Foods You Must Eat in New York City

The New York culinary scene is ever-changing, but one thing holds true: the best NYC food is as iconic as the city skyline. Hot dogs and cheese pizza. Deli sandwiches and blue-plate specials. Italian and Jewish eats, so authentic that you’d think you were on the edge of the Mediterranean. Check out the best food in NYC, including legendary dishes given a modern spin.

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New York pastrami sandwich at Empire Diner

Diner, American

Colorful mural depicting four peoples faces carved Rushmore-style on wall outside the Empire Diner, as cars and people pass

This landmark art deco diner in Chelsea has dusted off its 1970s menu and updated the classics with a fresh American twist. Booth-style seating delivers that iconic seen-on-screen experience, but whitewashed walls, sconce lights and buttery-soft leather accents update the picture for a modern audience. The New York pastrami sandwich – with melted Swiss cheese and horseradish coleslaw on marble rye – will ensure a round of applause from your taste buds.

Wu-Tang Clam pizza at Milkflower

Pizzeria, American

Astoria pizza parlor Milkflower isn’t here to reinvent the classic New York slice, but will offer you an alternative to standard red-sauced, cheese-topped pies. Case in point: the Wu-Tang Clam pizza. Aside from its excellent name – which throws up the W for the Staten Island hip-hop group – it’s stacked with grana padano, fresno chili, parsley, garlic and cherrystone clams. Remix it with add-ons including anchovies, streaky speck bacon and egg, if that’s your jam.

Everything Dog at Crif Dog

Restaurant, American

You’ve already got a classic New York hot dog and quintessential bagel mapped onto your mental must-try menu; why not knock them both out in one meal at Crif Dog? This East Village institution serves up the famous NYC food any way you like, though the Everything Dog is the way to go – it’s a Crif Dog, smothered in cream cheese, scallions and everything-bagel seasoning. Order with a side of cheesy East Village tots, scattered with pickled jalapeños, for ultimate satisfaction.

Hot Honey Yardbird at Red Rooster

Restaurant, Soul Food

Woman stands outside the Red Rooster restaurant, with several shaded seats in an al fresco dining space beside her

Soul food is the shining star of this jazzy Harlem restaurant – which takes its name from the local speakeasy that welcomed the likes of Nat King Cole and James Baldwin. Southern favorites such as pan-fried catfish, lobster rolls and shoestring fries hit the spot any day of the week. You’d be wise to arrive with a crew of hungry friends, as the Chicken Tower requires teamwork. Twenty pieces of Hot Honey Yardbird are served with the best fixins: blistered heirloom tomatoes, creamy stone-ground grits and cheddar mac with collard greens.

Mofongo at Malecon

Restaurant, Caribbean

Though Malecon has a spot in the Manhattan Valley, their classic dish of mofongo (fried plantains) is best experienced at their restaurant in Little Dominican Republic, way uptown in Washington Heights. Let the aromas of the Caribbean lure you to the top of Broadway and set your phone to island time. Your only care should be deciding which two ingredients to pack into your mashed green plantains. Fried pork chunks and cheese? Garlic shrimp and green sauce? Any of the above will do.

Cacio e tartufo at L’Artista

Restaurant, Italian

It’s in Hamilton Heights, not Lower Manhattan, where you’ll find exceptional northern Italian cuisine prepared by Turin-raised chef German Rizzo. L’Artisa will send your appetite on a first-class flight to Italy’s Piedmont region with their dish of cacio e tartufo. Need we say more than spaghetti alla chitarra topped with pecorino toscano, parmesan and white-truffle shavings? Perhaps only: would you like a negroni or Aperol spritz with that?

Matzo ball ramen at Shalom Japan

Restaurant, Japanese, Asian, Vegetarian

Want the classic New Yorker experience of Jewish deli food, but yearn for the more cosmopolitan vibes of a night out at the sushi bar? Look to Shalom Japan in south Williamsburg to give you a uniquely New York experience. The traditions of Jewish and Japanese cuisine are both embraced here, as chefs with Israeli and Japanese heritage gift diners with dishes such as matzo ball ramen. Inhale the delights of spiced char siu chicken and nori seaweed swimming in broth. Go ahead and drop an additional matzo ball in there – maybe even a foie gras dumpling or soy-marinated egg for good measure.

Babka at Bread’s Bakery

Bakery, American

Man and two cars outside the cream-painted exterior of Breads Bakery, which has a canopy sign with its name hanging over it

Discerning sweet teeth will be unable to resist the braided babka at Bread’s Bakery. This popular Jewish bakery does a baguette and feta bourekas (crispy sesame-spiked parcels) just as well as any artisan, but there’s no denying that the babka is what brings people through the door. Choose between a version with Nutella and dark chocolate, or a cinnamon edition with currants and walnut. Better yet, wait for May, when they stuff a New York cheesecake inside.

Save dollars for New York’s dishes by digging into the city’s cheapest hotels. Alternatively, consider a stay in the middle of Manhattan or discover the Big Apple’s famous hotels with stories to tell.

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CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Julia Goicochea.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

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