Top 10 culinary specialities in New York

Dare we say it, American gastronomy does not have a good reputation.

Deemed too fatty, processed and very unnatural, the typical dishes all look the same and blend together. It’s enough to put off lovers of healthy cooking or simply authentic flavours.

The specialities of each state spread across the United States and end up confusing people about their origins. As a result, some culinary favourites are easily passed off as New York specialities. But don’t be fooled! Burgers, pizzas and hot dogs are the pride and joy of our national cuisine, but that doesn’t mean they are New York specialities.

In our selection, you’ll find ten of the best of the best to try when you’re in New York.

Don’t forget that travelling around the Big Apple can be exhausting. So you’ll love the fact that all you have to do is hold out your arm to invigorate yourself with typical street food that’s just as representative of American culture!

What to eat in New York Our selection of 10 New York specialities

Eating in New York also means sampling the flavours of the world. This cosmopolitan coastal city has adopted the cooking techniques of every continent. Forged by centuries of immigration, New York has imbibed the great dishes of the rest of the world. You’ll be surprised to discover that dishes from other parts of the world have become genuine New York specialities! You’ll be able to sample pizza revisited from around the world, Vietnamese pho soups and the best curries on the East Coast. It’s a chance to witness the successful fusion of different cultures. Above all, New York gastronomy is an excellent way of grasping the complexity of the city’s culture.

1. Salmon and cream cheese bagel

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What would a New York brunch be without a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel? The bagel is recognisable by the hole in its centre. It is soft, plain or sprinkled with sesame, poppy or pumpkin seeds. The bagel is then topped ‘New York style’ with smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese. This nomadic speciality can also fill a small hunger during the day or accompany a raw vegetable salad.

2. Giant pretzel

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Fancy a bite to eat between two visits? Pretzels are waiting for you around every corner, at almost every street food stall. This American version of the Alsatian pretzel is eaten in the same way as in France, as a snack. The main difference between the two is that the pretzel is much bigger. Don’t hesitate to try it to satisfy a little salty craving.

3. Fried chicken

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All poultry lovers can’t wait to try this must-try speciality. New York fried chicken is a simple recipe. Directly fried or marinated beforehand in barbecue or sweet and sour sauce. The meat is coated in a thick layer of breadcrumbs and served golden brown. A popular dish, this hot, crispy dish is best eaten with the fingers, so you’re sure to enjoy it.

4. Lobster roll

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No, you’re not dreaming, New Yorkers are used to eating lobster in the form of a sandwich. And not just any sandwich: hot dog rolls. The pieces of lobster are seasoned with mayonnaise or a parsley butter sauce. It’s a great way to eat this noble seafood at a reasonable price. Especially when New York is crushed by a blazing sun.

5. Pastrami sandwich

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Time for a taste of New York-style charcuterie! The rye bread sandwich with pastrami. For the uninitiated, this is smoked beef, cut into thin slices and steamed. Generally speaking, the locals are big meat lovers, and sandwiches are a great way to try it time and time again. As well as being delicious, the pastrami sandwich is also XXL in size! All the more reason to go for it.

6. Barbecue ribbs

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Prepare to lick your fingers for a long time. This barbecue speciality once again puts meat in the spotlight. The ribs are marinated in barbecue sauce before being slow-cooked. The meat comes out more tender than ever and crispy on the surface. But don’t order this dish if you’re worried about getting your clothes dirty. After all, it’s hard to eat ribbs without getting them all over the place! You won’t have any regrets though, just take our word for it.

7. Mac and cheese

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Here’s the regressive pasta dish of all Americans: mac and cheese. This family-style gratin has been eaten by New Yorkers since they were very young. To make it, coquillettes, an astronomical amount of gruyère and cream cheese will do the trick. In fact, the creamier and drippier the mac and cheese, the better! The cheese mixtures used to make the sauce are often indeterminate, but who cares? The final flavour is worth the diversions.

8. Meat loaf

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Meat loaf is an essential American speciality. In New York, as elsewhere, it is made from minced beef and breadcrumbs. The mixture is then simply seasoned and topped with a delicious caramelised sauce. To accompany it, nothing beats thick chips or mashed potatoes. The famous “mashed potatoe” is almost immaculate.

9. Cheesecake

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Succumb to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of an authentic New York cheesecake. As a snack or to end a typical meal on a perfect note, the sweetness of cream cheese is just what you need! There are a multitude of flavours to enhance the creaminess and buttery taste of the biscuit. A little fresh fruit or a red fruit coulis will go a long way. Alternatively, a salted butter caramel will add an extra touch of deliciousness.

10. Cupcakes

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The only rule when it comes to cupcakes is that you have to try several at a time! These colourful little cakes have made their way to France, so there’s no need to go into detail here. If you want to try them in their native land, all you have to do is visit the first patisserie you come across. You can also challenge yourself to find the best in New York! There are a multitude of flavours to choose from, ranging from the classic to the more eccentric. Our tip for enjoying them without getting buttercream all over yourself: “break” the muffin in half, just below the top. Then turn the top over to wedge the cream between the two layers of sponge cake. The result is a sort of mini sweet sandwich that you can eat in style.