Hello there, foodie friends, and heartiest greetings from the city that never sleeps – yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s New York City! Last weekend, I embraced my inner Anthony Bourdain, and tried exploring the local food scene here. Spoiler alert: it turned out to be an absolute delight!
Gourmet Hot Dogs at Papaya King
My culinary expedition started at the infamous Papaya King on the corner of East 86th St., a favorite snack spot of Julia Child’s (source). This ain’t no ordinary hot dog stand. The franks are juicy, flavorful, and the toppings (think tropical fruit drinks and sauerkraut!) make them extra delicious. Eating here felt like a true NYC initiation!
World Famous Bagels at Absolute Bagels
Next stop was Broadway, home to Absolute Bagels – a cornerstone in the New York community (source). Let me tell you, those bagels were the real deal. I went with the poppy seed bagel, a smear of cream cheese, topped with a generous layer of lox. Each bite was a delightful mix of chewy, creamy, and salty. Whether you’re a fellow tourist or a local, this place is a must-visit.
Dim Sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Heading a little further downtown took me to Chinatown, where the dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor was calling my name. Operating since 1920 (source), this place serves up nostalgia with a side of the best dumplings in town. Not even exaggerating here when I say that ‘Shrimp and Snow Pea Leaf Dumplings’ might be my new favorite dish.
Handmade Pasta at Lilia
Lastly, my gastronomic tour wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to Lilia in Brooklyn. This place is the brainchild of Chef Missy Robbins, who was crowned as the ‘Best Chef in New York City’ by the James Beard Foundation (source). I savored their Mafaldini, a ribbon-shaped pasta coated in Parmesan, pink peppercorns, and speck. It was a masterpiece!
- Papaya King for gourmet hot dogs
- Absolute Bagels for the best bagels in town
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor for mouth-watering dim sum
- Lilia for handmade pasta like never before
So there you go, folks! This was my delicious romp through local New York City cuisine. Each stop along the way was a revelation of flavors. Here’s a toast to good food and this magnificent city that fuels it!