15 Flavorful Dishes in New York That Tourists Are Missing Out On

New York City is one great big food paradise. From strolling the busy streets of Manhattan to the quieter streets of Queens, the city is full of flavor that reflects the rich culture mosaic found on these shores. This is a place where every corner speaks of a delicious story, from the hole-in-the-wall gem to the family-run joint. While those are great, they’re far from the whole picture, and for many tourists, their food journey ends there.

New York’s food scene is a treasure chest of experiences with magical dishes that will tickle your taste buds. Some are modern spins on classic recipes and some are deeply rooted in centuries-old cultural traditions. Let’s explore some foods that should be on everyone’s foodie bucket list.

Bánh Xèo From Little Saigon

In Chinatown, Vietnamese eateries sell this crispy, turmeric-infused pancake. Bánh xèo is filled with shrimp and pork, and bursting with bean sprouts, which provide a texture contrast of crunchy, juicy, and fresh. Pair it with a zesty dipping sauce and for a flavor explosion in your mouth.

Jamaican Patties in Flatbush

In Brooklyn, head to Flatbush and you’ll stumble onto some of the most authentic Jamaican patties outside of Kingston. A quick and satisfying street food, these flaky pastries of spiced, beef, chicken, or even curried vegetables, are a must-try. Numerous local favorites are the patties from Golden Krust.

Khachapuri From Brighton Beach

Khachapuri is a must-try in Brighton Beach, the meeting place for the cultures of Russian and Georgian. Comfort food at its best, this bread boat is filled with gooey cheese, butter, and a runny egg. Take a piece of bread, break it off, swirl it in the middle, and enjoy the richness.

Chebureki in Coney Island

Most tourists come to Coney Island for its amusement parks, but foodies know it’s also a chebureki heaven. Typically fried, it is crunchy outside, infusively juicy inside, turnover filled with minced lamb or beef. On a breezy beach day, a bite feels like a warm hug.

Kimchi Ramen in Koreatown

Steaming bowls of kimchi ramen are a go-to for both locals and adventurous tourists in Midtown’s Koreatown. This dish is tangy, spicy, and deep umami goodness that’s great to end a day of sightseeing with. The sign of a satisfied dinner is loud slurping, so don’t forget to do that.

Nepali Momo in Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights gleams as the Queens borough of global cuisine, Nepali momo included. The spiced meats or vegetables in these dumplings are served with a fiery tomato-based sauce, bringing you the heat and flavor in equal measure. Locals will tell you that Nepali Bhanchha Ghar is the place for an authentic experience.

Chopped Cheese From Harlem

More than a chopped cheese sandwich, the chopped cheese is a cultural icon in Harlem, often mistaken for a Philly cheesesteak. This bodega-born creation has its own identity. With ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and tomato, piled onto a hero roll, you are in for a deliciously messy satisfying bite.

Arepas in Queens

Arepas are Venezuelan and they have really made a spot on the food scene here in Queens especially in neighborhoods like Elmhurst. These cornmeal cakes stuffed with everything from shredded beef to black beans and avocado are filling, but not heavy. It’s got the right balance of flavors.

Malawach From Crown Heights

In Crown Heights, malawach is a crispy, flaky, utterly addictive Yemeni Israeli flatbread. It’s typically served with boiled eggs, grated tomato, and zhug (a spicy herb sauce) — a big flavor in a small package.

Spaghetti Pie in Staten Island

Spaghetti pie provides us with some truly unique eats from Staten Island’s Italian-American Community. Baked pasta — set into a pie shape and often layered in cheese and meat — is a carb lover’s dream. Hearty, nostalgic, and totally meant to be shared.

Lobster Rolls at City Island

Those buttery, perfectly seasoned lobster rolls are reserved for seafood lovers on the City Island in the Bronx. It may be a New England specialty, but the ones here are more than adequate, with fresh ingredients and a no-frills approach.

Adobo Chicken in Queens

A cult following in Queens, Filipino adobo is a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet chicken dish. Its garlic-soy-vinegar marinade is absorbed by every bite if served over rice. It’s worth trying out at Tito Rad’s Grill.

Beef Pho in Chinatown

The bowls served in Chinatown might be Vietnamese comfort food 101, but they’re extraordinary. The cinnamon, star anise, and clove-infused broth feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. Add a little lime and a dash of sriracha for more flavor.

Duck Pastrami in Brooklyn

Duck pastrami is Brooklyn’s take on a deli classic. It’s smoky, rich, and slightly sweet. It can be served on rye, or with a schmear of mustard. For this gourmet indulgence, Mile End Deli is the go-to.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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