Few days ago, Time Out New York published a list of 10 foods a true New Yorker needs to try. I saved the link. I always say that, in my point of view, exploring a city includes to try the local cuisine. And there are dishes and snacks that are trademarks of each city. Do you know any of them?
Pastrami sandwich, Katz’s Delicatessen – pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Delicatessen is the most famous of New York. I think this is is enough to justify the reason why all new yorkers should try it, right? Also, please note that the place has history and is super traditional – it is on the market since 1888! For those not familiar, pastrami is a beef, normally the bull’s chest, passing for a cure with salt and spices. Next it is smoked, and finally steamed, acquiring unique taste and amazing texture.
Address: 205 E. Houston St.
Steak, Peter Luger – steak is a prime beef and Time Out ensures that the experience of eating one at Peter Luger is unforgettable and worth the price – $99 for two. Plus, the restaurant is located in Williamsburg, hip neighborhood of Brooklyn, which further enriches the moment!
Address: 178 Broadway – Brooklyn.
Pie, Totonno’s – go to Coney Island to try this traditional coal-oven, thin-crust pie with pools of house-made mozzarella dotting a perfect amount of zesty red sauce. As a testament to the simple-is-best mantra, the 91-year-old joint serves their za on a Styrofoam plate.
Address: 1524 Neptune Ave – Brooklyn.
Hot dog, Nathan’s – is the most iconic hot dog in town – the network takes for itself the merit of having created the delicacy and promotes the traditional competition every year on Independence Day In particular, I think that Brazilian hot dog is better, but as it is a snack as present in American culture, it’s a cool experience. Although there are network affiliates in Manhattan, I recommend to go to the address in Coney Island, super traditional.
Address: 1310 Surf Ave.
Burger, J.G. Melon – located at Greenwich Village, J. C. Melon is from 1972! Served open-faced with red onion and crinkle-cut pickle chips, the time-honored burger snugs a stunningly juicy, half-pound piece of meat with a choice of cheese—crispy bacon is optional, but highly recommended.
Address: 1291 Third Ave.
Cronut, Dominique Ansel Bakery – the irresistible mix of donut with croissant attracted people to the lines at 6 am for a long time. Now, the lines are smaller and cronut won the hearts of New Yorkers. Dominique Ansel is a renowned chef in the city.
Address: 189 Spring St.
Dumplings, Prosperity Dumpling – dumplings are a Chinese traditional snack. – stuffed small pasta, very similar to ravioli, with a variety of fillings. And as Chinese culture is strong in New York, it is natural that gastronomy also dominates the territory.
Address: 46 Eldridge St.
Herring, Russ & Daughters – herring is a small fish, with plenty of fat, usually served pickled. Russ & Daughters serves delicacy and exists since 1914.
Address: 179 E Houston St.
Gyro over rice – First: don’t be prejudice about street food in New York! Second: don’t leave the city without trying a dish from halal carts. The most famous of these is Gyro over rice (gyro is lamb). The dish consisting of rice, meat (which may also be chicken), salad and a white sauce. The most famous of them is Halal Guys – always has lines, and it’s delicious. A super well served meal that costs only $ 7!
Address: 53rd St e Sixth Ave.
Bagel, Barney Greengrass – bagel could not be out of this list, right? The suggestion is to try bagels from Barney Greengrass, which is on the Upper West Side.
Address: 541 Amsterdam Ave.
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
