Immense love for food can be one of the perfect ways to describe a ‘foodie.’
Foodies have a keen interest towards the flavors, taste, feel and presentation of food. It is not just limited to home-made meals or the ones served in restaurants.
From simple, homely dishes to exotic cuisines, road-side carts to fancy restaurants, everything comes under their radar, as they look out for attractive options always. Foodies have watchful eyes when it comes to their favorite piece of affection.
Every place has some unique characteristics that reflect in its food. Diverse towns, cities, countries, and continents have special highlighting aspects in this domain.
Availability of ingredients, agricultural production, traditional cooking styles, climatic conditions, famous specialties all culminates together to form what is known as ‘foodie culture.’
The particular pattern of food that defines the feel of a city or town can be rightly termed as this foodie culture. As dwellers of a given location show inclination towards specific dishes, it forms a significant part of it.
One such city with a rich foodie culture in New York. A city that boasts of diverse cultures, lifestyles, occupations, cuisines and seasons, New York is well known for its hearty appetite.
Loads of options and easy access to numerous restaurants, delis and street food carts have paved way to this unique culture. It stands out for its quality, authenticity, and variety. Name any cuisine across the globe and chances are you will find many places that serve it.
Besides, New York foodie culture can take care of pockets too. Ranging from small, mid to high prices, you can find numerous economic choices as per your need.
Let us dig into some of the most distinct features that form an integral part of the New York foodie culture. Featuring famous dishes that relate to the city, this article will make a humble attempt to touch such a rich and vast culture.
Some of these contents may not have taken birth in the city, but their long association makes them eligible to be called as ‘New Yorkers’ own.’
1. Hot dog
A famous to-go dish for the happening city, the hot dog, was brought to New York in the early 1800s. This piece of meat between the buns continues to form a signature item for the city.
You can find hot dog carts all around that cater to hungry stomachs day long. For the authentic taste of hot dogs from an iconic location where it all started, you can head over to Nathan’s famous.
2. Cheesecake
New York boasts a robust history with cheesecakes; hence New York style cheesecakes are famous all around the world. Combination of cream cheese within layers of soft cake makes this delightful for the taste buds.
Though several bakeries and cake shops serve this piece of dessert, Eileen’s special cheesecake, Junior’s restaurant and bakery and Two Little red hens are particularly famous.
3. New York-style pizza
Thin crust pizza slices with a layering of tomato sauce and generous amounts of fresh mozzarella cheese form the signature New York style pizza.
Served in slices that can be eaten singly handly on the go, this dish is available at several food joints in almost every neighborhood. Head over to Joe’s, Patsy’s, Di Fara or Grimaldi’s for their famous slices.
4. Hamburgers
One cannot miss the classic American hamburgers while defining New York foodie culture. Crispy and juicy beef patties sandwiched between burger buns with pickles and veggies cannot be ignored as New Yorkers immensely love this classic hamburger.
Again this delicacy can be found everywhere in the city from mid-range carts to expensive restaurants. The burger joint, The Spotted Pig, and Joe’s Jr are some famous places for the same.
5. Breakfast classics
Nothing can take the place of a good hearty breakfast, and New Yorkers certainly know that right. The foodie culture of this city features breakfast classics such as bagels, fried chicken, and waffles, donuts to name a few.
Pair it with a large cup of coffee, and you are ready to go. Step into any coffee shops or delis, and you will find these items to make your day. Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company, Absolute Bagels, Bagel hole are some famous ones.
6. General Tso’s chicken
Deep fried chicken in a creamy sauce of ginger, garlic, soy, and vinegar describes this famous American-Chinese dish. A favorite item among take-outs, General Tso’s chicken, is dated the back the to early 1900s when it first entered the US soil.
While any Chinese restaurant or food joint will have this on their menu, Szechuan Gourmet, China Gourmet and Golden Forest are some well-known places.
7. Manhattan clam chowder
The name says it all as it takes after New York’s famous spot. Manhattan clam chowder is bright red colored chowder made with tomatoes, hence the color. The Lobster place, L&W Lobster Company and The Clam are well known for this classic dish.
8. Mexican delicacies
New York foodie culture includes Mexican tacos and tortillas. Taco trucks all over the city highlight this love for Mexican food. Besides several restaurants serve excellent varieties of Mexican dishes; to name a few – Dos Caminos, Toloache, and La Contenta.
These are just some of the famous elements from the New York foodie culture. There are many other aspects in this happening city that loves its food to the core!
Image credit: pixabay
