Danny Kim in Manhattan, New York: 4 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Jerk Chicken & Waffles
  Jerk Chicken & WafflesA signature Harlem fusion dish popularized by hotspots like The Edge. It combines the neighborhood's African-American soul food roots with its vibrant Caribbean influence. The chicken is marinated in spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning and served over fluffy waffles, often drizzled with a sweet heat maple syrup.
• Lamb Suquaar
  Lamb SuquaarA traditional Somali dish that has become a Harlem staple thanks to the success of Safari on 116th Street. It consists of tender, cubed lamb sautéed with a fragrant base of cumin, turmeric, and garlic. It is typically served with 'bisbaas'—a spicy.
• Harlem Chopped Cheese (Halal Style)
  Harlem Chopped Cheese (Halal Style)The quintessential Harlem bodega sandwich. Traditionally made on a grill, it features ground beef chopped with onions and melted American cheese, then tucked into a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. In 2026, many Harlem delis use 100% halal-certified beef to cater to the neighborhood's large Muslim population.
• Yemeni Lamb Mandi
  Yemeni Lamb MandiA rising star in Harlem's 125th Street corridor. This traditional dish features fall-off-the-bone tender lamb that is slow-roasted in a tandoor-style pit and served over a massive plate of long-grain basmati rice seasoned with cloves and cardamom. It is a communal.
• Thieboudienne (Senegalese Fish and Rice)
  Thieboudienne (Senegalese Fish and Rice)The national dish of Senegal, widely available in 'Little Senegal' (Le Petit Sénégal) in Central Harlem. It consists of fish marinated with parsley, garlic, and chili, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables like cassava, eggplant, and carrots. The dish is served over broken rice that has absorbed the savory broth.
• Hot Honey Chicken
  Hot Honey ChickenFrom Marcus Samuelsson’s world-renowned flagship, this dish is a modern Harlem icon. While the restaurant offers a variety of soul food classics, their fried chicken is a standout for its Ethiopian-inspired berbere spice infusion. In 2026, the restaurant continues to be a 'must-visit' for its blend of celebrity chef flair and local community vibes.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkHarlem, a neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, New York City, is defined by its distinct architectural heritage and its role as a center for African American cultural history. Originally established as a Dutch village in 1658 and named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands, the area transitioned from farmland to an urban residential district following the extension of elevated rail lines in the 1880s.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Harlem is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and ideal for walking tours of historic brownstones. Summer offers vibrant street festivals and outdoor jazz but can be uncomfortably humid, while winter provides lower hotel rates despite the freezing temperatures. To avoid the largest crowds and peak pricing.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • NYC Subway The primary way to reach Harlem is via the A, B, C, D lines on the west side (8th Ave) or the 2 and 3 express lines (7th Ave). For East Harlem, take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to the 125th Street station.
  • MTA Bus System Local buses like the M1, M7, and M102 provide north-south travel through the neighborhood.
  • Metro-North Railroad The Harlem-125th Street station serves as a major hub for the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines, offering a fast 10-minute connection to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan and access to the northern suburbs.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Stick to well-lit main avenues like 125th Street or Lenox Avenue after dark and avoid walking through parks or empty side streets late at night.
  • Maintain the flow of pedestrian traffic by walking on the right side of the sidewalk and stepping aside completely if you need to check a map or take a photo.
  • Prepare to pay by weight at local soul food buffet spots and always check if smaller neighborhood eateries are cash-only before ordering.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • The Studio Museum in Harlem's new modern home, recently named one of TIME's World's Greatest Places of 2026.
  • The reopening of the legendary Apollo Theater following a full-scale renovation of its lobby and historic theater space.
• 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.