Hey food enthusiasts! Join me as we delve into an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of New York City – the Lower East Side. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Lower East Side Historical Food Tour by Devour Tours, and let me tell you, it was an absolute treat for the taste buds. Devour Tours, now part of Walks, is renowned for its immersive food experiences across Europe and has recently expanded its footprint to vibrant US cities like NYC and Boston. For $79, this three-hour tour promised a deep dive into the LES food scene, and it certainly delivered. Our Sunday morning tour, with a cozy group of ten, turned out to be not just a food exploration but also a delightful neighborhood connection – we even bumped into a neighbor from our building!
Our first stop, and undeniably the highlight for many, was the legendary Katz’s Delicatessen. Neither Jon nor I had ever stepped into this NYC institution, let alone tasted their famed pastrami. Established in 1888 and still family-operated, Katz’s is steeped in history and tradition. Their website proudly proclaims their commitment to a slower curing process for their corned beef and pastrami, eschewing quick fixes like chemical injections for a full 30-day flavor development. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth pastrami on rye experience that left us craving more. While portions were sample-sized, the taste was monumental.
Sampling Katz’s Delicatessen pastrami on rye bread during a Lower East Side food tour.
Close-up of a perfectly layered pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Deli, a highlight of the NYC food tour.
Katz’s Deli isn’t just about phenomenal food; it’s a cultural landmark. Movie buffs will recognize it as the setting for the iconic diner scene in When Harry Met Sally, complete with a sign marking the famous table and the echoes of “I’ll have what she’s having.”
The iconic “When Harry Met Sally” table at Katz’s Delicatessen, a stop on the historical food tour.
Commemorative sign above the table from “When Harry Met Sally” movie scene at Katz’s Deli in NYC.
Next, we ventured into the vibrant world of Economy Candy, NYC’s oldest candy store, a sweet paradise since the 1930s. The sheer variety is astounding, with candies sourced from across the globe. Our guide granted us a delightful ten-minute window to soak it all in. While purchases here were separate, the visual feast alone was worth the stop.
Exterior view of Economy Candy, the oldest candy store in New York City, featured on the food tour.
Rows and shelves overflowing with colorful candies inside Economy Candy store in the Lower East Side.
A wide selection of gummy candies and chocolates at Economy Candy, a stop on the Devour Food tour.
From sugary delights, we transitioned to the savory and soulful flavors of the Caribbean at El Castillo De Jagua. Here, we savored a traditional Dominican breakfast sample: mangú (creamy mashed plantains), sunny-side-up fried eggs, crispy fried cheese, and flavorful salami. This restaurant boasts a celebrity clientele, having welcomed the likes of Marc Anthony and Ricky Martin, adding a touch of glamour to our Dominican culinary interlude.
Sampling a Dominican breakfast with mangú, fried eggs, cheese, and salami at El Castillo De Jagua.
Our gastronomic journey continued at Formaggio Kitchen within Essex Market, where a curated cheese sampling awaited. This stop offered a taste of artisanal cheeses and the bustling atmosphere of a historic market.
Various cheese wheels and blocks displayed at Formaggio Kitchen in Essex Market during the food tour.
Close-up of artisanal cheese samples at Formaggio Kitchen, part of the Lower East Side food exploration.
Next on our diverse food itinerary was Orchard Grocer, a vegan deli and food market. We sampled “The Edith,” a creative bagel featuring house-made carrot lox, cashew cream cheese, capers, dill, and scallions. Priced at $12, it’s a splurge for a bagel in NYC, especially sans traditional protein. While the innovation was evident, the carrot lox sparked varied reactions within our group – a testament to the subjective nature of taste!
Trying “The Edith” vegan bagel with carrot lox and cashew cream cheese at Orchard Grocer.
Our penultimate stop transported us to Shu Jiao Fuzhou Cuisine, an incredibly affordable Chinese gem. A steal at $4.50 for ten dumplings (or $3 for the six we sampled), and equally budget-friendly peanut butter noodles at $3 (though a bit challenging to share!), this spot proved that delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank.
Steamed dumplings being enjoyed at Shu Jiao Fuzhou Cuisine, a budget-friendly stop on the tour.
Peanut butter noodles from Shu Jiao Fuzhou Cuisine, offering a taste of authentic Chinese flavors.
Finally, our food tour culminated at Doughnut Plant, a city-wide favorite that consistently delights. We collectively devoured a black & white donut, coffee cake donut, and a classic glazed donut, ending our tour on a sweet high note.
Assortment of Doughnut Plant’s gourmet donuts, including black & white and glazed, to finish the tour.
Overall, the Devour Tours Lower East Side experience was a fantastic showcase of culinary diversity and quality. While portion sizes at a couple of stops felt a tad petite, the sheer variety and flavors we encountered made it a worthwhile food adventure. Which stop on this tour sparks your appetite the most?
