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New York City is a fabulous destination that one can do without breaking the bank account, and it's also one of the top places in the world to satisfy a hearty appetite. While there's no shortage of restaurants serving everything from savory Thai specialties to massive deli sandwiches, one can still find plenty of tempting dishes right on the street.
Whether visitors are looking for heaped-high ice cream to break through the heat of a steamy New York City summer or a tasty New York-style dog with traditional fixins, the Big Apple is one of the East Coast's top hubs for delicious eats. If one wants to maximize their experience and taste New York's best, it's good to know what they need to try and what they can get away with giving a miss.
What One Has To Try In New York City
These top choices for New York City street food fare will undoubtedly leave you satisfied and are the best things you need to chow down on when in the Big Apple.
Nuts
Is anything more iconic than a Nuts 4 Nuts cart parked on the New York City sidewalk, dishing up massive heaps of roasted almonds, chestnuts, or cashews? These nuts give diners a big protein boost, are freshly roasted right in front of their eyes, and hungry visitors can get them virtually any time of day or night. As far as street foods go, they're fairly hearty and nutritious, making them a top contender for the ideal New York City street food. The only downside is that the sticky honey glaze can make eating them a bit messy.
- How to Eat: Hot and fresh out of the bag
- Why Try? They smell heavenly, fill one up, and are totally portable.
Pizza
Wafer-thin, cheese-loaded, hot, and fresh pizza is among Big Apple's number-one foods. New York might be the city of bright lights and whirlwind adventures, but it's also undoubtedly the city of 'Za. With an easily folded crust, these pliable pies are perfect for street munching and will keep one full for the long run so that they can explore the city full and to their heart's content. For this reason and so many others, pizza is the ultimate New York street food; every visitor should certainly sample it.
- How to Eat: Folded in half and walking quickly towards the subway
- Why Try? New York City pizza is an iconic and localized treat that many will imitate, but never perfect, outside the Big Apple.
Hot Dogs
Toss a boiled weenie in a toasty bun and top it with a drizzle of ketchup, onion, or sauerkraut, and one has got themselves a New York-style hot dog. While there are plenty of places in the world to get a hot dog fix, New York's famous umbrella-topped hot dog carts have a special place in city lore and the hearts of hot dog connoisseurs. Visitors have gotta try them at least once, and once they do, they will probably be hooked.
- How to Eat: Piping hot with an ice-cold soda
- Why Try? There's nothing more in New York than a freshly boiled hot dog crowned with some sauerkraut and onions, and those who crave the whole experience need to grab one.
What's Worth Trying In New York City
These foods are definitely worth splurging on in New York, but it won't be the end of the world if you miss them while on your adventures.
Ice Cream
Whether it's scoops piled high to the heavens or some creamy goodness nestled between two cookies, there are plenty of street stalls to satisfy any sweet tooth on the streets of Manhattan and beyond. Visitors can get traditional flavors or opt for more non-conventional but tasty fare like cream cheese ice cream or fruity seasonal treats. One of the top reasons ice cream is a tried-and-true street food lies in its sheer portability. A cone or cookie base saves people a trip to the trash once finished. On the flip side, ice cream is super messy and can leave one in a sticky stew on a hot day.
- How to Eat: In cone or sandwich form
- Why Try?: Tap into the inner child and slurp down a cone in the big city
Tacos
The streets of Manhattan and the neighboring boroughs are teeming with taco stands ready to serve hungry patrons a fresh plate of carnitas, carne asada, beans, or chicken tucked into a soft and pliable or hard-shelled container. One can customize their taco with all their favorite fixings for a unique treat that satisfies on crispy, creamy, savory, and fresh fronts. Although undeniably delicious, tacos can get pretty messy if one loads them up properly, putting them squarely in the middle of New York City foods one should try.
- How to Eat: With a ton of napkins
- Why Try? Tacos do the trick if one is searching for a carb and meat-heavy snack that will keep them full.
Pretzels
Giant soft pretzels studded with rock salt and served fresh and hot are a New York City staple. Those craving a hefty dose of carbs will want to scoop up one or two of these shiny, golden-brown beauties to snack on while exploring the city. While New York City pretzels are undeniably tasty, they lack the oomph of some of the city's other street food. While a decent bet if you're hungry, they're not a must-try. Plus, there are several other types of pretzels with unconventional and tasty dips that can hit the sweet spot better than these ones.
- How to Eat: With a side of mustard
- Why Try? They've got a good balance of salt and carbs and will hit the spot
What One Can Give A Miss In New York City
Some foods are definitely meant to be street foods, but one iconic New York favorite is best enjoyed at a sit-down place.
Gyro
Combine tender, thin slices of freshly shaved-off meat with fresh vegetables, a bright burst of tahini sauce, and a creamy smear of hummus, and one has a glorious Mediterranean dish worthy of any restaurant experience. Ultimately, that's part of the problem. While gyros are an excellent street food, it takes time to appreciate the nuance of all the flavors as one rushes down the avenue. Instead, visitors can treat themselves to one of New York's many Greek restaurants where they can savor their gyro next to perfectly prepared rice or a crisp heap of French fries or simply make a fantastic version from the comfort of their own homes.
- How to Eat: Sit to savor the iconic New York gyro, where one can enjoy it with a side of fries or rice.
- Why Try? Gyros are delicious but impractical as street food, so this one is a miss.