I had initially planned on including all this information in the earlier post about New York City but then I decided to have a separate post for 2 main reasons: There is so much good food to eat in New York that I wanted to ensure I cover most of them without having to worry about post’s length and secondly that this might be the only post that will always be work in progress since I visit New York so often.

One of the main reasons why I end up revisiting New York is because of the food scene. It’s hands down the best in the US. From cheap eats to Michelin starred restaurants, New York has it all. I have a huge list of places I would highly recommend in New York and my list of places to eat at is even longer. But in terms of local specialties, these are some of the must eats in New York City:

• New York Style Bagels: Breakfast for New Yorkers is often a bagel with cream cheese on the go. My favorite is “Ess-a-Bagel” for the morning breakfast. If you are looking for something colorful, try the rainbow bagel from “The Bagel Store” in Brooklyn.
• New York Deli Sandwich: A lot of Deli in New York serve really good sandwiches that make for a good lunch or dinner if you are short on time and need something that is very fulfilling. One of the most popular ones is Katz’s deli on Houston Street which is famous for their Pastrami sandwich. The movie “When Harry met Sally” introduced the world to this NY gem and now you too can have what she had.
• New York Style Pizza: I am convinced that New Yorkers can only maintain their always in a go lifestyle with the food to go. New York style pizza has a thin crust which can be sometimes crispy or chewy and has lots of choose and is often served by the slice. Any pizzeria will serve you a slice and depending on how hungry you are, you can grab a slice to two of the same or different varieties.
• New York Style Cheesecake: NY Style cheesecake is different than other cheesecakes since it makes use of heavy cream, cream cheese, and eggs to add richness and smooth consistency. Junior’s deli in New York was one of the places where this style was invented and I would recommend grabbing a slice or two of this delicious dessert.

New York has to be one of the few places in the US where the street food is available in abundance. You can find almost anything available at the street side vendors during any time of the day. If you are short on time this can be often a good and cheap option.

Here are some of my favorite places to eat in New York City:

• Milk Bar

  They have some of the really good desserts in New York. I recommend their cereal milk soft serve (it does taste like eating cornflakes), compost cookie, crack pie and birthday café truffles. I often end up buying some cookies and truffles to take it back home with me. 

• The Dutch 

  Their fried chicken is one of the best I have had in New York.

• Lady M 

  This place combined two of my favorite desserts: Cakes and crepes. You have to try their Crepes cake which are so light yet fulfilling.

• Bouchon Bakery 

  Their red velvet macaroon is da bomb.

• Momufuku/Fuku+ 

  One of my favorite chains in New York that serves American food with Asian twist. Their spicy chicken sandwich is like no other you have eaten so far. Momufuku also has great Noodles and Bun options too.

• Magnolia Bakery

  Carrie Bradshaw from the Sex and the City may have made their cupcakes popular but I love their Banana Pudding more. Sometimes, I would buy a large size of the pudding and that will be my meal.

• Junoon

  If you fancy Michelin starred Indian food, this is where you should go. Owned by the celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, this place serves the finest Indian food in the US. If you are cost conscious, go for their lunch menu.

• Los Tacos No 1

  This gem in Chelsea market has some of the best tacos in the city. I would recommend their cactus tacos.

• Café Sabarsky 

  You can easily get transported to Vienna at this coffeehouse. Few blocks away from the Met, this place serves all the Viennese desserts like Sachar Torte and Apple Strudel and coffee beverages that you can imagine.

• Molly’s Cupcakes 

  This cupcake chain is famous for their center-filled cupcakes. My favorite is their birthday cake cupcake.

• Shake Shack 

  My favorite New York City fast food chain. Get their burgers, zig-zag fries and milkshake and walk out like a happy New Yorker.

• Rice to Riches 

  Think of an ice-cream store but with rice pudding. My foodie friend from New York, Myya, introduced me to this dessert heaven.

• Delicatessan 

  Again, Myya introduced me to this gem. Their classic Mac and Cheese has to be the best Mac and Cheese that I have ever laid my eyes and mouth on.

• Jack’s Wife Freda 

  This place makes for a very nice lunch or dinner option. I had their Peri-Peri chicken and veggie bowl and thought both the dishes were really good.

• Max Brenner

  My original New Yorker friend, Jordan, introduced me to this all things chocolate place. You can enjoy desserts like crepes, cake or just simply sip the thickest hot chocolate in the city.

• Xi’an Famous Foods

  If you need your Asian fix, this is the place to be. Their Spicy tofu will keep you warm in the coldest winter nights.

• Dough 

  Another famous New York chain that serves ridiculous varieties of donuts. My favorite was the Dulce de Leche donut.

• Serendipity 3 

  Okay, Blair Waldorf might have made it more famous which results in long line to get a table here. Go in for a frozen hot chocolate and you will forget all about the wait.

• Kati Roll company 

  Another quick bite to eat if you love Indian food. This place has like 10-15 different kind of Indian wraps that you can eat.

• Waffle and Dinges 

  Some people go there for their coffee, I go for their Belgian style waffle with Nutella and Ice cream.

• Levian Bakery 

  If you end up strolling on Upper West Side on your way to Harlem, don’t miss out on this gem. If you have their chocolate chip cookie, remember all the other places after that will be just sheer disappointment.

• Baked by Melissa 

  This is how cupcakes should be – Bite sizes. You can try a bunch of different favors and still not be worried about going overboard on your calorie consumptions.

• Eataly 

  Think any and everything Italian food related and all in one place. This huge store houses multiple restaurants offering different elements of Italian cuisine as well have different stores if you want to buy pasta, cheeses, etc. for recreating the magic at home.

• Dominique Ansel Bakery 

  Okay, sometimes I will like to give in to the hipster food culture. This place is where cronut (a croissant and donut hybrid) was invented. If you want one, you need to line up very early in the morning when the stores open. Since I went in the evening, I could only get a Choco-chip cookie shot which is essentially a shot glass made up of Choco-chip cookie and is served with milk. My favorite kind of shots.

• Doughnut Plant 

  Another of my favorite breakfast places. Here you can find any and every kind of donut that you can imagine. I would suggest getting their Creme Brulee donut since they invented it there.

• The Bagel Store

  Home of the Rainbow Bagel and Confetti Cream cheese. If you’re looking for a colorful take on the classic NYC bagels, head here and you won’t be disappointed.

• Junior’s Deli

  They have outlets all over New York City. You have to try the original New York Style cheesecake here.

• Eileen’s Special Cheesecake 

  Touted as one of the best NYC cheesecake, you can try their petite cheesecake and judge it yourself. 

I am sure I will add more places to this list as and when I get to try some of the items on my “To-Eat” list for New York on my future visits. What you are your recommendations for things to eat or restaurants to try in New York?