Food around the world in Manhattan, New York

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeThe quintessential NYC deli sandwich, best experienced at Katz's Delicatessen. It features hand-carved, thick-cut, spice-rubbed smoked brisket piled high on seedless rye bread with a swipe of spicy brown mustard.
• New York Slice
  New York SliceA wide, thin-crust pizza slice that is foldable yet crispy. While Joe's Pizza remains the gold standard for a classic plain slice, L'Industrie Pizzeria is the current trendsetter, blending traditional techniques with sourdough crust and high-quality toppings.
• Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel
  Lox and Cream Cheese BagelAn iconic Jewish 'appetizing' staple. Traditionally served on a hand-rolled, boiled-then-baked bagel (everything or sesame are local favorites) with a generous smear of cream cheese, salty silken lox, capers, and red onion.
• Halal Chicken and Rice Platter
  Halal Chicken and Rice PlatterThe ultimate NYC street food, popularized by The Halal Guys. It consists of yellow saffron rice topped with gyro meat or grilled chicken, iceberg lettuce, and pita, smothered in the famous, secretive 'white sauce' and fiery red hot sauce.
• New York Cheesecake
  New York CheesecakeUnlike its fluffier counterparts, the NYC version is famously dense, smooth, and extra creamy due to a heavy reliance on cream cheese and egg yolks. Eileen's Special Cheesecake in Nolita is a beloved spot for both classic and marbled varieties.
• Everything Egg Drop Ramen
  Everything Egg Drop RamenA 2026 standout at Ramen by Ra in the East Village. This trending dish by Chef Rasheeda Purdie reimagines ramen with a New York breakfast twist, featuring a savory broth, 'everything' bagel seasoning, and a perfectly executed egg drop.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkNew York City, situated at the mouth of the Hudson River, was established as a Dutch trading post named New Amsterdam in 1625. In 1664, English forces took control of the settlement and renamed it New York. The city served as the first capital of the United States under the Constitution from 1785 to 1790, and it was the site of George Washington’s first presidential inauguration at Federal Hall.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit New York are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) when temperatures are mild and the city’s parks are most vibrant. While winter offers festive holiday atmosphere, it can be bitterly cold, whereas summer is often humid and uncomfortably hot. For lower prices and fewer crowds, aim for the off-peak window between mid-January and early March.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Air Travel and Airport Transfers Arrive via JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR) airports. From JFK and Newark, use the AirTrain to connect to the subway or NJ Transit/LIRR trains for efficient access to Manhattan. Taxis offer flat-rate or metered.
  • MTA Subway and OMNY System The 24/7 subway is the fastest way to navigate the city's five boroughs. Use OMNY for contactless 'tap-and-go' payments with a credit card or phone; a weekly fare cap automatically applies after 12 rides.
  • Regional Rail and Ferries Amtrak, Metro-North, and LIRR provide access to Penn Station and Grand Central from surrounding states and suburbs. For scenic local travel, the NYC Ferry connects waterfront neighborhoods.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always stand to the right on sidewalks and escalators to allow fast-moving locals to pass on the left.
  • Pay for subway and bus fares by tapping any contactless credit card or mobile wallet at the OMNY turnstiles.
  • Tip between 18% and 22% at sit-down restaurants, as service staff rely on gratuities for their primary income.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • The Hip Hop Museum: Opening in the Bronx as the first institution entirely dedicated to the genre's culture and history.
  • America’s 250th Anniversary: Large-scale celebrations including 'Sail the 4th' featuring international tall ships in New York Harbor.
• New York City Tourism + Conventions↗
  New York City Tourism + ConventionsThe official destination marketing organization and visitor guide for the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan.