Unearth The Voyage
New York City isn’t just famous for its skyscrapers and yellow cabs—it’s a food lover’s paradise with flavors from every corner of the world. From old-school delis to legendary street carts, the city has dishes that have become part of its identity. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these iconic bites tell the story of NYC through taste, history, and unforgettable experiences.
1. Pastrami on Rye — Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)
Walking into Katz’s feels like stepping back in time. Since 1888, this Lower East Side landmark has been slicing up some of the most famous pastrami in the world. The meat is hand-carved, house-cured, and piled so high you’ll wonder how to fit it in your mouth.
Order it classic style with mustard on rye bread. The pastrami is tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor that no chain deli can replicate. You’ll get a ticket when you walk in—don’t lose it, or you’ll pay a fine on your way out.
Located at 205 E Houston St, Katz’s is more than a meal; it’s a rite of passage for anyone serious about NYC food culture.
2. A Classic Slice — Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village Original)
Nothing says New York like a thin, foldable slice that you can eat on the go. Joe’s Pizza has been serving exactly that since 1975, and the original shop on 7 Carmine St remains a Greenwich Village treasure. Locals and tourists alike line up for a taste of pizza perfection.
The crust is crispy yet chewy, the sauce is tangy and sweet, and the cheese melts just right. You don’t need fancy toppings here—plain cheese is all you need to understand why Joe’s is legendary. Grab a slice, fold it in half, and enjoy it while people-watching on the bustling streets.
Simple, delicious, and authentically New York—Joe’s proves that sometimes less really is more.
3. Bagel with Lox & Schmear — Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)
Russ & Daughters has been an “appetizing” shop for over a century, specializing in smoked fish, bagels, and all the fixings. Located on E Houston St, this family-run institution is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Jewish deli fare. The atmosphere alone is worth the trip.
Order a fresh bagel loaded with cream cheese (that’s the schmear), silky lox, capers, tomato, and onion. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and savory. The fish is top-quality, and the bagels are baked to perfection—chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside.
This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a New York tradition passed down through generations.
4. Coney Island Hot Dog — Nathan’s Famous (Coney Island)
Since 1916, Nathan’s Famous has been the king of Coney Island hot dogs. The original boardwalk flagship is where it all started, and it’s still the best place to grab one of these iconic franks. Nathan’s even hosts the legendary July 4th hot-dog eating contest here every year.
The hot dog itself is juicy, snappy, and full of flavor. Top it with mustard, sauerkraut, or onions—whatever you like. Eating one while strolling the boardwalk with the ocean breeze in your face is pure summer magic.
Whether you’re at the beach or just craving a taste of nostalgia, Nathan’s delivers every single time.
5. New York Cheesecake — Junior’s (Downtown Brooklyn Flagship)
Junior’s proudly calls its cheesecake the “World’s Most Fabulous,” and after one bite, you’ll understand why. The Downtown Brooklyn flagship has been baking this legendary dessert for decades, and it remains a New York staple. Locals celebrate birthdays, holidays, and random Tuesdays with a slice from Junior’s.
The cheesecake is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too dense. The graham cracker crust adds just the right crunch. Each forkful melts in your mouth, leaving you craving another bite.
Whether you dine in or take a whole cake home, Junior’s cheesecake is the ultimate New York dessert experience.
6. Black & White Cookie — William Greenberg Desserts (Upper East/Upper West Sides)
William Greenberg Desserts has been voted the maker of the best black & white cookie in NYC, and one taste will prove it. These soft, cake-like cookies are topped with smooth vanilla and chocolate fondant icing, split perfectly down the middle. They’re a New York icon that even Seinfeld famously celebrated.
The cookie itself is tender and slightly sweet, while the fondant adds a sugary finish that’s never too heavy. Grab one from their Upper East or Upper West Side locations and enjoy it with a cup of coffee.
It’s simple, nostalgic, and delicious—a true taste of old-school New York bakery culture.
7. The Cronut® — Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo)
Chef Dominique Ansel changed the pastry world forever when he introduced the Cronut® on May 10, 2013. This croissant-doughnut hybrid became an instant sensation, with people lining up before dawn to snag one. The flavors change monthly, so every visit offers something new and exciting.
The Cronut® is flaky, buttery, and filled with luscious cream. It’s best enjoyed within six to eight hours of baking, when the layers are at their peak. Each bite is a perfect blend of crispy, soft, and sweet.
Head to the SoHo bakery early, be patient, and treat yourself to one of the most creative pastries ever invented.
8. Chicken (or Gyro) Over Rice — The Halal Guys (Midtown, 53rd & 6th Cart)
What started as a humble street cart in 1990 has become a New York City phenomenon. Three Egyptian founders launched The Halal Guys, and their chicken and gyro platters—smothered in the now-famous white sauce—sparked a citywide craze. The original cart at 53rd & 6th is still the most popular spot.
The platters are huge, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Tender grilled chicken sits atop fluffy yellow rice, with lettuce, tomatoes, and that magical white sauce tying it all together. Add hot sauce if you dare.
It’s street food at its finest—affordable, delicious, and unmistakably New York.
9. Knish — Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery (Lower East Side)
Yonah Schimmel has been baking knishes since 1910, making it one of the Lower East Side’s most enduring Jewish food landmarks. Located at 137 E Houston St, this tiny bakery is a time capsule of old New York. The knish—a baked pastry filled with mashed potato or other fillings—is comfort food at its core.
The dough is soft and flaky, and the potato filling is creamy and well-seasoned. It’s simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. You can also try flavors like kasha or spinach for variety.
Grab a knish to go or sit in the cozy shop and soak up over a century of history.
10. Egg Cream — Lexington Candy Shop (Upper East Side)
Despite its name, an egg cream contains neither eggs nor cream—just seltzer, milk, and chocolate syrup mixed to fizzy perfection. Lexington Candy Shop, a luncheonette founded in 1925, still serves this soda fountain classic the old-fashioned way. The shop itself feels frozen in time, with its original counter and stools.
The drink is light, refreshing, and nostalgic. Watching the soda jerk mix it by hand adds to the charm. It’s sweet but not too heavy, and the bubbles make it fun to sip.
Stop by for an egg cream and a glimpse into New York’s past—it’s like drinking history from a glass.
11. Chocolate Babka — Breads Bakery (Union Square Flagship)
Breads Bakery’s “world-famous” chocolate babka helped spark the modern babka boom in New York City. The Union Square flagship is where it all happens, and the aroma of freshly baked babka draws people in from blocks away. This twisted, chocolate-filled bread is rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist.
Each slice reveals gorgeous chocolate swirls, and the dough is soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee. The babka stays moist for days, though it rarely lasts that long.
Whether you’re a babka purist or a first-timer, Breads Bakery sets the gold standard.
12. Sicilian Pepperoni Square — Prince Street Pizza (Nolita)
Prince Street Pizza’s Spicy Spring square has reached cult status among pizza lovers. This isn’t your average slice—it’s a thick Sicilian square topped with fra diavolo sauce, cup-and-char pepperoni, and fresh mozzarella. The pepperoni curls into crispy cups that hold little pools of spicy oil, creating flavor explosions in every bite.
The crust is fluffy and airy, with a golden-brown bottom that’s slightly crisp. The spicy sauce adds a kick that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth the hype.
Head to Nolita, grab a square, and prepare to understand why people line up for this legendary slice.
13. Oyster Pan Roast — Grand Central Oyster Bar (Grand Central Terminal)
Beneath the bustling concourse of Grand Central Terminal lies a landmark restaurant that’s been serving seafood since 1913. The Grand Central Oyster Bar’s “world-famous” oyster pan roast is a house specialty that warms the soul. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with plump, fresh oysters swimming in a tomato-cream sauce.
The dish arrives bubbling hot, and the flavors are bold yet comforting. Oysters are cooked just right—tender and briny. Pair it with oyster crackers and soak up every drop of that luxurious sauce.
Eating here feels like dining in a piece of New York history, surrounded by the energy of one of the world’s busiest train stations.
14. Italian Ices — The Lemon Ice King of Corona (Corona, Queens)
Since 1944, The Lemon Ice King of Corona has been a Queens institution, serving refreshing Italian ices in dozens of flavors. This beloved spot even made a cameo in the opening credits of The King of Queens, cementing its place in pop culture. On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than a cup of their icy goodness.
The ices are smooth, intensely flavored, and perfectly sweet. Classic lemon is a must-try, but adventurous eaters can explore flavors like peanut butter, mango, or cherry. It’s a simple pleasure that brings back childhood memories.
Head to Corona, grab a cup, and cool down the old-school way.
15. Falafel Sandwich — Mamoun’s Falafel (Greenwich Village Original)
Mamoun’s Falafel opened in 1971 at 119 MacDougal St and quickly became a Greenwich Village legend. This tiny shop has been serving late-night falafel and shawarma to hungry New Yorkers for over five decades. Whether you’re stumbling out of a concert or just craving something delicious, Mamoun’s delivers every time.
The falafel is crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and stuffed into warm pita with fresh veggies and creamy tahini. It’s affordable, satisfying, and endlessly craveable. Add hot sauce if you want a little extra heat.
It’s the perfect late-night bite that never disappoints, no matter what time you visit.
16. Cannoli — Ferrara Bakery (Little Italy)
Ferrara Bakery has been a Little Italy landmark since 1892, making it one of the oldest pastry shops in the city. Their cannoli are a signature treat—crispy shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta and often topped with chocolate chips or pistachios. Walking into Ferrara feels like stepping into an Italian pastry dream.
The shell shatters perfectly with each bite, and the filling is smooth, rich, and not too sweet. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every moment. Pair it with an espresso for the full experience.
Whether you’re exploring Little Italy or just craving something sweet, Ferrara’s cannoli are a must.
17. Chopped Cheese — Blue Sky Deli a.k.a. Hajji’s (East Harlem)
Born in the bodegas of East Harlem, the chopped cheese is a true New York City original. Blue Sky Deli, also known as Hajji’s, is widely credited as the sandwich’s birthplace. Located at 2135 1st Ave & E 110th St, this humble deli serves up a sandwich that’s become a cultural phenomenon.
The chopped cheese features seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, chopped together on the griddle, then stuffed into a toasted hero with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo or ketchup. It’s messy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—like a New York twist on a cheeseburger.
Grab one from Hajji’s and taste a sandwich that represents the heart and soul of the city’s neighborhoods.
