Growing up in New York City, there are certain foods that I was always surrounded by. Being that it was my normal, I never paid much attention to the fact that outside of New York, some of my favorite foods aren’t as available or well-known. But when I went to college in Connecticut I noticed not only the difference in some of the food I was used to, but also how some restaurants would promote “New York style” foods. Of course, there’s nothing like food directly from the source, so if you ever find yourself in New York and want to eat like the locals, here are 7 foods to try.
1. Pizza
Domino’s and Pizza Hut are great in their own right, but there is nothing like some classic New York style pizza. The fluffy crust, yummy sauce, and melty cheese is one of my favorite indulgences when I’m home. I’m lucky enough to live in a neighborhood that’s home to at least eight pizza restaurants, so I get my pick of the crop. Whenever my family from Pennsylvania (who are native New Yorkers) visit, they always make sure to grab a slice before they leave. Thankfully, there is no shortage of where you can find a yummy pizza pie.
2. Cheesecake
Another New York classic is New York style cheesecake. Culturally, cheesecake is usually associated with Italians, so I always wondered what made New York cheesecake so different from Italian cheesecake. While dining at an Italian restaurant that offered both, I asked the waiter who informed me that Italian cheesecake uses ricotta and New York cheesecake uses cream cheese. Make sure to visit at least one of NYC’s many cheesecake spots. One of the most popular is Junior’s, famous for their various cheesecake offerings, including strawberry milkshakes with a whole slice of cheesecake on top.
3. Chopped Cheese
A chopped cheese is a standard bodega menu item, and a Bronx and Harlem staple. It’s a sandwich made with ground beef, onions, melted cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. One of my best friends, who I met in college but is also from the Bronx, actually brought me a chopped cheese when he came back to campus after visiting home. It is life changing and delicious, one of my favorite sandwiches hands down. Anyone who hasn’t tried it should definitely add it to their food bucket list.
4. Baconeggandcheese on a roll
We New Yorkers have a thing where a bacon, egg, and cheese, is referred to as one word, “baconeggandcheese.” There’s not much explanation needed for this sandwich, as its ingredients are in the name, but it is a must try. Like the chopped cheese, this sandwich is standard bodega menu item, and is often paired with an Arizona iced tea.
5. Halal Food
By definition, halal food refers to any food free from components that Muslims are prohibited from consuming according to Islamic law as well as food that is processed, made, produced, manufactured and/or stored using utensils, equipment, and/or machinery that have been cleansed according to Islamic law. In New York, however, halal food refers to our most common street food. Our city is full of carts offering good eats from various cultures, but halal carts offer yummy dishes hailing from Middle Eastern culture. You can’t come to NYC and not try lamb over rice with white or red sauce.
6. Black and White Cookie
One of my favorites, this cookie is an iconic New York City treat, historically linked to the Glaser’s Bake Shop. It’s a soft cookie that’s frosted in half chocolate and half vanilla, hence its name. It’s traditionally the size of a CD which allows for maximum indulgence. You can be sure to find this NYC treat in bakeries and even in some bodegas. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to try any from Glaser’s since the shop announced it will be closed as of July 1, 2018 after 116 years of business.
7. Bagel
Bagels are the go-to breakfast of New York City. They’re a quick and easy fix, perfect for our bustling city that never sleeps. Bagels are easily my breakfast food of choice, my neighborhood even has it’s own bagel shop that gets so busy, sometimes the line goes down the block. Of course, there is no shortage of spots where you can find a yummy, fresh New York bagel. And if you’re wondering what makes New York bagels so special, here’s the secret.
These are just some of the many different kinds of food you can find in New York City, but to me are certainly the most ubiquitous. I hope you decide to add these to your food bucket list if you haven’t tried them yet. Are there any foods my fellow New Yorkers think I missed?