If you are visiting New York City, you may wonder what food items you must try while there. New York City’s street food scene is a bustling tapestry of flavors and cultures. From food trucks to carts and pop-up stalls, the city’s streets are filled with culinary delights waiting to be discovered. In this article, we explore the 15 best street food locations in New York City, where you can savor the most iconic and delicious street foods. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these spots are essential stops for any food lover.
Table of Contents
1. Halal Guys: 53rd & 6th Ave
Location: 53rd & 6th Ave
The Halal Guys started as a simple food cart at the corner of 53rd Street and 6th Avenue and has since become a beloved New York institution. Known for their chicken and gyro platters served with rice, salad, pita, and their famous white and hot sauces, this street food spot is a must-visit. The long lines are a testament to the deliciousness of their offerings.
2. Joe’s Pizza, Greenwich Village
Location: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
For a quintessential New York slice, head to Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village. This iconic pizzeria has been serving classic NYC-style pizza since 1975. The thin, crispy crust topped with gooey cheese and tangy tomato sauce makes Joe’s Pizza a top contender for the best street food in New York City. Grab a slice and enjoy it on the go, like a true New Yorker.
3. Los Tacos No. 1: Chelsea Market
Location: 75 9th Ave., New York, NY 10011
Located inside Chelsea Market, Los Tacos No. 1 brings a taste of authentic Mexican street food to NYC. Known for their fresh, handmade tacos filled with options like carne asada, adobada, and pollo, this spot is a favorite among locals and tourists. The tortillas are made in-house, and the topping bar allows you to customize your tacos to your liking.
4. Mamouns Falafel, Greenwich Village
Location: 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Mamouns Falafel, located in Greenwich Village, has been serving some of the best falafel in New York City since 1971. Their falafel is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served in pita bread with a choice of fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. This iconic spot is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Middle Eastern street food.
5. Biryani Cart, Midtown
Location: 46th st, between 6th & 7th Ave
For a taste of South Asian flavors, Biryani Cart in Midtown offers delicious biryani, kebabs, and kati rolls. The cart is especially known for its Chicken Tikka Kati Roll, a spicy and flavorful wrap filled with marinated chicken, onions, and sauces. The generous portions and bold flavors make Biryani Cart a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
6. Wafels & Dinges: Various Locations
Location: Bryant Park, (1090 6th Ave)
If you have a sweet tooth, Wafels & Dinges is the perfect street food stop. This Belgian waffle truck can be found at various locations around the city, serving up freshly made waffles with a variety of toppings. From classic powdered sugar and whipped cream to more adventurous options like speculoos spread and Belgian chocolate fudge, Wafels & Dinges offers a delightful treat for any time of day.
7. Calexico – Lower East Side
Location: 153 Rivington St, New York
Calexico started as a food cart in SoHo and has since expanded to several locations. Known for their Mexican-Californian fusion cuisine, they offer a range of street food staples like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The Carne Asada Fries, topped with marinated steak, cheese, guacamole, and salsa, are a standout dish that perfectly encapsulates Calexico’s unique flavors.
8. Korilla BBQ – Various Locations
Location: 230 Park Ave, New York
Korilla BBQ is a Korean-Mexican fusion food truck that brings bold and unique flavors to the streets of NYC. Their signature dish, the Korilla Bowl, features a choice of protein (such as bulgogi or spicy pork) served over rice with a variety of fresh toppings and sauces. The blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors makes Korilla BBQ a standout in the street food scene.
9. Dumpling Man – East Village
Location: 100 St Marks Pl #7, New York, NY 10009
Dumpling Man in the East Village is the go-to spot for delicious, handmade dumplings. This cozy eatery offers a variety of dumplings, including pork, chicken, and vegetarian options. Each dumpling is made fresh and cooked to perfection, offering a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. Dumpling Man’s casual atmosphere and delicious food make it a favorite among locals.
10. Uncle Gussy’s – Midtown
Location: 51st streen & Park Ave
Uncle Gussy’s food truck in Midtown is renowned for its authentic Greek street food. They offer a range of dishes, including gyros, souvlaki, and salads. The lamb gyro, with tender, juicy meat wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce, is a crowd favorite. Uncle Gussy’s dedication to quality ingredients and traditional recipes has earned it a loyal following.
11. Red Hook Lobster Pound – Brooklyn
Location: 284 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
For a taste of New England in the heart of NYC, Red Hook Lobster Pound offers some of the best lobster rolls in the city. Their food truck can be found at various locations, serving up buttery lobster rolls filled with fresh, succulent lobster meat. Whether you prefer the classic Maine-style with mayo or the Connecticut-style with warm butter, Red Hook Lobster Pound is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
12. Birria-Landia – Jackson Heights
Location: 77-05 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Birria-Landia, located in Jackson Heights, Queens, has quickly become a hotspot for Mexican street food lovers, particularly for their birria tacos. These mouthwatering tacos are filled with tender, slow-cooked beef and served with a side of consomé for dipping. The rich, flavorful broth complements the tacos perfectly, making this a must-visit spot for anyone looking to try one of the trendiest street foods in NYC.
13. Mysttik Masaala – Flatiron District
Location: 124 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
For a taste of Indian street food, head to Mysttik Masaala in the Flatiron District. This food cart serves a variety of flavorful dishes, including samosas, chaat, and biryani. The Chicken Tikka Masala Platter, with tender chicken in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, is a standout dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. Mysttik Masaala offers a delicious and affordable taste of India in the heart of NYC.
14. King of Falafel & Shawarma – Astoria
Location: 31 Ditmars Blvd, Queens, NY 11105
King of Falafel & Shawarma, located in Astoria, Queens, is a beloved spot for Middle Eastern street food. Known for their generous portions and flavorful dishes, they offer a range of options, including falafel, shawarma, and kebabs. The Mixed Grill Platter, with a combination of meats, rice, salad, and pita, is a popular choice for those looking to try a bit of everything.
15. Taim – Middle Eastern
Location: 45 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Taim, a popular Middle Eastern eatery with several locations throughout NYC, is renowned for its delicious and healthy vegetarian and vegan street foods. Specializing in falafel, sabich (an Israeli sandwich with eggplant and egg), and smoothies, Taim offers a fresh and flavorful experience. Their falafel, made with chickpeas and herbs, is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and pairs perfectly with their variety of salads and sauces.
Conclusion
New York City’s street food scene is a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape that offers something for everyone. From iconic hot dogs and pretzels to international delights like falafel and tacos, the city’s street foods are a testament to its cultural richness. The 15 best street food locations in New York City mentioned above are just a taste of what the city has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these street food spots is an essential part of experiencing the best of NYC’s food culture.
By visiting these iconic street food locations, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also immerse yourself in the diverse culinary traditions that make New York City a true food lover’s paradise. So, the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of NYC, be sure to indulge in these delicious offerings and discover why the city’s street food scene is second to none.
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