New York
Best Street Food in New York
Discover the ultimate guide to the best street food spots in New York City.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Known as the melting pot of the world, New York City offers a culinary scene that's as diverse as its population. From classic American eats to flavors from around the globe, New York street food offers something for everyone. In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the most popular spots for street food in the city, including Wu's Wonton King, Katz's Delicatessen, and Dhamaka. But don't just take our word for it; our list is carefully curated based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts, including Eric Gutierrez, Mimi Lan, and Joshua David Stein. So whether you're a local or just passing through, there is sure to be something here for you as we showcase the best in street food that New York City has to offer.
Wu's Wonton King
"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.
Katz's Delicatessen
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.
Dhamaka
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.
Thai Diner
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.
Ba Xuyên
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.
Tian Fu Cuisine
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.
Joe’s Steam Rice Roll
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.
Uma's
"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.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
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.
Di An Di
Di An Di is a lively neighborhood restaurant that specializes in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. The food, atmosphere, and service are highly recommended by guests, who particularly enjoy the friendly service and the fun environment. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, with options to cater to various dietary requirements, ensuring a welcoming dining experience for everyone.
Alley 41
Alley 41 is a restaurant that serves authentic Szechuan cuisine and offers a creative twist to classic dishes. The menu includes a variety of dishes, but the standout items are the Chinese broccoli dish cooked in marinated soy and a flaky pancake. Open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, Alley 41 also provides online ordering options through various platforms like Chowbus, DoorDash, Postmates, Ritual, and Uber Eats.
Absolute Bagels
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.
Ho Foods
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.
Bakeri
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.
Dog Day Afternoon
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.
Taqueria Ramirez
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.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
New York
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over 2,000 destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Known as the melting pot of the world, New York City offers a culinary scene that's as diverse as its population. From classic American eats to flavors from around the globe, New York street food offers something for everyone. In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the most popular spots for street food in the city, including Wu's Wonton King, Katz's Delicatessen, and Dhamaka. But don't just take our word for it; our list is carefully curated based on recommendations from World of Mouth experts, including Eric Gutierrez, Mimi Lan, and Joshua David Stein. So whether you're a local or just passing through, there is sure to be something here for you as we showcase the best in street food that New York City has to offer.
Wu's Wonton King
"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.
Katz's Delicatessen
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.
Dhamaka
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.
Thai Diner
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.
Ba Xuyên
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.
Tian Fu Cuisine
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.
Joe’s Steam Rice Roll
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.
Uma's
"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.
Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
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.
Di An Di
Di An Di is a lively neighborhood restaurant that specializes in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. The food, atmosphere, and service are highly recommended by guests, who particularly enjoy the friendly service and the fun environment. The restaurant offers a diverse menu, with options to cater to various dietary requirements, ensuring a welcoming dining experience for everyone.
Alley 41
Alley 41 is a restaurant that serves authentic Szechuan cuisine and offers a creative twist to classic dishes. The menu includes a variety of dishes, but the standout items are the Chinese broccoli dish cooked in marinated soy and a flaky pancake. Open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, Alley 41 also provides online ordering options through various platforms like Chowbus, DoorDash, Postmates, Ritual, and Uber Eats.
Absolute Bagels
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.
Ho Foods
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.
Bakeri
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.
Dog Day Afternoon
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.
Taqueria Ramirez
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.
Looking for more restaurant recommendations to
New York
? Download the World of Mouth app for free and discover expert recommendations to over
2,200
destinations, curated by top chefs, food writers and sommeliers. From street food to fine dining and well known institutions to hidden gems, World of Mouth is your ultimate insider's guide to the world's best restaurants.
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