What Food Is New York Known For? (27 Must-Taste Foods)

New York, a city of diverse cultures and flavors, has made an indelible mark on the culinary world.

From bagels New York-style pizza, buffalo wings, cheesecake, and everything in between, New York boasts a unique food culture worldwide.

Let’s discuss a list of the top 27 foods New York is known for.

1. New York-Style Pizza

New York-style pizza is an iconic culinary symbol of the Big Apple. It holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. It traces its origins back to Lombardi’s. The first pizzeria in the United States was established in Manhattan’s Little Italy in 1905.

This renowned pizza variety is portrayed by its thin, hand-tossed crust. It is adorned with a delicate layer of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The hallmark of New York pizza is its thin, foldable slices.

It is often attributed to the unique minerals in New York City’s tap water. It lends the crust its distinctive flavor and texture. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

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2. Bagel with cream cheese and Lox

The traditional Bagel with cream cheese and Lox is a New York staple. It is rooted in the city’s Jewish immigrant history. Polish Jews brought bagels to NYC in the late 19th century, and by 1900. They were crafting the iconic “Bagel brunch.”

This delectable dish features a bagel stacked with cream cheese, Lox, capers, red onions, and tomato. Today, bagels are integral to New York’s food culture.

Head to establishments like Tompkins Square Bagels, Murray’s Bagels, Sadelle’s, and Russ & Daughters to savor this iconic treat. The quest for the best bagel spot can start spirited debates among New Yorkers.

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3. Grandma Pizza

Grandma Pizza, a beloved classic, holds a unique place in the rich tapestry of New York’s pizza culture. Originating in Long Island during the 1970s, this Sicilian-style pie is a testament. It is a culinary creativity of Italian-American grandmothers.

Unlike its round counterparts, Grandma Pizza is rectangular. It is baked in pans with olive oil and adorned with mozzarella cheese and a delectable tomato sauce layer. This homemade-inspired pizza captures the essence of comfort food.

Its square slices offer a nostalgic and hearty experience. Grandma Pizza is a delightful deviation from the norm. It brings a slice of family tradition and timeless flavor to the table.

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4. Buffalo Wings

Buffalo Wings is a spicy and succulent American classic. It has a storied history of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Whether fried, baked, or grilled, these delectable chicken wings are separated into drums and flats.

What sets them apart? It is their signature sauce, a compelling butter and cayenne pepper blend. Buffalo Wings are often served alongside celery sticks, creamy blue cheese, or grange dressing to balance their heat.

Their popularity extends far beyond Buffalo. It is becoming a staple in sports bars and gatherings, offering a finger-licking, fiery kick that’s hard to resist.

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5. Chopped Cheese Sandwich

The Chopped Cheese Sandwich is a New York specialty. It is a delicious concoction of ground beef, onions, tomato, and melted cheese, all loaded into a hero roll. Its origins remain mysterious, with some crediting a bodega in East Harlem, Hajji’s Deli, for its creation.

This mouthwatering delight can be found on upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens sandwich boards. In recent years, it gained hipster fame and found its way into trendy restaurants in Brooklyn.

The best place to start your chopped cheese adventure is at Blue Sky Deli, also known as Hajji’s Deli, on East 110th Street and First Avenue.

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6. New York-Style Cheesecake

New York-style cheesecake is a culinary masterpiece renowned for its decadent richness. Its velvety texture is excellent.

What sets it apart? Another cheesecake variation is the inclusion of heavy cream or sour cream in the filling. It results in a dense, creamy delight.

This classic dessert usually features a graham cracker crust, baked perfectly in a springform pan. The New York-style cheesecake is adorned with various toppings, such as fruit sauce, chocolate syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Its irresistible addition of flavors and textures has secured its place as a timeless favorite in the world of desserts.

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7. Pretzels

Pretzels are a beloved snack and street food. It is a quintessential part of New York City’s culinary landscape. These twisted, soft-baked delights have their roots in Dutch immigrants’ traditions.

They first made their appearance in New Amsterdam in the early 1800s. Topped with coarse sea salt, the classic pretzel is simple yet satisfying.

Whether bought from a street vendor or baked at home, they offer a perfect balance of chewy interior and crispy exterior.

Often served with tangy mustard, they provide an authentic taste of the city’s vibrant street culture. Making pretzels at home is a delightful way to recreate this New York experience and savor its timeless appeal.

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8. Mutton Chop

Mutton Chop, an iconic dish, is associated with Keens Steakhouse in Manhattan, New York. This restaurant, opened in 1885, is renowned for its unique tradition of hanging patrons’ pipes from the ceiling.

However, the Mutton Chop has become a legendary part of New York’s culinary heritage. This succulent dish features a thick cut of mutton, seasoned and perfectly prepared. Over 50,000 pipes hang from the ceiling, showcasing the restaurant’s history.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, ordering the Mutton Chop at Keens Steakhouse is a must, and you won’t be disappointed by the experience.

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9. Lobster Rolls

Lobster Rolls are a quintessential Northeastern delight. It captures the essence of coastal New York cuisine. These delectable sandwiches contain tender lobster meat on a grilled hot dog-style bun.

They are a testament to the region’s abundant lobster fishing industry. Particularly prevalent on Long Island’s shores. The lobster is dressed with a light, creamy dressing. Sometimes enriched with mayonnaise or lemon and occasionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Lobster Rolls are cherished for their harmonious blend of flavors and textures. They epitomize the allure of summertime dining in New York. Making authentic lobster rolls at home brings coastal charm to any kitchen.

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10. Manhattan Clam Chowder

Manhattan Clam Chowder is a vibrant and robust seafood soup. It is a New York culinary treasure known for its tomato-based broth and hearty ingredients.

In contrast to its New England counterpart, this chowder lacks the cream or milk and features a flavorful tomato base.

It begins with a mirepoix, a blend of carrots, celery, and onions. It includes tender clams and a medley of vegetables. The resulting soup is known for its satisfying, slightly spicy, and savory flavors.

Manhattan Clam Chowder’s origins are rooted in the city’s coastal heritage. It makes it a popular and comforting dish that locals and visitors enjoy, especially during chilly winter evenings.

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11. General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a delectable dish that originated in the Hunan region of China but became popular in New York City. In the late 1960s or early ’70s, a chef located in Shun Lee Palace in NYC sweetened the recipe to suit American tastes and was added to the menu.

This dish consists of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a gluey, sweet, and spicy sauce.

Now, General Tso’s chicken is a staple on the menu of every Chinese restaurant in the United States. Shun Lee Palace in New York City is known for popularizing this dish; you can still savor it there.

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12. Black and White Cookies

Black and White Cookies, also known as “Half-and-Half” cookies. Their sweet history is traced back to a Bavarian bakery in Manhattan in the early 1900s.

These iconic New York treats feature a soft, cake-like base that is often domed, making them distinct. The cookies are split into two halves, one frosted in vanilla and the other in chocolate. It creates a delightful contrast of flavors.

These delectable cookies gained popularity, especially in Jewish neighborhoods. It is known for its charming appearance and delightful taste. Black and White Cookies are a cherished part of the city’s culinary heritage, and they continue to be enjoyed by cookie enthusiasts of all ages.

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13. Pastrami On Rye

Pastrami on Rye, an iconic and mouthwatering sandwich, intertwines with New York’s culinary history. It was born in the Lower East Side of Manhattan in the late 1800s. This delicious creation is rooted in Jewish immigrants’ shared culinary traditions.

Lithuanian immigrant Sussman Volk, who had a butcher shop, exchanged favors with a Romanian friend. It receiving the pastrami recipe. When he opened one of the city’s first delicatessens in 1888, pastrami on Rye became a signature dish.

This delectable sandwich consists of succulent pastrami slices piled high on rye bread. It is adorned with spicy brown mustard.

Served with a side of pickles, Pastrami on Rye remains a beloved and enduring favorite in New York’s bustling deli scene.

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14. Egg and Cheese on a Roll

Egg and Cheese on a Roll, often known as a “BEC” when you add bacon, is a beloved New York City breakfast sandwich. This bodega or deli classic features eggs, cheese, and bacon on a roll.

The default egg preparation is scrambled, and a suitable BEC ensures that every bite contains a delightful combination of meat, cheese, and egg.

You can find this delicious morning treat in countless bodegas and delis across all five boroughs of New York City. It’s a quick, hearty, and satisfying way to start your day in a city that never sleeps.

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15. Chicken Riggies

Chicken Riggies is a flavorful pasta dish hailing from upstate New York. In particular, the Utica-Rome region is a beloved Italian-American culinary tradition.

This hearty and zesty dish features rigatoni pasta, tender chunks of chicken, and hot cherry peppers. All enveloped in a creamy tomato sauce.

The origins of Chicken raggies may be a subject of debate among locals. But one thing is clear: it has been a cherished part of the regional menu since the late ’70s or early ’80s. Its spicy and creamy combination creates a harmonious balance of flavors.

It has made Chicken Riggies a local tradition, enjoyed in homes and restaurants throughout upstate New York.

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16. Bagels With Lox

Bagels with Lox, an enduring and beloved culinary duo, combines two iconic elements of New York City’s food culture. While neither bagels nor Lox originated in New York, the city is where they found their perfect partnership.

Lox, a brined salmon, and bagels, yeasty, doughy circles merge in Jewish bakeries. It serves as a delectable response to the popularity of Eggs Benedict. This open-faced breakfast sandwich is not kosher due to its mixture of meat and dairy.

Bagels with Lox feature creamy cream cheese spread on a toasted bagel. It is topped with slices of silky Lox, capers, onions, and dill for a burst of flavors and textures. This classic combination continues to be a breakfast and brunch favorite. It symbolizes New York’s diverse culinary heritage.

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17. Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict, a beloved breakfast classic, has an intriguing history rooted in the heart of New York City. Despite its French-sounding name, Eggs Benedict is an American creation. Legend has it that this delectable dish was first concocted in the 1890s.

A retired Wall Street stockbroker named Lemuel Benedict wandered into the Waldorf Hotel, seeking a hangover cure. He requested “buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon, and a hooker of Hollandaise sauce.”

The hotel chef loved the dish and added it to the menu. Delmonico’s in Manhattan also claims ownership, as one of its chefs, Charles Ranhofer, published a recipe for “Eggs à la Benedick” in 1894.

This rich and flavorful combination of English muffins, Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and a silky Hollandaise sauce has become a staple of brunch menus nationwide. It exemplifies New York’s culinary ingenuity.

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18. Lobster Newberg

Lobster Newberg is a sumptuous seafood dish. It has a rich history intertwined with the culinary legacy of New York City. This delectable creation comprises lobster meat, butter, cognac, cream, sherry, eggs, and cayenne pepper. It creates a luxurious and flavorful experience.

The dish is believed to have originated at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, with intrigue surrounding its name. The story goes that the dish called initially “Lobster à la Wenberg,” was removed from the menu due to a dispute over its origins.

However, its undeniable popularity was undeniable, and it reappeared under Lobster Newberg. This exquisite lobster preparation remains a testament to the city’s inventive culinary spirit. It is cherished for its timeless appeal.

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19. General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken, a beloved Chinese-American dish, has surprising origins in the heart of New York City. Chef Peng Chang-kuei created it in the 1950s at his restaurant in New York. This sweet and spicy chicken dish represents the fusion of Chinese and American tastes.

Peng sweetened a traditional Hunanese recipe for American palates, naming it after General Tso. He is a respected Chinese military leader of the late Qing dynasty. General Tso’s Chicken even had a high-profile fan in the form of Henry Kissinger, a regular at Peng’s restaurant.

This dish reflects the cross-cultural culinary innovation that defines New York’s diverse food landscape. It has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its crispy, flavorful chicken pieces doused in a sweet and spicy sauce.

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20. Garbage Plate

The Garbage Plate, an infamous indulgence, has a peculiar but endearing origin in Rochester, New York. This culinary masterpiece, created at Nick Tahou Hots, has earned its unique name.

The dish combines a hearty bed of home fries, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. It is crowned with hot dogs, a flavorful meat sauce, hot sauce, chopped onions, spicy mustard, and ketchup.

While the name may not evoke culinary sophistication, the Garbage Plate is a beloved regional dish as iconic as indulgent. It reflects a hearty and diverse taste, making it a legend in the state’s culinary history. It is known for its bold flavors and satisfying portions.

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21. Beef on Weck

Beef on Weck is a distinctive sandwich with Buffalo roots. It boasts a deliciously intriguing history in New York. This German-American creation centers on thinly sliced rare roast beef.

These are placed between a kummelweck roll, resembling a Kaiser roll outmatched with kosher salt and caraway seeds. It’s often served with au jus for dipping and a dollop of horseradish for an extra kick.

The legend behind this sandwich has it that a creative restaurateur in upstate. New York promoted it to encourage patrons to order more drinks.

This culinary innovation became a local treasure, offering the perfect blend of savory beef and aromatic spices. It is exemplifying the charm and inventiveness of Buffalo’s culinary heritage.

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22. Manhattan Cocktail

The Manhattan Cocktail is a classic libation. It has its roots deeply entrenched in the history of New York City. This cocktail is composed of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It reflects the spirit of the Gilded Age in the city.

It is traditionally stirred, strained into a cocktail glass, and adorned with a maraschino cherry and occasionally a lemon twist. The Manhattan Cocktail’s connection to New York runs so deep.

It was often made with American rye whiskey or Canadian whisky during the Prohibition era. With its harmonious blend of ingredients, this iconic drink becomes synonymous with the city’s vibrant cocktail culture. It is celebrated for its timeless appeal.

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23. Dirty Water Dog

The Dirty Water Dog, a quintessential New York City street food, dates back to the 1860s. Sold initially by German immigrants as “dachshund sausages,” these hot dogs became a staple of the city’s food culture.

You can still find vendors selling these “dirty water dogs” on street corners today. They are named after the hot water they soak in until ordered. One iconic spot to enjoy this classic treat is Papaya Dog on Sixth Avenue and West 4th Street in the West Village.

The simple yet delicious combination of a hot dog in a bun remains a beloved part of New York’s culinary landscape.

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24. Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island Dressing is a beloved salad accompaniment. It has its roots in the picturesque Thousand Islands region along the Canada-U.S. border in upstate New York. This creamy concoction is typically mayonnaise-based, complemented by a medley of ingredients.

They include olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cream, paprika, vinegar, chili sauce, ketchup, and hot sauce. The name itself hails from the stunning island region where it is popular.

This versatile dressing has become a staple in households and restaurants. Also, they are known for their tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy profile that elevates salads and sandwiches. Thousand Island Dressing embodies the charm of the region’s culinary traditions. It is a celebrated addition to countless dishes.

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25. Utica Greens

Utica Greens is a delectable Italian-American dish that has gained widespread popularity. Its origin is derived from Utica, New York. Sautéed escarole, hot peppers, chicken stock, cheese, breadcrumbs, and prosciutto characterize this mouthwatering appetizer.

It creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Utica Greens first appeared on the menu at Chesterfield Restaurant in the late 1980s. It served as a pre-meal delight, and these greens can be made hearty enough to serve as an entree.

Utica Greens showcases the influence of Italian cuisine in upstate New York. It brings a touch of comfort and sophistication to the table. They continue to be celebrated as a part of the region’s culinary heritage.

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26. Waldorf Salad

The Waldorf Salad is a classic and refreshing dish. Its name derives from the iconic Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, where it was first created. This delightful salad features a medley of ingredients, including mayo-bound apples, grapes, walnuts, and celery, crisp lettuce.

Initially, it was made with fruit and mayonnaise, but adding walnuts brought a pleasing crunch and a nuanced flavor profile. Chef Oscar Tschirky, the creator of the Waldorf Salad in the 1890s, added the dish to the hotel’s menu.

Then, it quickly became a popular and enduring addition to American cuisine. This salad’s harmonious blend of textures and flavors embodies the timeless charm of New York’s culinary legacy.

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27. Cronut

The Cronut, a culinary marvel, was born in 2013 at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo. It’s a fusion of a croissant and a donut, and its creation revolutionized the pastry world. People would line up every morning, and the queues still exist today.

Though imitations have sprung up worldwide, the original Cronut remains unmatched. To savor this delightful treat, head to Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring Street which is near Thompson Street, open at 8 a.m. from Monday to Saturday and at 9 a.m. on Sundays.

The Cronut’s unique combination of flakiness and sweetness. It has made it a must-try delicacy for anyone visiting New York City.

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Conclusion

New York is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions in the world of cuisine. The city’s famous foods, each with a story, offer a delicious journey through its history and multicultural influences.

From the classic Bagel with cream cheese and Lox to the innovative Cronut, New York’s culinary contributions continue to experience food. It’s a city that never sleeps and never stops cooking up something extraordinary.

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