| 4 mins read
Visiting the United States? There’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to spend some time in New York City. From the iconic sites (Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square and so on) to the iconic locations (Brooklyn, Bronx Manhattan, Coney Island etc.) there’s a lot to see and do in America’s most famous city. If there’s one thing that a NYC tourist simply cannot miss though, it’s the gastronomic delights available. New York City is home to some of the most famous and most delicious American food options; here is a list of some of the must-eat foods in New York City.
Hot Dogs
Simply put, hot dogs are an American classic. Though brought over with immigrants in the 1800’s, this infamous treat has been completely “Americanized” over the last 2 centuries. New York City is famous for their delicious all-beef franks, grilled on the side of the street and served up with the token condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sauerkraut, banana peppers, relish… the more the merrier! Sink your teeth into this NYC favorite, wrapped in a toasted bun and eaten wherever you please.
Wonder why Hot Dogs are so popular? Despite their questionable insides, a hot dog is a NYC (and American) classic for a few reasons. It’s delicious, it’s convenient (you can eat it anywhere), it’s great to mix with anything/everything, and, most importantly, it’s cheap!!
Bagels
The bagel is another New York City must-try food. Eaten mainly for breakfast (though a bagel for lunch is an extremely popular choice for the NYC work force), these massive circular clusters of bread, bread and more bread are a carb-lovers dream. Topped with cream cheese, butter, salmon, red onions, tomatoes, capers and other wild ingredients, eat this NYC favorite plain or with all of the above.
The Breakfast Sandwich
Another NYC favorite, continue on through bagel land by combining all your early morning favorites into one. A bagel packed with eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon, sliced tomatoes and onion, lathered with ketchup and/or hot sauce is the ultimate way to start off your busy day of sightseeing.
Doughnuts
If you want an even more unhealthy (yet outrageously delicious) start to your day, there’s nothing better than a doughnut (or three). A ring of yeast-risen fried dough, this dessert-for-breakfast (but that’s OK) option ranges from the honey-glazed and chocolate covered beauty, to cream and jelly-filled powdered rings. Eat alongside (or dunk into) a piping hot coffee and you’ve just become an NYC local.
Pizza
Like all of the above, Pizza does not originate in New York City (big surprise). The Big Apple has, however, perfected its own version of this world-favorite food, and stopping into one of New York’s pizza joints is a highlight of any tourist’s (or local’s) day. New York Style Pizza is cut obscenely large (the bigger the better), with a thin, yet crispy base, covered in every topping you could possibly imagine (or none at all). Eat it point to crust, crust to point, fold it in half and eat it like a sandwich… just don’t eat it with a knife and a fork. Looking for the best pizza joint in the city? Ask your New York travel guide, who in addition to imparting insider information about touring the inedible NYC attractions will also show you where the best slice of “pie” can be found in the city!!
Deli Sandwiches
NYC is known for their outrageously good deli sandwiches. Though the Pastrami on Rye is a Kosher-Deli favorite, other meaty options (the Reuben, Corned beef, Roast Beef, Turkey, Smoked Ham etc.) are excellent as well. Load your sandwich with cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, peppers, mayonnaise and mustard for the real local flavor.
Desserts in NYC
To satisfy your sweet tooth in the (healthy sounding) Big Apple, make sure you try an ice cream cone, the world-famous New York Cheesecake, fried dough (covered in confectionary sugar), cinnamon buns or a classy cupcake- you’d be surprised how many options you’ll have for all of the above!!
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