Do you want to get to know New York from a new perspective? The Big Apple’s folklore has a lot to discover: from its most iconic tourist sites to historic landmarks and culinary culture, there are many approaches to the famous city. If you want to try a food tour to discover the renowned city’s new angles, keep reading.
Must-Try Dishes
What dishes should you include in your compulsory dishes list for your New York Food tour? A few ideas are:
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General Tso’s Chicken
Sweet and spicy, this recipe has a long history. Nowadays, it is known for the crispy chicken that is fried after being tossed in cornflour, dipped in sauce, and served with chili or broccoli.
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Bagels
A Big Apple classic, this round, donut-shaped bread with stuffing is available in many variations. The classical outtake includes lox, cream cheese, red onion, and tomato, but some restaurants try alternatives such as adding honey to the bread mix.
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Baked Alaska
A mixture of sponge-like cake, ice cream, and meringue, you will find original versions of this recipe, from fresh fruit stuffing to a brownie approach, without missing out on lemon-pie-like alternatives. The most known outtake, however, is the bombe Alaska, which adds ron or liquor to the mix to get it flambeed.
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Pizza
While this is an international classic, New York pizza is known for its crispy, flexible slices with longish cheese. Do not look for rare toppings or extravagant versions of the crust: here, you will find high-quality, simple pizza known for its sweet-and-sour sauce.
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Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
Sweet, crunchy, and cold, the ice cream cookie sandwich is a simple yet tasteful New York classic. While many approaches to the traditional dish exist, the original recipe included wafers and vanilla ice cream.
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Cheesecake
While this dessert is known worldwide, the Big Apple’s recipe includes an extra yolk, which leads to a smooth, soft, and firm texture. Add the cookie crust; remember, it is served without topping.
Most Renowned New York Food Tours
Looking for a New York food tour that will check every item on your list? You may want to get a glimpse of the most chosen ones, such as:
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Little Italy and Chinatown
Two examples of the variety of cultures that inhabit the Big Apple are traditional dishes (such as pizza, cured meats, and dumplings, among others) and markets where you can buy fresh or artisanal products (like cheese).
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Union Square and Flatiron District
This tour takes its name after the iconic Flatiron building and includes the boutique firms and other sites surrounding the area. A taste of New York’s most celebrated architecture and culinary culture, some compulsory stops are Eataly, the Union Square Farmer’s Market, and Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop, among others.
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The Highline and Chelsea Market
While Chelsea Market is one of the best-known indoor food markets (and the birthplace of the Oreo cookie), the High Line is renowned for being a highly elevated park. This food tour blends both scenarios and adds the Meatpacking District to the mix, offering an experience where you will enjoy sightseeing, hot dogs, artisanal delicacies, and ice cream.
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Central Park and Hell’s Kitchen
Central Park is the most visited tourist site in New York and is indispensable on any to-visit tourist list. This tour aims to combine the iconic landmark with a taste of doughnuts, hush puppies, empanadas, and many other Indonesian, Latin, and Middle Eastern plates that make Hell’s Kitchen, a former residence of the working class, stand out.
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Greenwich Village
You may already know this neighborhood, for it was the setting for shows like “Friends” or “Sex and the City.” But did you know it is food? From international options to typical New York dishes, such as New York Pizza, rice balls, and pastries, do not miss out on what “the Village” offers (and serves).
The culture, the history, the flavors: New York is a tasty Big Apple for any tourist.