really just want the cheesecake.
For black and white cookies, hit up a local bakery. And for hot dogs, do NOT get one from a food cart — those just hang out in gross water all day to stay warm. Instead, hit up a Nathan’s Famous or Gray’s Papaya.
Now that you know what to eat in NYC, get out there and start ordering!
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