The Best Street Food in New York

"Wu's Wonton King" is a Cantonese cuisine restaurant known for its lively ambiance and the liberty of bringing your own bottle. The menu offers an array of dishes, from dumplings and noodles to BBQ meats and live seafood, making it a preferred spot for both large groups and solo diners. Not only does it cater to meat lovers with options like roast duck and whole suckling pig, but it also serves a variety of vegetable and tofu dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone.

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Colin Wood

Chef – Sydney, Australia

Down in the LES, a great spot for a larger table, sharing crab, dumplings, whole suckling pig and roast duck. BYO too.Popular and very reliable spot, especially with the hospitality industry for any group or smaller occasion and level of hunger. The go-to for orphans Christmas, and lots of messy fun. Whole roast duck buns, live seafood tanks with crabs and other delights, dumplings, noodles and BBQ meats or order ahead for whole roast suckling pig to share with your BYO wine and table.A great spot for a quick solo lunch or sprawling dinner with friends. Use your napkin.

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Katz's Delicatessen, a renowned NYC deli, is famed for its colossal pastrami on rye, often regarded as a city staple. This iconic establishment has been serving up quintessential Jewish comfort food for over a century, with a menu that includes a rich matzo ball soup and crunchy pickles. Despite the long wait, customers consistently recommend the Pastrami Reuben, describing it as an unforgettable sandwich experience.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast – Stockholm, Sweden

Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best.For over a century, this iconic restaurant has been serving up New York City’s quintessential Jewish comfort food. Their signature dish, the colossal pastrami on rye, is often hailed as one of the city’s best. Tourist trap or not, this is a pretty damn good sandwich. Other items on the menu include the corned beef sandwich, a rich matzo ball soup, and crunchy pickles.

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Dhamaka is an Indian restaurant known for its vibrant, flavorful dishes that transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine. The menu, inspired by Indian street food, offers a variety of spicy and enticing dishes such as papdi chaat, beguni fried aubergine, and murgh kofta. With an emphasis on traditional Indian village food, Dhamaka provides an authentic dining experience that encourages customers to try new dishes and explore the rich culinary culture of India.

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Tom Jenkins

Food Writer – London, UK

Spicy and sublime Indian food on the Lower East SideLocated in Essex Market, Dhamaka is a loud, colourful and teeth suckingly spicy restaurant focusing on Indian village food, with a fondness for offal. Incredible snacks (do not miss the papdi chaat, the beguni fried aubergine or pig's head doh khleh), grills and saucier dishes - we had a murgh kofta, a chicken mince meatball with a whole egg inside (an Indian Scotch egg, what's not to love?). And oh my, the butter, from the chapati to the rice. You will over-order, you will try dishes you've never tried before and you'll sweat. Just brilliant.

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L'Industrie Pizzeria is a bustling spot in Williamsburg, known for serving some of the best pizza slices in NYC. The pizzeria stands out for its blend of classic and creative pies, with a special mention for its mastery in crafting paper-thin crusts using natural fermentation and high-hydration techniques. Don't miss out on their signature burrata slice, a delightful balance of cool burrata and tangy tomato sauce, which can be enjoyed at the bar or on their spacious sidewalk patio.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast – Stockholm, Sweden

This renowned pizza joint delivers a delightful blend of classic and creative pies.When it comes to pizza in New York City, L’Industrie reigns supreme. Nestled in the vibrant Williamsburg area, this renowned joint delivers a delightful blend of classic and creative pies. What sets them apart is their mastery in crafting paper-thin crusts using natural fermentation and high-hydration techniques.Don't miss out on the burrata slice. A beautiful interplay of temperatures as the cool burrata perfectly balances the tangy tomato sauce. If you're not able to score a seat at the bar, you can enjoy your slice in the bustling ambiance of the spacious sidewalk patio.

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Thai Diner is a casual eatery where Thai and American cuisines blend in an unexpected yet delightful manner. The restaurant offers a variety of inventive, playful, yet approachable dishes, with the egg sandwich with cheese, sai oua herbal sausage, and Thai basil wrapped in roti being a standout. While it respects Thai traditions, Thai Diner is known for its fun twists on classic Thai dishes, making it a must-visit for lunch.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast – Stockholm, Sweden

Thai and American cuisine come together in a deliciously unexpected way at Thai DinerThai and American cuisine come together in a deliciously unexpected way at Thai Diner. With a menu full of inventive and playful dishes that are still approachable, this casual eatery is a standout in the crowded New York City food scene. Don’t miss out on the heavenly egg sandwich with cheese, sai oua herbal sausage and Thai basil wrapped in roti. One of my favorite brunch items in town!

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Ba Xuyên is a straightforward Brooklyn storefront specializing in Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. The restaurant is particularly known for its Bánh Mì Thịt Nguội, which features pork meat cooked in four different ways, accompanied by pickled carrot, cucumber, daikon, coriander, and jalapeño in a perfectly carved rice flour baguette. In addition to their savory sandwiches, Ba Xuyên offers a refreshing milk tea to complement your meal.

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Maria Nilsson

Foodie, Stockholm – Stockholm, Sweden

Bánh Mì in Sunset Park with pork meat cooked in four different ways.Bánh Mì Thịt Nguội at Ba Xuyen in Sunset Park. Pork meat cooked in four different ways, pickled carrot, cucumber and daikon, coriander and jalapeño in a perfectly carved rice flour baguette. And milk tea.

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Tian Fu Cuisine is a go-to spot for cold Sichuan noodles. The noodles are generously garnished with chili oil, black vinegar, garlic, and a rich amount of Sichuan pepper. Nestled in a cozy basement beneath a grocery store, this restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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Maria Nilsson

Foodie, Stockholm – Stockholm, Sweden

Additive cold Sichuan noodlesAdditive cold Sichuan noodles with chili oil, black vinegar, garlic and a lot of Sichuan pepper of course. In a small Basement under a grocery on Flushing Main Street.

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Joe's Steam Rice Roll is a bustling location known for its Cantonese steamed rice noodle dishes, freshly prepared upon order. The restaurant serves silky, extremely thin layers of rice pancakes, filled with a variety of ingredients like dried shrimps, shallots, and egg, all cooked to perfection in a special steamer. Visit Joe's Steam Rice Roll for a genuine taste of Cantonese-style steamed rice rolls.

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Maria Nilsson

Foodie, Stockholm – Stockholm, Sweden

Silky, extremely thin layers of rice pancakes filled with for example dried shrimps, shallots and egg. The pancakes are cooked in a special steamer.

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"Uma's" is a notable spot for those seeking the robust and hearty flavors of Uzbek cuisine. The restaurant's menu boasts popular items like Manti and Pelmeni, traditional dumplings that are a must-try for all food enthusiasts. Despite its low-key atmosphere, Uma's consistently delivers on taste and quality, making it a worthwhile destination for lovers of Russian and Uzbek dishes.

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Eric Gutierrez

F&B Broker/Foodie/NYC – New York, United States

Uma's serves awesome low key Russian/Uzbek food in New York. Different dumplings that are popular items here called Manti and Pelmeni. Worth a try!

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Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is a popular destination for Northern Chinese cuisine, particularly known for its dumplings. This Flushing-based restaurant has been recognized by Michelin for its Shanghainese food for nine consecutive years, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Whether you're a local Chinese immigrant seeking a taste of home or a Western diner eager to try recommended dishes, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao offers an authentic culinary experience.

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Pauliina Siniauer

Journalist – Helsinki, Finland

The largest Chinatown of New York City is in Flushing, Queens. Totally worth of the culinary trip. Be sure to visit New World Mall’s food court. For the dumplings, head to the Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao. Anthony Bourdain was here too, that explains the lines.

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Absolute Bagels is a popular bagel shop known for its delicious bagels that are worth the wait in line. According to extensive research by many visitors, it's a must-try spot for bagel lovers. Many customers have expressed their satisfaction with the taste and quality, making sure to revisit on their subsequent trips.

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David P. Leja

@thegastrojourney – Palma, Spain

It feels like you are obligated to have at least one bagel when you visit New York. We did an extensive research until deciding this was going to be the place to try a bagel in NYC. We can't tell if it's the best in the city, but one thing is sure, that bagel was super good and we will have it again on our next visit!

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Ho Foods, a compact restaurant, is widely recognized for its specialty in Szechuan beef noodle. With just 7 seats, it provides an intimate dining experience. Its signature dish, the Szechuan beef noodle, is particularly appealing during the colder months.

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Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie – Jacksonville, USA

Ho Foods is this tiny 7-seat place that is famous for one dish, Szechuan beef noodle. Yum, satisfying, especially in cold weather

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Bakeri in Williamsburg is a popular spot for breakfast and bakery delights among local creatives. Despite its small size, it's well-known for its delicious baked goods, including standout options like cheese-ham croissants and apricot muffins. Whether you're grabbing a quick takeaway or settling down at the communal table, you're sure to be part of the vibrant crowd that frequents this bakery-café.

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Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

Brooklyn’s favourite breakfast and bakery.Bakeri in Williamsburg is a wonderful tiny bakery-café where hunderds of Williamsburg creatives start their mornings either by picking up their takeaways or by enjoying breakfast in the long communal table in the small space next to the oven and kitchen. Unbeliveably delicious baked stuff makes it natural that everyone in Williamsburg know the place despite its small size. Try the amazing cheese-ham croissants or the apricot muffins. Just follow the colourful crowd inside or at the table by the street.

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Dog Day Afternoon is a go-to spot for authentic Chicago style hot dogs, putting a serious spin on street food. They serve classic hot dogs with the perfect snap, accompanied by pickles, celery salt, yellow mustard, raw onions, and bright green relish on a poppy seed bun. The restaurant also offers a notable Chicago style beef sandwich, ensuring a satisfying meal for every customer.

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Joshua David Stein

Writer – Brooklyn, United States

My neighborhood hot dog shop, also one of the city's bestPut a hot dog anywhere near me and I'll try it. Despite living equidistant between Dog Day Afternoon and the stalwart Nathan's in Coney Island, I return again and again to DDA. The hot dogs are classic, with the perfect snap and served Chicago style (pickles, celery salt, yellow mustard, raw onions, bright green relish) on a poppy seed bun. They also make a tremendous Chicago style beef sandwich.

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Taqueria Ramirez is a small, yet authentic taco spot known for its exceptional flavors. Their menu, though simple, is carefully crafted, offering succulent and flavorful options such as al pastor, longaniza, and tripa. Despite having only ten seats, this adds to the overall atmosphere of the place, making it a cozy and inviting destination for taco lovers.

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Oliver Jansson

Food Enthusiast – Stockholm, Sweden

At Taqueria Ramirez, it's all about the tacos - and they do them exceptionally well.At Taqueria Ramirez, it's all about the tacos - and they do them exceptionally well. With a simple yet carefully crafted menu, this small spot in Brooklyn delivers big on flavor and authenticity. The unique aroma of the broth, made with chile-laced bovine innards stewing in pork fat, is enough to lure passersby in from the street. You have to try the al pastor, longaniza and tripa - all so succulent and flavorful. The small space only has ten seats, but that just adds to the atmosphere.

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Bellucci Pizza offers a world-class slice pizza, a perfect blend of New York–style and 'New York–Neapolitan'. Known for its thin, crisp, and flavorful slices, the pizza is crafted by Andrew Bellucci, a pizza maker with a history of creating iconic pizzas. The restaurant is family-owned and takes pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a special focus on achieving crust excellence.

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Adam Kuban

Pizza Aficionado – Queens, United States

Bellucci is making consistently excellent thin, crisp, and flavorful slices in this tiny shop.World-class slice pizza somewhere between New York–style and “New York–Neapolitan” (aka coal-oven pizza) made by pizza obsessive Andrew Bellucci, the pizza maker who helped resurrect NYC icon Lombardi’s in the 1990s. Bellucci is making consistently excellent thin, crisp, and flavorful slices in this tiny shop off the beaten path in Queens.

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