What Food is New York Known For?
New York City is packed with flavors, from the dollar-slice pizza joints to legendary delis serving mile-high sandwiches.
Some dishes are so tied to the city’s identity that they have become a must-eat experience for visitors and a daily ritual for locals.
The most famous? Each of these foods has a history that reflects the waves of immigration that shaped the city.
Italian, Jewish, and Latin American communities, among others, brought their culinary traditions, which adapted over time to fit the fast-moving, always-hungry nature of New Yorkers.
Let’s break down the origins, quirks, and best spots to get them.
New York-Style Pizza: The King of the Slice
New York-style pizza is a simple masterpiece—thin, foldable, crispy yet chewy, with just the right balance of sauce and cheese.
It’s usually sold by the slice, making it an easy grab-and-go option.
The city’s love affair with pizza started in 1905 when Gennaro Lombardi opened Lombardi’s in Little Italy.
It was the first pizzeria in the U.S. and set the stage for what would become an American obsession.
Unlike traditional Neapolitan pizza, which is smaller and cooked quickly at high heat, New York pizza uses a slower bake that results in a crispier crust.
Over time, classic pizzerias like Joe’s Pizza, Di Fara, and John’s of Bleecker Street perfected the craft.
Many credit the city’s tap water for the unique texture of the dough—pizzerias outside New York even try to replicate it by shipping in NYC water.
Bagels: The Breakfast Staple That Took Over the City
Bagels are as much a part of New York mornings as rush hour traffic and honking cabs.
A proper NYC bagel is chewy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and best eaten fresh.
The bagel came to the city with Polish Jewish immigrants in the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that they exploded in popularity.
The introduction of industrial baking methods made them more widely available, and by the 1960s, they were everywhere.
Classic toppings include cream cheese, lox, butter, or a bacon-egg-and-cheese combo.
For the best bagels, head to Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel, Absolute Bagels, or H&H Bagels.
Pastrami on Rye: The Deli Powerhouse
A thick stack of smoky, peppery pastrami piled onto rye bread—that’s a New York pastrami sandwich. It’s simple, filling, and packed with history.
Romanian Jewish immigrants brought pastrami to the city in the late 1800s, using a curing and smoking process to preserve beef.
It took off in NYC’s deli scene, with Katz’s Delicatessen—founded in 1888—becoming its most famous purveyor.
The pastrami is brined for days, smoked, steamed, and then hand-cut to order, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Most people stick to classic mustard as the only condiment—adding mayo would be considered sacrilege.
Other great spots for pastrami? 2nd Ave Deli and Pastrami Queen.
Hot Dogs: New York’s Street Food King
Hot dogs are everywhere in NYC—street carts, baseball stadiums, diners.
They’re cheap, fast, and come with classic toppings like mustard, sauerkraut, and onions.
New York’s hot dog culture began with Nathan’s Famous, founded in 1916 on Coney Island by Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker.
His affordable hot dogs quickly became a boardwalk sensation, and by the mid-20th century, street vendors had made them a city staple.
While Nathan’s still draws crowds, some swear by Gray’s Papaya and Papaya King, known for their grilled dogs served with a tropical fruit drink on the side.
Cheesecake: New York’s Sweetest Invention
New York-style cheesecake is dense, creamy, and all about the cream cheese—unlike lighter versions that use ricotta.
The thick, smooth filling is topped with a graham cracker or sponge cake crust, making it one of the city’s richest desserts.
The modern NYC cheesecake took off when Junior’s Restaurant opened in Brooklyn in 1950.
Their version became the gold standard, with its silky texture and perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
For those who want options, Eileen’s Special Cheesecake and Veniero’s in the East Village also serve top-tier slices.
Chopped Cheese: Harlem and the Bronx’s Hidden Gem
The chopped cheese sandwich is a lesser-known but fiercely loved NYC bodega classic.
It’s made by grilling ground beef, onions, and melted cheese together, then stuffing the mix into a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and condiments.
It’s often compared to a Philly cheesesteak, but it’s in a different category.
The chopped technique blends everything, making each bite packed with flavor.
The sandwich originated in Harlem and the Bronx, with Hajji’s (Blue Sky Deli) being its most famous spot.
Once a local secret, it has gained wider recognition in recent years—though many still argue the best ones are found in corner bodegas rather than high-end restaurants.
Soft Pretzels: NYC’s Classic Street Snack
A warm, salty, chewy pretzel is a staple of NYC street vendors. Perfect for a quick bite on the go.
Origins: Brought by German immigrants in the 1800s.
Why it’s famous: Street carts sell them all over the city, and they’re a go-to snack for busy commuters.
Where to eat it: Any NYC street cart, or try a fresh-baked one at Sigmund’s Pretzels.
Bodega Bacon-Egg-and-Cheese: The Morning Hero
Ask any New Yorker what they eat for breakfast, and you’ll probably hear “bacon-egg-and-cheese on a roll.” It’s simple but perfect.
Why it’s iconic: Quick, cheap, and satisfying, it fuels the city’s workforce every morning.
Where to get it: Any corner bodega, but Blue Sky Deli (Harlem) is a favorite.
Black and White Cookies: NYC’s Bakery Staple
Half vanilla, half chocolate, these cookies have a soft, cake-like texture.
Origins: Popularized in Jewish bakeries in the early 1900s.
Why it’s famous: It’s simple but iconic—just like NYC.
Where to eat it: Zabar’s, Glaser’s Bake Shop, William Greenberg Desserts.
Egg Cream: NYC’s Classic Soda Fountain Drink
Despite the name, egg cream does not contain eggs or cream. It consists of milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup mixed for a frothy, refreshing drink.
Origins: Invented in Brooklyn in the early 1900s—likely in Jewish soda shops.
Why it’s unique: It’s a nostalgic NYC drink that you won’t find in many places outside the city.
Where to drink it: Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop, Ray’s Candy Store.
This is what makes New York City a food lover’s paradise—classic, no-nonsense dishes that reflect the city’s immigrant history and fast-paced lifestyle.
If you’re in NYC, these are the foods you can’t skip.