New York Street Food: A Guide to the Best Nyc Street Eats

When it comes to street food, New York City is a melting pot of flavors and cultures. From hot dogs and pretzels to falafel and empanadas, the options are endless. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best street food in NYC and where to find it.

Best Street Food NYC

Street Tacos NYC

Street tacos have become a popular food trend in recent years, and for good reason. These small, flavor-packed tacos are typically made with soft corn tortillas and filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and toppings. Some of the best street tacos in NYC can be found at Taqueria Tlaxcalli in the Bronx, which serves authentic Mexican tacos made with handmade corn tortillas and a variety of meats, including barbacoa, carnitas, and pollo.

Halal Food Cart

Halal food carts, which can be found throughout the city, are a popular choice for quick and affordable street food. These carts serve a variety of halal meats, such as chicken, lamb, and gyro, along with sides like rice and vegetables. One of the best halal food carts in NYC is the Halal Guys, which has become a citywide phenomenon. The cart, which can be found on the corner of 53rd Street and 6th Avenue, is known for its delicious chicken and lamb platters, served with rice and topped with a tangy white sauce.

Pretzels

Pretzels are a classic New York street food, and can be found at street carts and vendors throughout the city. These salty, twisted treats are usually served hot and fresh, and can be enjoyed plain or topped with cheese, mustard, or other toppings. Some of the best pretzels in NYC can be found at The Pretzel Cart, which can be found in Times Square and serves a variety of pretzel flavors, including traditional, jalapeno cheddar, and chocolate covered.

Empanadas

Empanadas, which are small pastries filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, are a popular street food in NYC. These handheld treats can be found at street carts and vendors throughout the city, and are usually served hot and fresh. Some of the best empanadas in NYC can be found at Empanada Mama, which has locations in the East Village and the Upper West Side. The restaurant serves a variety of empanadas, including beef, chicken, and vegetarian options, as well as other Latin American favorites like churros and flan.

Falafel

Falafel, which are small balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, are a popular street food in NYC. These flavorful and vegetarian-friendly treats are usually served in a pita or wrap, along with vegetables and sauces. Some of the best falafel in NYC can be found at Taim, which has locations in the West Village and the Financial District. The restaurant serves a variety of falafel options, including traditional falafel wraps and falafel salads, as well as other Middle Eastern favorites like hummus and shakshuka.

NYC Street Food: A Brief History

Street food has been a part of New York City culture for centuries. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, street food in NYC was primarily made up of pushcart vendors selling a variety of foods, including hot dogs, pretzels, and peanuts. In the mid-20th century, the development of the food truck revolutionized street food in NYC, allowing vendors to bring a wider variety of foods to different locations around the city. Today, street food in NYC is more diverse than ever, with vendors offering everything from classic American favorites like hot dogs and pretzels to international cuisines like Mexican tacos and Middle Eastern falafel.

Despite its long history, street food in NYC has faced its share of challenges. In the early 20th century, the city implemented various regulations on street food vendors, including requirements for permits and inspections. In recent years, the city has made efforts to support and regulate street food vendors, including the implementation of the Street Vendor Review Panel and the Street Vendor Modernization Act, which aims to improve the legal framework for street food vendors and increase opportunities for entrepreneurship.