Culinary Delights: New York City
New York City is a bucket list destination for travel enthusiasts across the globe. With a population of over 8 million and with over 62 million visitors per year it is no surprise that New York has earned the title of the city that never sleeps. With so much to see in such a concentrated area you are sure to break records on your daily step counter and work up quite an appetite along the way. The food options in New York City are just as vast as the options for attractions so it’s easy to ask the question “where should I begin?” While it would take a lifetime to fully immerse in the NYC food scene, here are some must-have foods that should be on your list while exploring the Big Apple.
Pizza
Visiting New York City and having a slice of pizza is like going to France and eating a croissant- it simply must be done. In true melting pot fashion, pizza began its’ history in New York City with the arrival of Italian immigrants during the early 20th century. In an adaptation from Neapolitan style, New York style swapped the wood-fired oven for a coal-fired oven. Today, electric ovens are most commonly used. This pizza’s famous thin crust and light sauce are ideal for folding & taking on the go which is fitting for the lively hustle of the city. There are over 2,000 pizzerias to choose from so don’t worry if a line out the door is too daunting. You’ll find options on essentially every corner in the city. Highly rated establishments include L’industrie Pizzeria in Brooklyn & the West Village, Joe’s Pizza with many locations across the city and Mama’s Too off Broadway. I tried a slice at Jonny’s Pizza in the Lower East Side and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Pastrami
Pastrami established its’ fame in the New York food scene starting in the late 19th century when it was introduced by Romanian Jewish immigrants. Using a recipe with origins from Southeastern Europe, pastrami is made from flavoring and smoking corned beef. Pastrami sandwiches were so popular in New York that by the mid 20th century there were Jewish delicatessens all across the city. Today, you’ll likely find it served on rye bread with mustard and the meat stacked nearly as high as the skyscrapers it neighbors. Katz’s Delicatessen, founded in 1888, is credited as the oldest deli in New York City and is one of the most famous places to order this impressive sandwich. During peak lunch & dinner hours you’ll find a line out the door and down the street but almost no line if you opt to visit in the morning.
Doughnuts
COPS, Greenwich Village
New York City is credited as the birthplace of the doughnut when it was created by Dutch immigrants in the 17th & 18th centuries. The first doughnut shop was opened on Broadway in 1678 where a Dutch woman named Anna Joralemon sold treats that were, at the time, known as olykoeks which translates to “oily cakes”. The term “doughnut” was first introduced in the early 19th century. Today, you will find an array of doughnut shops across the city with numerous varieties from traditional yeast donuts to decadent cake donuts to the trendy cronut. Notable doughnut shops in New York City include Dough with locations across the city, COPS in Greenwich Village and Dominque Ansel in SOHO. I visited COPS and can honestly say their donuts are the best I’ve ever had and I cannot wait to go back.
Bagels
Katz’s Delicatessen
The origins of bagels date back to 13th century Poland from German immigrants who imported pretzel dough. The Jewish citizens were not allowed to bake bread due to religious beliefs and therefore opted to boil it. Bagels entered New York City via Jewish Polish immigrants in the late 19th century. The iconic lox and cream cheese became famous between World War I & II and has remained a staple since. Today, there are over 200 bagel shops in New York City with countless varieties from sweet to savory and a heap of “schmear” to go with it. Notable bagel establishments include Tompkins Square Bagels & Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee.
Italian Food in Little Italy
Rounding out our must-have foods in New York City is a culinary tour of Little Italy. Located in lower Manhattan alongside Chinatown, Little Italy’s roots began with the entrance of Italian immigrants in the mid 20th century. Restrictions by limited job prospects and language barriers created a strong community thick with Italian heritage. Today, there are many Italian restaurants with staples such as freshly made pasta. For an authentic Italian market, visit Di Palo’s Fine Foods which has been operating over 100 years & sells Italian cheese, meats, sauces and more.
Osteria Barocca, Little Italy
Before you depart Little Italy, grab a cannoli and some New York cheesecake from Ferrara Bakery & Café. This historic establishment opened in 1892 & is credited as America’s first Italian bakery and espresso bar.
Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
New York cheesecake, Ferrara Bakery & Cafe
Hungry yet? It’s time plan your trip to the Big Apple!
For recommendations on less touristy ways to explore New York City, read here.
