New York City, a global melting pot, boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Thanks to generations of immigrants, NYC has become a foodie paradise, offering everything from world-class restaurants to humble food trucks. So, What Food Is New York City Known For? This guide explores the iconic dishes and culinary experiences that define the city’s unique gastronomic landscape.
Whether you join a guided food tour or venture out on your own, here are some must-try bites for an authentic New York food experience.
1. New York Pizza Slice
When considering what food is New York City known for, pizza undoubtedly tops the list. While innovative pizzas abound, the classic New York-style slice is defined by its thin, foldable crust – perfect for devouring those large, cheesy portions.
The best pizza? Every New Yorker has a favorite.
2. New York Cheesecake
New York-style cheesecake is the definitive version of this decadent dessert. The addition of extra cream cheese results in a richer, denser, and undeniably creamier delight.
3. New York-Style Hot Dog
A quintessential New York experience, the New York-style hot dog is sold from street carts throughout the city. It features a juicy hot dog in a soft bun, topped with sauerkraut, sauteed onions, ketchup, and/or mustard.
4. Nathan’s Famous at Coney Island
Nathan’s Famous, now a globally recognized hot dog brand, began as a humble nickel hot dog stand in Coney Island in 1916. A trip to this historic amusement park isn’t complete without trying a classic Nathan’s Famous hot dog.
5. Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese
Fueled by a wave of Jewish immigrants in the 19th century, New York excels in Jewish cuisine. New York bagels, boiled before baking for a crispy exterior and chewy interior, are world-renowned. The classic way to enjoy one is with cream cheese (plain or scallion) and lox.
6. Pastrami Sandwich
Pastrami sandwiches are a signature New York sandwich. They consist of thick-cut pastrami on rye bread, served with spicy brown mustard and a kosher dill pickle.
7. Corned Beef Sandwich
Similar to pastrami, corned beef is another Jewish deli staple. Katz’s Delicatessen is a prime location to sample both cured meats.
8. Matzo Ball Soup
This traditional Ashkenazi Jewish soup, commonly found on deli menus, features hearty chicken stock, tender chicken and vegetables, and savory matzo ball dumplings.
9. General Tso’s Chicken
This sweet and spicy, deep-fried chicken dish, now common across America, originated in New York.
10. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich (BEC) is a favorite breakfast for many New Yorkers, served hot and fresh from bodegas and food trucks throughout the city.
11. Egg Cream
Despite its name, this Brooklyn beverage contains no eggs or cream. This iconic drink is prepared with seltzer, milk, and chocolate syrup in a Coke glass.
12. Dominique Ansel’s Cronut
A more recent addition to New York’s pastry scene, the cronut from Dominique Ansel Bakery is a flaky, donut-like pastry made with croissant dough and a rotating assortment of fillings.
13. Black and White Cookies
These iconic cookies, half-black and half-white, topped with royal icing and fondant, are found in nearly every New York bakery.
14. Chocolate-Chip Cookies from Levain Bakery
Arguably the city’s best cookies, Levain Bakery’s giant, gooey chocolate-chip cookies are a must-try.
15. Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles from Xi’an Famous Foods
This local chain specializes in Western Chinese cuisine and is renowned for its hand-ripped biang-biang noodles, especially the tender and spicy cumin lamb version.
16. Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding
Made with fresh bananas, vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers, Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding is a must-try for any NYC food enthusiast.
17. Dim Sum
New York City excels at Chinese food, particularly dim sum. Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens’ Chinatowns offer the best Chinese restaurants and dim sum dining experiences.
18. A Classic Steakhouse Meal
New York steakhouses are an institution. You’ll find numerous historic and renowned fine-dining establishments for a juicy cut of beef, served with traditional sides like creamed spinach and macaroni and cheese.
19. Soft Pretzels
Along with hot dogs and halal cart fare, soft pretzels are a mainstay of New York’s street food scene. Similar to New York bagels, these doughy twists are boiled before baking for a crunchier exterior.
20. Manhattan Clam Chowder
Manhattan clam chowder, prepared with a tomato sauce base, dates back to the 1800s and the Italian and Portuguese immigrant communities of Rhode Island.
21. New York-Style Italian Ice
Similar to snow cones or sorbet, Italian ice is a quintessential New York dessert, made with fruit-flavored frozen water.
Experience the Culinary Delights of New York City
This list barely scratches the surface of the incredible culinary experiences New York City has to offer. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s always something new to discover in the Big Apple’s ever-evolving food scene.
Consider enhancing your dining experience with a New York Signature Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a chef-prepared buffet and views of iconic landmarks. Join us for an unforgettable dinner cruise experience.
