Many travelers consider partaking in street food to be one of the most authentic ways of getting to know a place. To eat as the locals eat means to have a delicious taste of their everyday life, and that’s something that definitely holds true for foodie capital New York City.
NYC is one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the world, and it’s only fitting that that diversity is present in its food offerings. There’s a wealth of tasty, affordable, and unpretentious fare all over the streets of NYC, and there’s sure to be something that whets your appetite. If you’ll be on holiday in New York, make sure to go on a tasting tour of the city’s iconic street foods. Staying in a place like the Westgate Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, near Grand Central, should put you in close proximity of New York’s most mouthwatering street eats!
Dirty Water Hotdog
Nothing says NYC like a dirty water hotdog, named for the salty water that surely imparts more flavor to each sausage. Load it up with the usual toppings like ketchup, mustard, and chopped onions. For best results, add relish and sauerkraut too. One brand of New York hot dog, Sabrett’s, is now as ubiquitous internationally as it is in NYC, but locals say that you should buy from the smaller hot dog carts to get a fuller and tastier experience.
Falafel
There are many halal carts strewn across New York that sell their fares to Muslim and non-Muslim New Yorkers alike. One popular order from these carts is the falafel. These deep-fried balls of bean dough are packed with flavorful spices. They’re also served with a hearty white sauce. You can have them on flatbread or on rice like the ordinary New Yorker does.
Grilled Cheese
Some days you get cravings for simple, homey food that’s easy to eat. For those days, you can grab a gooey, buttery grilled cheese from one of New York’s food trucks. It’ll be a true delight to pull the sandwich apart and see the long, cheesy strings. Different food trucks have their own variations of the grilled cheese, so there’s the option of buying from more than one establishment. You can get the standard type, one with a blend of multiple cheeses, or one with unique fillings like apples or mushrooms.
Dosa
They’re vegan-friendly, they’re student-friendly, and they’re tourist-friendly—so what’s not to love about dosas? A dosa is a South Indian crepe made out of fermented rice batter, and it is usually filled with an appetizing combination of vegetables. It makes the perfect New York street meal because it’s hearty, healthy, and light on the wallet!
Cheong Fun
Cheong fun is a Cantonese dish of steamed rice rolls stuffed with beef, shrimp, veggies, or other ingredients. It’s served on a paper plate and slathered with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. It used to be hard to find cheong fun in NYC, but now there are several carts selling this and other varieties of dim sum. Cheong fun is both a great hot snack and a filling meal!
Breakfast Bagels and Coffee
How can you eat a filling breakfast on a New York minute? Seasoned New Yorkers find their answer in breakfast carts, which are a staple of the city’s street eats. Breakfast carts are where one can go to get delicious bagels and deli-quality coffee in classic blue and white cups. Those who’d like something else with their coffee can also grab donuts, bananas, or hard-boiled eggs. If you’re rushing to get to a stop on your NYC holiday itinerary, don’t forget to grab your breakfast at one of those carts!
NYC may be known for its first-class wining and dining, but these items should prove that it has a vibrant street food scene too. Which of these do you want to chow down on when you make your holiday trip to New York?
