New York City has around 8 million inhabitants. And because of the large immigrant population, anyone who is visiting the city can expect a variety of food options with diverse cultural influences from around the world. The city is indeed more than food trends and social media famous spots. If you want a real taste of what New York has to offer, you need to delve deep into the top cuisines from some of the most significant global influences ingrained in the city’s culture.
Jewish delis and kosher food
If you are a fan of pop culture, you must have seen how some iconic movie scenes and TV show scenes were filmed in Jewish delis. New York embraced Jewish culinary traditions and made it part of the city’s identity. Each restaurant has a signature cuisine like pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup. If you are looking for something upscale, head to one of the best kosher restaurants serving grilled barbecue spare ribs for your fill of a traditional steak dinner.
The iconic New York cheesecake
If you have a sweet tooth, you should try authentic New York cheesecake. The cheesecake dessert was said to have been developed in 1921 by Leo Lindemann. Although you can find cheesecake on dessert menus anywhere in the country, you can’t beat the experience of having it in the city it is named after.
Chinese food
Saying that New York has a large Chinese community is an understatement because New York Chinatown has the largest population of Chinese people outside Asia. If you love Chinese food, you can find authentic regional cuisine in New York’s Chinatown, comparable to what you can eat in mainland China.
Food from the South
Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Harlem have some of the best soul food restaurants in the country. Soul food refers to the fusion cuisine which came about in the Southern regions of the country with influences from African settlers. Soul food is rich, simple, and filling. If you want comfort food done the best way, try a soul food joint in New York City.
Hotdogs: classic street fare
Another iconic New York food is the street hotdog. New Yorkers who are always on the go grab a hotdog either as a quick snack or lunchtime fare. You can find a hot dog vendor on almost every corner of the city. If you want a more elevated experience, there are hotdog restaurants around the city where you can dine in and enjoy a dog or get one on the go.
Korean food
There is a growing love for Korean food everywhere in the world, and New York is no exception. What is there to love about Korean food? Korean barbecue, for example, is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. You can sit down and grill meat on the spot while also enjoying a drink of beer or soju.
Italian food
Last on this list is Italian food. Similar to Chinese food, Italian food has been a staple in the New York culinary scene for decades. Today, you will find some of the best Italian restaurants in the city with traditional dishes or seek out the more modern take on this well-loved cuisine.
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