Whether you’re traveling to New York for business or pleasure, there’s a lot to know about the city’s culinary scene. From ramen and sushi to bagels and steakhouses, here are some of the best food options in the city.
Pastrami
Probably one of the most popular foods in New York City, the pastrami is a smoked, brisket-like meat that is seasoned with spices. It is generally served on rye or a bagel. The dish is a staple of the Jewish deli and is considered irresistible.
The history of pastrami dates back to the late nineteenth century. Eastern European Jewish immigrants developed the recipe. They had been living in Romania and brought their homeland’s traditions with them. After they immigrated to New York, they adapted the recipe for beef pastrami.
They cured the meat, smoked it, and served it on rye bread. The beef was also filled with yellow mustard. The dish became popular with New Yorkers in the 1920s.
Bagels
Known for their crunchy yet chewy exterior, bagels are a staple of New York life. Bagels can be an ideal meal when served with butter, cream cheese, and lox.
Bagels were first brought to the United States by Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Eventually, bagels became a staple in New York, especially in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
There are many family-run bagel stores in New York. Many of these bakeries have been in business for decades.
Bagels are made with high-quality ingredients. They are made from boiled dough and then baked in an oven. The result is a chewy, dense bread with a dark shiny exterior.
Cheesecake
Among the many iconic foods that define New York, cheesecake has never gone out of style. It has been around for thousands of years and is eaten in every culture. Its origin is unclear, but it has probably come from the Greek island of Samos, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BC.
A cheesecake is a creamy confection topped with different garnishes. Some are shaped like a cheeseball, while others have a thin sponge cake base. Most cheesecakes have a crust, which can be made from almost anything. The crust may be ground graham crackers, or it may be held together by fat.
Steakhouses
New York City has a lot to offer, whether you’re looking for a classic steakhouse or something a little more contemporary. These restaurants serve up some of the best steaks in the city. You can expect dry-aged Angus and Prime cuts and some fantastic seafood. These steakhouses aren’t inexpensive, but their steaks are worth the price.
Peter Luger’s Steak House is one of the oldest steakhouses in the city. It originally opened as Carl Luger’s Cafe. In 1984, it earned a Michelin Star. Wolfgang Zwiener served as head waiter at Peter Luger’s for four decades.
Old Homestead Steakhouse in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District is one of the city’s best steakhouses. It has been operating since 1868. It offers USDA prime cuts of beef, including tender filet mignon, 40-day dry-aged rib steak, and more. It is also known for its excellent mutton chops.
Sushi
Whether you are looking for sushi in Manhattan or Brooklyn, you have many options. There are even sushi bars at supermarkets.
New York has an authentic sushi culture. In addition, you will find omakase and other Japanese specialties. Despite the popularity of sushi, the quality and price of sushi in New York aren’t too bad.
The best sushi in Manhattan is served in a variety of sushi restaurants. Of course, some of these restaurants are more expensive than others, but there are many hidden gem sushi houses.
Sushi Seki is one of the most lauded sushi restaurants in New York. It has locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Its signature omakase is the best in the city.
Ramen
Among the many comfort foods available in New York City, ramen is a particular favorite. It’s a noodle soup that’s warm, hearty, and inexpensive. The warm broth is perfect for when you’re stressed out. Fortunately, it’s also easy to adapt the dish to your tastes, thanks to a growing number of ramen restaurants in the city.
For a more refined experience, try ramen shops that serve high-end ramen. They are often run by chefs who hand-pull the noodles and carefully stir the slow-cooked broths. They also offer a variety of toppings. Toppers include chashu, bean sprouts, and wakame.
Many ramen shops have their secret recipes, so make sure you ask. One local favorite, Ryujin in Brooklyn, imports noodles from Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. The flagship location features an open-concept kitchen.