Must-Try New York City Food

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Peppery-sweet pastrami; wafer-thin pizza; doughy on-the-inside bagels - if you’re a foodie visiting NYC, you probably have one of these foods on your to-eat list.  But did you know there are dozens of other uniquely New York foods you could add to your itinerary? It’s true. If you’re coming to New York City, and your to-eat list is any number less than 24, you may be missing out on your next great meal.

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As one of the local NYC experts here at Askkhonsu.com, I help visitors plan unforgettable itineraries perfectly catered to their interests. Whether you’re dreaming of the quintessential NYC experience, off-the-beaten-path adventures, or hitting all the must-eat foods in NYC, we can help. Here is a list of iconic foods I recommend when planning trips for food connoisseurs like you. I’ve also added a few tips and tricks I picked up in 20 years of living in New York. Use them to eat your way through the city and make memories along the way.

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Here goes… my top NYC food recommendations and expert local tips

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Classic NYC Eats

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Pastrami

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.

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Local Tip: 

The famous Katz Deli in Manhattan will always be a must, but if you want to skip the long lines, Pastrami Queen and Sarge’s serve tasty pastrami with shorter wait times

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Pizza

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.

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Local Tip:

When in DUMBO, head to Julianna’s. The newer and better pizza shop in the area sells full pies and a great stop before crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. If you’re on the lookout for the perfect slice, you can’t do better than Joe’s in Manhattan or L’Industrie in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

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Halal Cart Food

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.

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Local Tip:

Try Adel’s in Manhattan for some of the best Halal food you’ll experience. The chicken over rice is especially good. But if the lines are too long, head to Halal Guys.

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Chopped Cheese

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.

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Local Tip:

These sandwiches have blown up in recent years, thanks to social. Ocky Way in Brooklyn makes great videos but there are other places you can find these sandwiches. It’s said the first chopped cheese was made at Blue Sky Deli, a short distance from Central Park. Take your sandwich to Central Park (a 22-minute walk) and enjoy gorgeous gardens while eating. End your day at the Museum of New York City for a quick lesson on the city’s history.

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Still planning your NYC trip? Try our free drag-and-drop day planner. It gives you NYC’s top attractions - you organize them into the perfect itinerary with a click of a button. Get the free day planner

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Hot Dogs

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.

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New York-style Italian Sausage

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.

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Dim Sum

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.

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Local Tip: 

There are a lot of Dim Sum options to choose from in NYC but my favorite is Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown, for a restaurant with history. Opened in 1920, Nom Wah has been on the same block and owned by the same family since they arrived from China.

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Chicken & Waffles

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.

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Local Tip:

You can get waffles and chicken at a few places in New York City, but if you want the best, head to Amy Ruths and order the Al Sharpton.

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Bagels (& Lox!)

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.

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Local Tip:

Try the bagels at Russ and Daughter for the best bagels and lox to get a feel for authentic New York City Jewish flavors.

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Bacon, Egg & Cheese on a Roll

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.

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Local Tip:

‍For people staying south of Times Square, stop by Best Bagel & Coffee to try this classic NYC breakfast.

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Bialys

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.

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Egg Rolls

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.

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Breakfast at a Diner or Luncheonette

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.

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Local Tip:

If planning your New York City trip feels overwhelming, use our free day planner. It already has NYC’s top attractions waiting for you to drag and drop into your perfect itinerary. You can get your free planner now

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‍Desserts & Sweets‍

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Egg Cream

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.

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Local Tip:

‍Lexington Candy Shop serves the best egg creams in NYC. If you go, you may feel like you stepped back in time while you munch on excellent burgers, sandwiches, and soda floats. After lunch, head to nearby museum-mile to explore famous museums like the MET and the Guggenheim.

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Italian Rainbow Cookies

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.

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Local Tip:

You’ll have to take the trek to old Italian neighborhoods in the outer boroughs to get moist rainbow cookies with distinct chocolate, almond, and jammy flavors. Try Delillo’s and Morrone’s in the Bronx or Royal Crown in Staten Island. If the trek seems too far, Veneiro’s in Union Square also serves excellent rainbow cookies.

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New York Cheesecake

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.

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Local Tip:

 Skip the fancy restaurants and head to the niche bakeries serving cheesecake to experience a perfect slice of NYC-style cheesecake. Eileene’s is one of the most popular local bakery for cheesecake.

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Brooklyn Blackout Cake

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.

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Local Tip:

Brooklyn, where blackout cake was invented, is still the best place to get the cake. Ladybird Bakery and Ovenly’s alcohol-infused version are local favorites.

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Piraguas

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.

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Black & White Cookies

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.

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Local Tip:

Orwashers Bakey is considered one of the best spots for this classic NY cookie. But I always go to Zabars when I want one of these classics.

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Red Velvet Cake

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.

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Levain Cookies

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.

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Cronuts from Dominique Ansel

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.

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Local Tip:

Do visit Dominique Ansel and try everything - including the flavor of the month cronut

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Black Tap’s Milkshakes

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.

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Glace

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.

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And there’s the list. Add your favorites and organize your activities with our Free Day Planner. If you’d like to personalized tips from me or another local expert on your upcoming trip, create a travel profile and get matched within 24 hours.

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Enjoy NYC!

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