New York City is a paradise for food lovers, with each neighborhood offering its own culinary gems. From classic street food to delectable desserts, NYC has a rich food culture that’s influenced by its diverse population and history. Here, I’ll share my experiences trying some of the must-eat foods in New York City—each one offering a taste of what makes this city so unique.
1. New York-Style Pizza
No trip to New York is complete without a slice of classic New York-style pizza. Known for its thin, foldable crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, New York pizza is an experience on its own. I started my pizza journey at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village, a legendary spot known for its traditional slices. The crust was perfectly crisp yet soft enough to fold, and I loved the simplicity of the cheese slice—it’s all about the balance of flavors.
Another favorite was Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn, which has been serving up some of the city’s best pies for decades. Watching the owner, Dom DeMarco, drizzle olive oil over each pie before slicing it was mesmerizing. Di Fara’s slices are a bit more artisanal, with fresh basil and imported ingredients, making it worth the trek to Brooklyn.
Travel Tip: For an authentic experience, eat your slice standing up at the counter and fold it in half—it’s the true New Yorker way!
2. Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese
New York bagels are famous for a reason, and I discovered why when I visited Russ & Daughters. Located on the Lower East Side, this century-old shop offers a variety of bagels, smoked fish, and spreads. I went with the classic bagel with lox and cream cheese. The bagel had that perfect combination of a chewy interior and a slightly crisp exterior, while the lox was silky and flavorful. Topped with a schmear of cream cheese, capers, and red onions, it was the ultimate New York breakfast.
I also tried a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown, known for its large, fluffy bagels and generous portions. The scallion cream cheese was rich and flavorful, and the bagel itself was fresh and chewy. It was clear to me that NYC takes its bagels seriously.
Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning for the freshest bagels and avoid the lunchtime rush. If you’re not a fan of lox, try a bagel with whitefish salad or just a classic cream cheese schmear.
3. Hot Dogs
A hot dog from a street cart is an essential New York experience, so I stopped by Gray’s Papaya, a famous hot dog spot that’s open 24/7. For just a few dollars, I got two “Recession Special” hot dogs with mustard, sauerkraut, and their signature papaya drink. The hot dog had a satisfying snap, and the slightly tangy sauerkraut added a great contrast to the savory flavor.
Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island is another must-visit if you want to try one of the city’s most legendary hot dogs. Founded in 1916, Nathan’s is home to the annual hot dog eating contest, and their original hot dog with the works (ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions) didn’t disappoint.
Travel Tip: Gray’s Papaya is great for a quick and cheap meal, while Nathan’s offers a fun atmosphere by the beach. Either way, you’ll get a taste of NYC’s street food history.
4. Pastrami on Rye
Katz’s Delicatessen is an institution in NYC, and their pastrami on rye is a must-try. As soon as I entered, I was hit with the smell of smoked meat and spices. The pastrami sandwich was stacked with juicy, peppery slices of meat, served on fresh rye bread with a smear of mustard. The meat was incredibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that left me craving more.
Eating at Katz’s is also an experience in itself—you get a ticket when you enter, which is stamped as you order, and it feels like stepping back in time to old New York. If you’re extra hungry, go for the Reuben, which includes melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.
Travel Tip: Don’t lose your ticket at Katz’s, as you’ll need it to check out. Also, grab a pickle or two—they’re the perfect side to the savory pastrami.
5. New York Cheesecake
No dessert captures the essence of New York quite like a slice of New York-style cheesecake. I tried mine at Junior’s, which is known for its rich and creamy cheesecakes. The original flavor was dense yet smooth, with a graham cracker crust that added a nice contrast. Junior’s also offers a variety of flavors, from strawberry to chocolate swirl, but I recommend starting with the classic.
For a different take, Eileen’s Special Cheesecake offers a lighter, fluffier version that’s equally delicious. Eileen’s cheesecakes are smaller and come in a variety of flavors, like lemon and raspberry, making them perfect for a quick treat.
Travel Tip: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Eileen’s. But for the classic NYC cheesecake experience, Junior’s is unbeatable.
6. New York Pretzels
You can’t walk far in NYC without spotting a street vendor selling giant, salty pretzels. I bought mine from a cart near Central Park, and it was the perfect snack to munch on while exploring the city. The pretzel was soft and chewy, with a slightly salty crust, and it paired well with a little mustard.
For a more upscale pretzel experience, I visited Sigmund’s Pretzels in the East Village. They offer a variety of flavors like truffle cheddar and cinnamon sugar. I tried the classic salted pretzel, which was served warm with a side of cheese sauce—perfect for dipping.
Travel Tip: Street pretzels are great for an authentic experience, but if you’re a pretzel enthusiast, Sigmund’s offers creative flavors and dips that elevate this humble snack.
7. Knish
Knishes are a traditional Jewish snack that I tried at Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery on the Lower East Side. They’ve been making knishes since 1910, and I could taste the history in every bite. I ordered a potato knish, which was warm, soft, and filling. The flaky crust and creamy filling were a comforting combination, especially on a chilly day.
Knishes come in a variety of flavors, from spinach to kasha, and they’re a great option for a quick snack or light meal. Yonah Schimmel’s has a few tables, so I took a seat and enjoyed my knish with a side of sour cream.
Travel Tip: Knishes are best eaten fresh and warm. If you’re exploring the Lower East Side, pair a knish with a pickle for a truly New York snack experience.
New York City’s food scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. Whether you’re grabbing a slice of pizza, savoring a bagel with lox, or enjoying a pastrami sandwich, each bite offers a taste of NYC’s history and culture. These iconic foods are not just delicious—they’re a gateway into the soul of the city.