Top 25 Must-Try Foods in NYC (You Can’t Leave Without Eating These!)
New York City is a true culinary powerhouse—a place where cultures collide and world-class flavors are born. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Manhattan or exploring the boroughs like Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, the city offers something irresistible for every kind of foodie.
From humble street carts to iconic delis and five-star kitchens, NYC serves up dishes that are authentic, inventive, and unforgettable. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 25 must-try foods in NYC, and where to find the best versions of each.
Crispy, chewy, and endlessly satisfying. This classic slice—usually eaten folded in half—is part of the city’s DNA. Try it plain with cheese and tomato sauce or loaded with toppings. Don’t miss the chance to grab a late-night slice after a Broadway show or bar crawl. 
2. Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese
A true New York breakfast staple. The dense, doughy bagel becomes divine when topped with creamy schmear, silky smoked salmon, and thinly sliced red onion. Get one from a Jewish deli or a classic bagel shop—you won’t regret it.
3. Hot Dog from a Street Cart
The street hot dog is quick, salty, and hits the spot every time. Simple condiments like sauerkraut, onions, ketchup, and mustard make it perfect. Best enjoyed in Central Park or while walking the city streets.
4. Pastrami on Rye
Piled high with peppery, juicy pastrami and served with spicy brown mustard on rye bread—this sandwich is a symbol of New York’s Jewish delis. It’s smoky, savory, and best eaten with a pickle on the side.
5. New York Cheesecake
Dense yet smooth, sweet yet slightly tangy—this iconic dessert is as rich in flavor as the city is in culture. Whether plain or topped with strawberries, a good New York cheesecake is always memorable.
6. Chopped Cheese
Often compared to a cheeseburger but way messier (in a good way). This Harlem-born bodega sandwich is made with chopped ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, all packed in a hero roll.
7. Dim Sum in Chinatown
Chinatown offers one of the best dim sum experiences outside of Hong Kong. Enjoy pork shumai, har gow (shrimp dumplings), sticky rice, and BBQ pork buns served from traditional carts in bustling teahouses.
8. Halal Platter
Chicken or lamb over spiced yellow rice, drizzled with white sauce and hot sauce, served with salad and pita. This dish is a street food phenomenon and a meal that will fuel your entire day.
9. Black & White Cookie
More cake than cookie, this soft, sweet treat features half vanilla and half chocolate frosting. A staple of NYC bakeries and a symbol of unity in dessert form.
10. NYC Pretzel
A classic snack with roots in German immigrants’ traditions. Get one soft and warm from a street vendor with a little mustard for the perfect walking companion.
11. Falafel Sandwich
Packed with crispy chickpea patties, tahini, lettuce, and pickled veggies—all stuffed into warm pita bread. A satisfying vegetarian option that’s both hearty and flavorful.
12. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on a Roll (BEC)
New Yorkers live on this sandwich. Grab one from a bodega or deli for breakfast and you’ll understand the hype. Pro tip: ask for salt, pepper, and ketchup.
13. Egg Cream
No egg, no cream—just seltzer, chocolate syrup, and milk. This fizzy chocolate drink is a quirky NYC original from Brooklyn soda fountains.
14. Cannoli
Sweet ricotta cheese tucked into a crispy shell, sometimes dipped in chocolate or studded with pistachios. A staple in Little Italy and an essential end to any Italian meal.
15. Ramen
NYC’s ramen game is strong—thanks to Japanese chefs who’ve made the city their culinary playground. Try tonkotsu for its rich pork broth or miso ramen for something heartier.
16. Korean Fried Chicken
Crispy, sweet, spicy, and often twice-fried. You’ll find amazing Korean fried chicken joints in Koreatown (Midtown) and Brooklyn.
17. Matzo Ball Soup
Comfort in a bowl. Light but flavorful broth with fluffy matzo balls, carrots, and celery—a classic Jewish comfort food.
18. Sushi Burrito
A modern fusion that wraps sushi-grade fish, veggies, and rice in seaweed, like a giant hand roll. It’s grab-and-go sushi, NYC style.
19. Arepas
Venezuelan and Colombian arepas are stuffed with cheese, meats, and beans. Their crispy exterior and soft center make for a tasty and filling street snack or full meal.
20. Taco al Pastor
This Mexican street food favorite features pork cooked on a vertical spit (like shawarma), served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro in a soft tortilla.
21. Fried Chicken and Waffles
Crispy chicken on buttery waffles with a drizzle of syrup or hot sauce is Southern soul food with a New York twist.
22. Pierogi
These Eastern European dumplings, filled with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat, are a staple in Brooklyn’s Polish neighborhoods.
23. Jamaican Beef Patty
Spiced ground beef wrapped in flaky pastry. Find these in Caribbean bakeries or even some pizzerias, often served in coco bread for a filling snack.
24. Bubble Tea
Also known as boba, this Taiwanese drink features flavored teas and chewy tapioca pearls. NYC offers endless variations—milk-based, fruity, slushy, and more.
25. Artisanal Ice Cream
Forget plain vanilla. NYC’s ice cream scene includes mind-blowing flavors like lavender honey, Thai tea, black sesame, or cereal milk.
Bonus Tips for Foodies in NYC
- Explore by borough: Queens offers some of the most diverse ethnic cuisine in the country. The Bronx is famous for its Italian bakeries. Brooklyn has both upscale and down-to-earth gems. Staten Island even has top-notch Sri Lankan food!
- Be adventurous: NYC’s food culture thrives on innovation. Don’t just go for what’s trending—dig deeper into neighborhoods, try hole-in-the-wall joints, and explore food markets like Smorgasburg or Chelsea Market.
- Timing matters: Street food is usually best in the afternoons and evenings, while bakeries and bagel shops shine in the morning. Fancy restaurants often require reservations weeks in advance.
Final Bite
Food in NYC isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing culture, history, creativity, and community. Each bite tells a story, from immigrant heritage to modern fusion. So whether you’re a tourist with a weekend to spare or a local rediscovering your city, these 25 dishes are the ultimate culinary checklist.
Let your appetite guide you through the five boroughs and taste your way through the Big Apple—one iconic dish at a time.
