Visitors to NYC might think they’re already aware of all the food New York is known for, but in a city this large and diverse, there’s likely a dish you haven’t discovered yet (possibly even your new favorite).
August 5, 2024
Visitors to NYC might think they’re already aware of all the food New York is known for, but in a city this large and diverse, there’s likely a dish you haven’t discovered yet (possibly even your new favorite). Fortunately, you're here to dig a bit deeper!
As local NYC advisors at Khonsu, we've made this NYC food bucket list of all the foods we miss when we're away. This guide will help you get familiar with New York's famous foods before your arrival. For traveling foodies, this list is also a great way to check off all the unique dishes you can only get in New York.
If this is your first time reading our travel blog, here’s our introduction. We connect NYC-based trip planners to NYC travelers so they can save time planning things to do and enjoy more time doing things they love with the people they love. Space is limited. Reserve time with our team early.
Ok … On to the list
Pastrami on rye is a quintessential New York experience, featuring juicy, peppery pastrami piled high on rye bread. This sandwich, rooted in Eastern European Jewish culinary traditions, is a cornerstone of New York deli cuisine. Pair it with Kosher deli favorites like half-sour pickles, matzo ball soup, knish, chopped liver, and latkes for a true NYC deli feast.
New York-style pizza is legendary, with its thin, foldable crust and a range of classic toppings. This pizza style, which evolved from Neapolitan recipes brought by Italian immigrants, now includes innovative twists like hot honey and burrata, alongside classic NY Pizzeria options like Sicilian, Grandma, Alla Vodka and Buffalo Chicken.
Halal carts are a cornerstone of the New York City street food experience, often operated by immigrants from Egypt, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. These mobile eateries offer a delicious and affordable meal option, typically featuring marinated grilled chicken or lamb over yellow rice, with falafel available for vegetarians. The meal is often complemented by fresh salad and a choice of white and spicy red sauces. This iconic New York street food has become a global phenomenon, expanding to cities around the world.
The chopped cheese is a New York bodega gem, originating in Harlem. This hearty sandwich features seasoned ground beef with melted American cheese on a hero roll, topped with lettuce, tomato, and condiments. It’s like a cheeseburger and Philly cheesesteak rolled into one. The chopped cheese has gained worldwide fame thanks to social media, especially ordering the "Ocky Way" with over-the-top ingredients.
New York hot dogs are an iconic street food, best enjoyed from a cart on the sidewalk or at classics like Gray’s Papaya and the original Nathan’s Hot Dog Stand in Coney Island. Topped with mustard, ketchup, and sauerkraut, these quick bites have been a staple since the late 19th century and remain a beloved part of NYC’s food scene.
A step up from the classic hot dog, New York-style Italian sausage is a thicker, spicier pork sausage seasoned with fennel and garlic. It’s often served in a roll with grilled peppers and onions, making it a popular choice at street festivals and fairs that highlights New York’s Italian-American heritage.
Dim sum, featuring small dishes like dumplings, buns, and rice dishes, is a must-try in New York City’s Chinatown and Flushing. Originally from Guangdong province, it has become a popular culinary experience here, with some classic spots still serving meals from carts, with some restaurants still using the traditional cart service.
Chicken and waffles, a Southern-inspired dish, combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, often drizzled with syrup and hot sauce. While its exact origins are debated, it gained widespread popularity in Harlem during the 20th century and is now a beloved soul food classic.
A true New York morning staple, a fresh-baked bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, and red onions is an iconic breakfast. For those who prefer something simpler, bagels with just cream cheese or other specialty spreads are also a delicious choice.
The BEC on a roll is a classic New York City breakfast, featuring bacon, egg, and cheese on a soft kaiser roll. Often enjoyed with a cup of coffee, this straightforward yet satisfying sandwich is a go-to for busy New Yorkers starting their day.
Bialys, small round yeast rolls with a savory onion and poppy seed filling, are a softer, less well-known companion to bagels. Unlike bagels, they aren't boiled, giving them a distinct texture. Originating from Bialystok, Poland, they were brought to New York by Polish Jewish immigrants and continue to be a classic part of the city’s food scene.
Invented in NYC's Chinatown, egg rolls are crispy, savory rolls filled with shredded vegetables and meat, commonly cabbage and ground pork. A Chinese-American creation, these deep-fried treats blend traditional spring roll elements with American tastes. They're a must-try for their giant, greasy, and delicious appeal, making them a staple of New York’s Chinese-American cuisine.
For international visitors, trying an American diner breakfast is always a must. Originating from converted horse-drawn lunch carts in the late 19th century, diners have become a hallmark of East Coast culture in the US. In New York City, these neon-lit diners serve a wide range of options, from fluffy chocolate chip pancakes to savory gyros, blending classic American dishes with Greek-American twists. You can read our full guide to diners in the city here.
The egg cream is a nostalgic New York classic made with milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup, despite containing no egg or cream. This fizzy, chocolatey drink, beloved for its unique flavor and frothy texture, remains a cherished treat available at select luncheonette counters and diners around the city.
Italian Rainbow Cookies are a colorful and sweet treat featuring layers of almond-flavored cake, chocolate, and apricot or raspberry jelly. They’re as Italian as they are Rainbow. Created by Italian-American bakers in NYC, not Italy, these cookies pay tribute to their heritage with the vibrant colors of the Italian flag and marzipan-like flavor.
New York-style cheesecake stands out for its extremely rich, smooth, and dense texture, achieved by using a generous amount of cream cheese and eggs. Baked in a water bath to prevent cracks and maintain moisture, its creamy consistency and graham cracker crust make it a beloved dessert across the city's diners, bakeries, and high-end restaurants.
Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a decadent chocolate cake made with “Dutched” cocoa powder, filled with rich chocolate pudding, and topped with chocolate cake crumbs. Created during WWII by Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn, it’s named in honor of the blackouts used to protect the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This cake’s intense chocolate flavor and moist texture make it a beloved NYC classic.
Piraguas are refreshing Puerto Rican shaved ice treats, often associated with Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical In the Heights. Although popular in Washington Heights, you can find these icy delights throughout NYC, especially near parks and summertime spots. They come in flavors like tamarind, guava, and coconut and are traditionally made by hand-cranking blocks of ice. Piraguas offer a taste of Puerto Rican culture and a way to cool-off on hot days in the city.
These cake-like cookies are half frosted in vanilla and half in chocolate. With a soft, velvety texture and dense crumb, they’re more like a small cake than a traditional cookie. Commonly found in Jewish bakeries, Black and White Cookies are a beloved New York treat, right alongside other classic delights like rugelach, challah, and sufganiyah.
Red Velvet Cake, originally created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, is known for its vibrant red color and rich, velvety texture. While the traditional recipe used cocoa powder and buttermilk to achieve its hue, modern versions often rely on food coloring. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is a beloved fixture on dessert menus and in bakery displays throughout New York.
Levain Cookies are renowned for their giant size and soft centers, having sparked the “big cookie” trend across the U.S. Originating in NYC, the original bakery on the Upper West Side near the American Museum of Natural History continues to serve their iconic two-chip chocolate chip cookie, along with vegan, gluten-free, rocky road, caramel coconut options, and more.
The Cronut is a unique croissant-doughnut hybrid that takes three days to make, created by Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo, New York. This creation not only sparked a wave of imitations but also revolutionized the dessert scene with its over-the-top, Instagram-worthy appeal. The Cronut has become so popular that Dominique Ansel eventually had to trademark the name.
Originally from NYC, Black Tap's milkshakes, known as “CrazyShakes,” have taken the dessert world by storm. These extravagant creations are topped with entire other desserts, candy-coated rims, and all other kinds of additions, and are so indulgent that you’ll need a fork to enjoy them. They’re a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth visiting the city.
Glace, run by Sasha Zabar of the famous Zabar’s family, offers French and Italian-style ice cream with 20 flavors like Pistachio White Chocolate and Chocolate Covered Matzo. Located on the Upper East Side, Glace features gluten-free options and waffle cones. They’ve also launched a vintage ice cream truck in Rockefeller Center, serving ice cream and frozen hot chocolate in summer and hot chocolate in winter.
Our team of trip consultants builds tailored plans for travelers from around the world visiting NYC. We’ve built a wide range of plans for family trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions, even for solo travelers treating themselves. Each plan is built with a 3-step process:
Step 1: Bucket your must-see attractions
Step 2: Add in restaurants, rooftops & other hidden gems
Step 3: Create a custom map and provide transportation tips, so you know the best way to navigate the city.
Click here to have our team tailor your New York trip itinerary today or check out a few of our sample plans here.
Visitors to NYC might think they’re already aware of all the food New York is known for, but in a city this large and diverse, there’s likely a dish you haven’t discovered yet (possibly even your new favorite). Fortunately, you're here to dig a bit deeper!
As local NYC advisors at Khonsu, we've made this NYC food bucket list of all the foods we miss when we're away. This guide will help you get familiar with New York's famous foods before your arrival. For traveling foodies, this list is also a great way to check off all the unique dishes you can only get in New York.
If this is your first time reading our travel blog, here’s our introduction. We connect NYC-based trip planners to NYC travelers so they can save time planning things to do and enjoy more time doing things they love with the people they love. Space is limited. Reserve time with our team early.
Ok … On to the list
Pastrami on rye is a quintessential New York experience, featuring juicy, peppery pastrami piled high on rye bread. This sandwich, rooted in Eastern European Jewish culinary traditions, is a cornerstone of New York deli cuisine. Pair it with Kosher deli favorites like half-sour pickles, matzo ball soup, knish, chopped liver, and latkes for a true NYC deli feast.
New York-style pizza is legendary, with its thin, foldable crust and a range of classic toppings. This pizza style, which evolved from Neapolitan recipes brought by Italian immigrants, now includes innovative twists like hot honey and burrata, alongside classic NY Pizzeria options like Sicilian, Grandma, Alla Vodka and Buffalo Chicken.
Halal carts are a cornerstone of the New York City street food experience, often operated by immigrants from Egypt, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. These mobile eateries offer a delicious and affordable meal option, typically featuring marinated grilled chicken or lamb over yellow rice, with falafel available for vegetarians. The meal is often complemented by fresh salad and a choice of white and spicy red sauces. This iconic New York street food has become a global phenomenon, expanding to cities around the world.
The chopped cheese is a New York bodega gem, originating in Harlem. This hearty sandwich features seasoned ground beef with melted American cheese on a hero roll, topped with lettuce, tomato, and condiments. It’s like a cheeseburger and Philly cheesesteak rolled into one. The chopped cheese has gained worldwide fame thanks to social media, especially ordering the "Ocky Way" with over-the-top ingredients.
New York hot dogs are an iconic street food, best enjoyed from a cart on the sidewalk or at classics like Gray’s Papaya and the original Nathan’s Hot Dog Stand in Coney Island. Topped with mustard, ketchup, and sauerkraut, these quick bites have been a staple since the late 19th century and remain a beloved part of NYC’s food scene.
A step up from the classic hot dog, New York-style Italian sausage is a thicker, spicier pork sausage seasoned with fennel and garlic. It’s often served in a roll with grilled peppers and onions, making it a popular choice at street festivals and fairs that highlights New York’s Italian-American heritage.
Dim sum, featuring small dishes like dumplings, buns, and rice dishes, is a must-try in New York City’s Chinatown and Flushing. Originally from Guangdong province, it has become a popular culinary experience here, with some classic spots still serving meals from carts, with some restaurants still using the traditional cart service.
Chicken and waffles, a Southern-inspired dish, combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, often drizzled with syrup and hot sauce. While its exact origins are debated, it gained widespread popularity in Harlem during the 20th century and is now a beloved soul food classic.
A true New York morning staple, a fresh-baked bagel with lox, cream cheese, capers, and red onions is an iconic breakfast. For those who prefer something simpler, bagels with just cream cheese or other specialty spreads are also a delicious choice.
The BEC on a roll is a classic New York City breakfast, featuring bacon, egg, and cheese on a soft kaiser roll. Often enjoyed with a cup of coffee, this straightforward yet satisfying sandwich is a go-to for busy New Yorkers starting their day.
Bialys, small round yeast rolls with a savory onion and poppy seed filling, are a softer, less well-known companion to bagels. Unlike bagels, they aren't boiled, giving them a distinct texture. Originating from Bialystok, Poland, they were brought to New York by Polish Jewish immigrants and continue to be a classic part of the city’s food scene.
Invented in NYC's Chinatown, egg rolls are crispy, savory rolls filled with shredded vegetables and meat, commonly cabbage and ground pork. A Chinese-American creation, these deep-fried treats blend traditional spring roll elements with American tastes. They're a must-try for their giant, greasy, and delicious appeal, making them a staple of New York’s Chinese-American cuisine.
For international visitors, trying an American diner breakfast is always a must. Originating from converted horse-drawn lunch carts in the late 19th century, diners have become a hallmark of East Coast culture in the US. In New York City, these neon-lit diners serve a wide range of options, from fluffy chocolate chip pancakes to savory gyros, blending classic American dishes with Greek-American twists. You can read our full guide to diners in the city here.
The egg cream is a nostalgic New York classic made with milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup, despite containing no egg or cream. This fizzy, chocolatey drink, beloved for its unique flavor and frothy texture, remains a cherished treat available at select luncheonette counters and diners around the city.
Italian Rainbow Cookies are a colorful and sweet treat featuring layers of almond-flavored cake, chocolate, and apricot or raspberry jelly. They’re as Italian as they are Rainbow. Created by Italian-American bakers in NYC, not Italy, these cookies pay tribute to their heritage with the vibrant colors of the Italian flag and marzipan-like flavor.
New York-style cheesecake stands out for its extremely rich, smooth, and dense texture, achieved by using a generous amount of cream cheese and eggs. Baked in a water bath to prevent cracks and maintain moisture, its creamy consistency and graham cracker crust make it a beloved dessert across the city's diners, bakeries, and high-end restaurants.
Brooklyn Blackout Cake is a decadent chocolate cake made with “Dutched” cocoa powder, filled with rich chocolate pudding, and topped with chocolate cake crumbs. Created during WWII by Ebinger’s Bakery in Brooklyn, it’s named in honor of the blackouts used to protect the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This cake’s intense chocolate flavor and moist texture make it a beloved NYC classic.
Piraguas are refreshing Puerto Rican shaved ice treats, often associated with Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical In the Heights. Although popular in Washington Heights, you can find these icy delights throughout NYC, especially near parks and summertime spots. They come in flavors like tamarind, guava, and coconut and are traditionally made by hand-cranking blocks of ice. Piraguas offer a taste of Puerto Rican culture and a way to cool-off on hot days in the city.
These cake-like cookies are half frosted in vanilla and half in chocolate. With a soft, velvety texture and dense crumb, they’re more like a small cake than a traditional cookie. Commonly found in Jewish bakeries, Black and White Cookies are a beloved New York treat, right alongside other classic delights like rugelach, challah, and sufganiyah.
Red Velvet Cake, originally created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, is known for its vibrant red color and rich, velvety texture. While the traditional recipe used cocoa powder and buttermilk to achieve its hue, modern versions often rely on food coloring. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is a beloved fixture on dessert menus and in bakery displays throughout New York.
Levain Cookies are renowned for their giant size and soft centers, having sparked the “big cookie” trend across the U.S. Originating in NYC, the original bakery on the Upper West Side near the American Museum of Natural History continues to serve their iconic two-chip chocolate chip cookie, along with vegan, gluten-free, rocky road, caramel coconut options, and more.
The Cronut is a unique croissant-doughnut hybrid that takes three days to make, created by Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo, New York. This creation not only sparked a wave of imitations but also revolutionized the dessert scene with its over-the-top, Instagram-worthy appeal. The Cronut has become so popular that Dominique Ansel eventually had to trademark the name.
Originally from NYC, Black Tap's milkshakes, known as “CrazyShakes,” have taken the dessert world by storm. These extravagant creations are topped with entire other desserts, candy-coated rims, and all other kinds of additions, and are so indulgent that you’ll need a fork to enjoy them. They’re a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth visiting the city.
Glace, run by Sasha Zabar of the famous Zabar’s family, offers French and Italian-style ice cream with 20 flavors like Pistachio White Chocolate and Chocolate Covered Matzo. Located on the Upper East Side, Glace features gluten-free options and waffle cones. They’ve also launched a vintage ice cream truck in Rockefeller Center, serving ice cream and frozen hot chocolate in summer and hot chocolate in winter.
Our team of trip consultants builds tailored plans for travelers from around the world visiting NYC. We’ve built a wide range of plans for family trips, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions, even for solo travelers treating themselves. Each plan is built with a 3-step process:
Step 1: Bucket your must-see attractions
Step 2: Add in restaurants, rooftops & other hidden gems
Step 3: Create a custom map and provide transportation tips, so you know the best way to navigate the city.
Click here to have our team tailor your New York trip itinerary today or check out a few of our sample plans here.
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