New York City is a culinary melting pot, and its food scene is as diverse as its population. However, some foods are so quintessentially New York that they’ve become iconic. Here are five foods that New Yorkers make better than anyone else.
New York-style pizza, with its thin, foldable crust and perfectly balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio, is legendary. Pizzerias across the city serve up slices that have set the standard for this beloved dish, making New York the pizza capital of America.
New Yorkers have a special relationship with bagels. Whether it’s the city’s water or just decades of expertise, the texture and flavor of a New York bagel are unparalleled. The perfect bagel should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in NYC.
This iconic dessert features a soft, cake-like base half-covered with chocolate fondant and half with vanilla. Though simple in appearance, the black and white cookie is a delicious representation of New York’s diverse culture.
Street vendors selling hot dogs are a common sight in New York, particularly around busy spots like Times Square or Central Park. While hot dogs are available everywhere, there’s something about a New York hot dog—served with a smear of mustard and a pile of sauerkraut—that stands out.
A knish is a pastry filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese, and it’s another food item that New York has perfected. Whether you grab one from a street vendor or a traditional Jewish deli, the New York knish is a tasty morsel that encapsulates the city’s rich cultural history.
Each of these foods is a culinary icon that has been perfected over years, if not decades, by New Yorkers. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, these are the dishes you need to try to truly understand why New York City is a food lover’s paradise.