Where to find New York City’s most iconic food on a budget

This story was first published on 26 August 2019. It is now updated with the latest information on travelling to the United States under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL).

 

New York City is the largest and most ethnically diverse city in the United States. As the major port of entry into the country, the city has over the centuries become a melting pot, well-known for its eclectic food culture. With quarantine-free travel now possible to and from the US under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL), the Big Apple is a prime cosmopolitan city to visit! And of all things one can do in New York, there are some absolute must-eats when you’re visiting the Big Apple.

A true foodie would insist on an authentically “New York” experience by eating the most iconic foods as defined by veteran New York food critic Robert Sietsema, but the most famous restaurants in the city often have long queues and charge more. So here’s how to enjoy an international feast in New York City at value-for-money prices.

1. Pizza

Origin: Italy

Pizza is well-known throughout the world, with many varieties. However, the modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 19th century, and immigrants from Naples soon brought it over to New York, setting up shop in a neighbourhood now known as Little Italy. The first New York-style pizza appeared soon after, largely maintaining the tradition of the original Neapolitan pizza, which is topped with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Foodies will be aware of popular tourist spots such as Lombardi’s and John’s of Bleecker Street, but there are many other opportunities to get a New York slice at a cheaper, just as authentic and historical location.

Pizza is well-known throughout the world, with many varieties. However, the modern pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 19th century, and immigrants from Naples soon brought it over to New York, setting up shop in a neighbourhood now known as Little Italy. The first New York-style pizza appeared soon after, largely maintaining the tradition of the original Neapolitan pizza, which is topped with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Foodies will be aware of popular tourist spots such as Lombardi’s and John’s of Bleecker Street, but there are many other opportunities to get a New York slice at a cheaper, just as authentic and historical location.

Where to go:

Arturo’s Coal Oven Pizza (106 W Houston Street, Manhattan) has remained largely the same since opening in 1957 and retains much of its old-school charm with a live jazz band playing every night. Pizzas are cooked in a coal oven, which really brings out the flavour and gives the crust a distinct crispness compared to the regular wood-fired pizza ovens.

Arturo’s is in the centre of Greenwich Village, with many districts being preserved for their architectural and cultural significance. The Blue Man Group is the resident act at the Astor Place Theatre, while Washington Square Park — home of the iconic Washington Square Arch — is just a 5-min walk away. A tourist attraction in and of itself, Washington Square Park is well known for its spontaneous jams. Stroll through the area, sip on coffee and soak in the chill atmosphere - a must-add to your list of things to do in New York.

2. Bagels

Origin: Poland’s Jewish communities

The humble bagel was brought to the United States by Polish Jews who settled in New York City in the early 1900s. The New York-style bagel is puffy with a moist crust and is traditionally eaten with lox (brined salmon fillet), cream cheese and capers.

Popular bagel shops include Ess-a-Bagel, Absolute Bagels and Tompkins Square Bagels. Bagels are an extremely popular and iconic food option in New York City, so you can definitely grab a bagel for a cheap, yet satisfying no-frills experience.

Where to go:

Bagel Oasis (183-12 Horace Harding Expressway) has been open since 1961 and claims to have not changed its recipe since then. Bagels are US$1.50, and their spreads go from US$3.00 for plain cream cheese to US$9.00 for cream cheese with sliced nova (cured then lightly cured salmon).

Bagel Oasis is located in Fresh Meadows in Queens, which is an hour’s drive out of Manhattan, but it’s worth the visit if you’re also planning to check out nearby Kissena Park and Flushing Meadows Park. The latter park is the site of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.

David’s Bagels (273 1st Avenue) has been open for over two decades and is the ultimate no-frills experience. It’s completely unassuming and has dingy furniture, but you’re here for the food. Bagels are US$1.55 or get a lox sandwich on a bagel for US$12.25+.

If Queens is too far out of the way for you, then David’s Bagels in Stuyvesant Square is a good alternative. Take a 5-min walk to nearby Stuyvesant Square Park and see the restored cast-iron fence that was first built in 1847 and is the oldest in the city.

3. Pastrami Sandwich

Origin: Turkey, by way of Romania

The first pastrami sandwich was created in 1888 in New York City, using a pastrami recipe from a Romanian immigrant. Pastrami as a form of preserved meat originates from Turkey but came to the US via Jewish Romanians.

Where to go:

Katz’s Delicatessen (205 East Houston Street) is said to have the best pastrami sandwich in New York City and is also famous for appearing in several films like When Harry Met Sally and Enchanted. The generous portions are juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the pastrami slices are so tender they melt in your mouth. However, this means you’ll probably be fighting off both locals and tourists when you’re there. The legendary Katz’s pastrami sandwich goes for US$24.95. Also, if you’ve seen the size of these sandwiches, you’ll want to pack some tissues and wipes as you feast with its nostalgic setting as a backdrop. The deli is also surrounded by Katz’s history with over 750 photos from everyone who has come before - be sure to get your phones and cameras ready to take a quick snap of celebs like Andrew Zimmern and more.

Katz’s is a 5-min walk from 2 Avenue Station.

4. New York-style cheesecakes

Origin: Greece, by way of England

The cheesecake is a classic dish from ancient Greece. However, the modern cheesecake as we know it was invented in England. The typical New York-style cheesecakes are rich and dense and big on heavy cream.

The cheesecake was popularised by restaurants Junior’s and Lindy’s, but the latter has since gone out of business. Junior’s claims to have made the original New York-style cheesecake, but if you think $7.95 for a single slice is a tad pricey, there’s no lack of cheesecakes by other makers in New York to savour.

Where to go:

Eileen’s Cheesecake (17 Cleveland Place) is where you get true value-for-money. At just $4.95 for a mini cheesecake (regardless of flavour!) you get to enjoy one of the best cakes in New York. The lighter, fluffier cakes are the right balance of tangy and sweet, compared to the denser, overwhelming flavour of regular cheesecake. Unfortunately, the titular Eileen has since passed away, but the shop is now run by her daughters to ensure her legacy continues.

Eileen’s is based in the neighbourhood known as NoLIta, which is an abbreviation for “North of Little Italy”, near to the more famous SoHo neighbourhood – a shopper’s paradise. Walk over and check out the large indoor bazaar that is Canal Street Market for indie wares.

5. Burgers

Origin: USA

Still not sure what to eat in New York City? You can’t talk about American food without including the hamburger. Burgers are quintessentially American due to the growth of cattle ranching, which made beef a popular and inexpensive food. It is not known exactly when the first hamburger was invented, but one possible origin traces it to the 1885 “Hamburg Fair” outside of Buffalo, New York.

We all know the famous ShackBurger from Shake Shack, and you can already get one of those from the many fast food stores at Jewel Changi Airport, so time to look for a cheeseburger that’s just as good when you travel overseas to New York City!

Where to go:

J.G. Melon (1291 3rd Avenue) has been open since 1972, and is known for its iconic, juicy hamburger, which you can get for US$12.00. It takes cash only, and customers are zipping in and out all the time, so there shouldn’t be much of a wait. Get a cheeseburger for US$13.00 and cottage fried potatoes for US$7.00 and you’re all set.

J.G. Melon is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, which is famous for the “Museum Mile”, a row of some of the most famous museums in the world. Start at The Guggenheim, then visit the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art then end your day with a much-deserved burger.

Bonus mention: Food Trucks

The food truck is an international phenomenon today, but it started in the United States. The best food trucks represent the value-for-money ethos of New York food – cheap and great on the go. Be sure to check out:

Tacos El Bronco (860 5th Avenue, Brooklyn) – If you’re looking for the best tacos in New York, look no further than this food truck in Brooklyn. Don’t worry about the crowd as the service is fast and you’ll get your fill for as little as US$2.00 a taco. Find them on the west side of Sunset Park.

Lechonera La Piraña (766 E 152nd St, The Bronx) – Lechon (suckling pig) is the national dish of Puerto Rico and this food truck is the best place to enjoy it. It’s only open on the weekends though!

Cesar’s Empanadas (16-32 Hanson Place, Brooklyn) – Empanadas are Spanish stuffed pastries that are deep-fried. At US$3.00 per huge empanada, this truck truly epitomises value for money.

Things to note while travelling in New York

 

• All state-mandated Covid-19 restrictions in New York have been lifted across commercial and social settings, but mitigation measures are still required in public transit and healthcare settings.

• While mask mandates have been returning in many major American cities, New York is not enforcing face coverings. It is, however, highly recommended that all individuals don masks indoors or in other areas where social distancing may not be plausible. The Key to NYC Pass is in effect — this entails the requirement to show proof of at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to enter indoor dining spaces, indoor fitness facilities and indoor entertainment and performing arts venues. This includes nightclubs, movie theatres, gyms, concert venues, museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and more. 

• Eligible proof of vaccination includes the NYC COVID Safe App, the New York State Excelsior App or a photo or hard copy of a CDC vaccination card. Otherwise, a paper vaccination card or a copy of your official vaccination record is accepted — all vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation meets the mandate, including those offered by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Sinovac. Be sure to present a government-issued photo ID (like your passport) as well. 

• The NYC subway continues to operate with 24-hour service, but all riders must continue to wear masks. Masks are still required at indoor train stations and on board trains, buses, and paratransit vehicles. You do not have to wear a mask at outdoor train stations and platforms, or at bus stops, but they’ll have to be on once you board a train, bus or paratransit vehicle.

• If you’d like to attend a show at a Broadway Theatre, vaccinations are required for audience members. Masks are required for audiences inside theatres, except while eating or drinking in designated locations.
   

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