What You’ll Gain from This Blog
- Discover the best street food in New York City across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem
- Learn which iconic carts, food trucks, and vendors are truly worth trying
- Explore must-try NYC street foods, from halal platters and dumplings to waffles and tacos
- Find the best neighborhoods and streets for authentic local food experiences
- Get practical tips for first-time visitors looking to eat like a local
The street food of New York is as diverse as can be. You’ll discover everything from Midtown halal carts to Chinatown hotspots on Doyers & Mulberry, and soul food (mac and cheese, fried chicken, sweet potato pies) on Harlem (125th Street).
Then there’s Brooklyn with its gourmet trucks, waffle sandwiches, tacos, and global street food across Van Brunt, Red Hook, and Williamsburg. Representative of the best street food in New York City, these hubs/locations are cultural stopovers that offer satisfying treats, while showcasing the fusion of local influences with immigrant histories.
15 Must-Try NYC Street Foods in 2026
There are several options that you should not miss in NYC. The city is popular for several iconic places and street foods, along with gourmet trucks, lunch hotspots, halal carts, and classic cuisine joints. At the same time, it’s not just restricted to Manhattan; you’ll discover fascinating street food of New York across Williamsburg, Harlem, Chinatown, and more areas.
1. The Halal Guys — Chicken & Gyro Over Rice
This is undoubtedly the best street food of New York if you’re looking for something classic and popular. Nestled at 53rd and 6th, the Halal Guys’ Chicken & Gyro Platter is about the best halal street food New York that you can try. Enjoy tasty beef and chicken gyro over yellow rice, with tomatoes, lettuce, and the popular creamy White Sauce and Red Sauce for company. Some of the advantages here include fast service (in spite of longer lines) and large portions, in addition to reasonable prices.
2. NY Dosas — Washington Square Park
NY Dosas is an institution in itself, with its long-standing popularity, particularly among tourists and students. It serves affordable and fresh dosas (gluten-free) crafted from a secret recipe of the family, complete with lentil soup (sambar) and chutneys. Expect long lines but flavorful food and efficient service. Off-menu items sometimes include Pandi Cherry dosas at this 50, Washington Square South joint.
3. Wafels & Dinges
Wafels & Dinges is a famous Belgian waffle vendor in NYC, especially famous for the Liege-style savory and sweet waffles. They are loaded with dinges or toppings like fruit, caramel, and chocolate, along with Speculoos spreads and even salmon! You’ll find the brand operating across the city from its vibrant trucks and stands.
4. Birria-Landia
Birria-Landia is a famous food truck in NYC, known for its Tijuana-style birria tacos, beef consommé for dips, and a menu with tostadas, tacos, and mulitas. Multi-cut beef is neatly slow-cooked with chili-infused and savory flavors. You’ll find this joint at Jackson Heights and also Williamsburg, offering a fabulous blend of favors.
5. Smorgasburg Vendors
If you’re looking to sample the tastiest street food Brooklyn, hop over to the weekend food market in NYC, namely Smorgasburg (April to October). You’ll find it at Prospect Park and Williamsburg with rotating vendors and treats like seafood, tacos, dumplings, and more. Birria tacos, Peruvian food, and new viral food trends can be witnessed here as well. Some rotating vendors include Destination Dumplings, B&E Fish and Chips, Noodle Lane, 88 Coffee Company, and more.
6. Sabrett Hot Dog Carts
Sabrett Hot Dogs are a famous street food joint in NYC, recognizable by the yellow and blue umbrellas. You’ll love the classic all-beef hot dogs at their locations like Central Park and Midtown. They are griddled or steamed with several fabulous toppings.
7. King of Falafel & Shawarma
King of Falafel & Shawarma is a popular street food in New York City, started in Astoria, Queens, by Freddy Zeideia in 2002. The chickpea Palestinian falafel here is the main attraction, even winning the Venda Award in 2010 and growing to numerous trucks today. It also serves chicken and rice, Shawarma, and delicious platters. While the main restaurant is at 3015 Broadway in Astoria, while there is a cart at Manhattan as well. This is at 53rd St between Madison and Park.
8. Korean Corn Dogs
Korean corn dogs are incredibly delicious snacks in NYC, known for the savory, sweet, and crispy texture that they have (ramen/sugar/Panko coatings), in tandem with the amazing cheese pulls. You can try them at CrunCheese Korean HotDog and Jongro Rice Hotdog at K-Town. There are multiple spots to try this in Midtown, while other favorites include Kim’s Korean Corn Dogs in Brooklyn and Kong Dog.
9. Empanada Mama
Empanada Mama in NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen is a 24-7 iconic joint offering more than 40 flavors of tasty empanadas in corn or wheat dough. There are several classics like cheese, chicken, and burger empanadas, in addition to seafood, cheeseburgers, arepas, and cocktails. You’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this Colombian joint at 765 9th Avenue.
10. Jamaican Beef Patties
While seafood Harlem 125th is already famous, you should also try the amazing Jamaican beef patties in the neighborhood. You’ll love the spot at Flatbush, Harlem, along with Midtown delis. The pastries have turmeric-laced and flaky crusts along with containing ground beef. You can have them with coco bread for a classic touch. Try Kingston Bakery in Harlem, 1 Stop Patty Shop and other delis in Midtown, and Flatbush in Brooklyn.
11. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles — Doyers Street
This is a great option to try the best street food Chinatown NYC. You’ll love the Doyers Street location with its curved layout and authentic Chinese treats along the way. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles is a beloved joint which offers northern Chinese treats, including fresh and chewy hand-pulled noodles or lamian. They are then dunked in soups or stir-fried with chili oil for a burst of sumptuous flavors. This makes Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles Doyers Street New York NY a must-visit!
12. Tasty Dumpling — Mulberry Street
Tasty Dumpling Mulberry Street New York NY is a famous institution, offering incredible dumplings at really affordable rates, with quick service for company. It’s a hole-in-the-wall spot where you can feast on all the dumplings you want, particularly the pork varieties starting from only $2 for four pieces.
13. Papaya King — East 86th Street
You should not miss Papaya King East 86th Street New York NY, famous for its hot dogs and its rich history dating from its establishment in 1932, right on the corner of Third Avenue and 86th Street (Upper East Side, Manhattan). It is a legendary joint that offers all-beef hot dogs with fabulous toppings and the iconic papaya juice.
14. Seafood on 125th Street — Harlem
Don’t miss seafood Harlem 125th Street, with the rows of fried seafood vendors setting up shop along the thoroughfare. It’s a great place to witness lively Harlem culture, while feasting on flavorful and swift meals. You can try A Taste of Seafood and the trucks/carts around the Harlem State Office Building.
15. Mister Softee
The literal icing on the cake is Mister Softee, a summer staple in NYC, famous for its classic jingle- Here comes Mister Softee, the soft ice cream man, and its blue and white trucks. It has a citywide presence and offers several fabulous treats, including soft-serve cones, milkshakes, sundaes, and banana boats.
More NYC Food Stops People Search for which are not found on Streets
It’s now time to look at some more food stops in NYC that people search for (not usually found on the major streets).
- Chili East, 37th Street, New York, NY: Midtown eatery offering authentic Sichuan cuisine made by Peter He, a Michelin-starred chef. Try the dan dan noodles and Chongqing chili pepper chicken here.
- Quality Meats, West 58th Street, New York, NY: This is a premier American steakhouse offering classic treats with a modern touch. Don’t miss the premium meat cuts, tableside truffle butter service, and corn crème brulee here.
- Ho Foods, East 7th Street, New York, NY: You shouldn’t miss trying the Taiwanese beef noodle soup at this East Village joint, with the 24-hour broth and tender beef shanks on offer. You can also try the scallion pancakes and fan tuan here.
- Pommes Frites, Macdougal Street, New York, NY: It is a spot that is famous for its Belgian-style and double-fried potatoes. You’ll find this joint at 128 Macdougal Street with more than 30 dipping sauces to choose from.
- Baz Bagel, Grand Street, New York, NY: Famous for its hand-rolled bagels and Jewish deli fare, this joint offers a classic experience on Grand Street. You will also love the specialty cream cheese here.
- Cheeseboat, Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY: It is a family-owned bistro with a Georgian touch, offering unique dishes in Williamsburg, such as Khachapuri. This is the cheese boat of mozzarella and feta with multiple kinds of toppings.
- Food Bazaar, Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, NY:- You will fall in love with the supermarket at 480 Van Brunt St in Red Hook. It offers a large range of specialty and international offerings, including fresh produce and ingredients.
Best Neighborhoods for Street Food in New York (2026)
What are some of the best localities to try amazing street food of New York? Some options include the following:
- Midtown: This is where you’ll discover hot dog stands, gyro carts, and more.
- Chinatown (Mulberry Street and Doyers Street): You can feast on authentic dumplings, bubble tea, Cantonese buns, and pastries here.
- Harlem (125th Street): It is a top spot for comfort food like fried chicken and sweet potato pies, along with delicious seafood and Caribbean vendors and food trucks.
- Brooklyn: Some of the major hotspots are Red Hook, Van Brunt Street, and Williamsburg, with a diverse lineup of dining options. Williamsburg is more about artisanal tacos, gourmet fare like donuts, and multiple food trucks. Red Hook and Van Brunt Street are about lobster rolls, waterfront views, and famous bars with casual treats.
- Queens: Don’t miss Flushing in Queens, which offers diverse Asian street food, ranging from Sichuan delights to Korean BBQ skewers, and a lot more.
Street Food Brooklyn (2026)
So, if you’re in Brooklyn, which are the top choices to consider here? Let’s take a look:
- Smorgasburg, Williamsburg- Open-air markets with hundreds of vendors, ice cream, grilled cheese, tacos, and more
- Red Hook- Waterfront treats with food trucks, seafood shacks, and Mexican street food
- Berry Street- Trendy cafes, global comfort food, and cafes
- Van Brunt Street-Iconic spot with year-round vendors and Caribbean and Latin-American street food
- Court Street (Shelsky’s of Brooklyn, appetizing and delicatessen, Court Street, Brooklyn, NY)- Flavorful bagels with whitefish salad and pastrami
Brooklyn’s food circuit is centered on diversity with culinary creations from across the world meeting innovative local twists for unparalleled experiences.
Best Street Food Chinatown NYC
Chinatown is arguably the biggest street food hub of NYC. Here are some of the top street food spots in Chinatown:
- Doyers Street- Noodles (Joe’s Shanghai) and snacks like dumplings
- Mulberry Street-Amazing dumplings, roast meats (ducks and pork bellies), bubble tea, and steamed buns or baos.
West Village Ramen & Quick Eats
The West Village Ramen circuit is quite famous, with popular eateries like Menkoi Sato, E.A.K. Ramen, and the Jeju Noodle Bar. You will find amazing Japanese bowls for late-night treats and a quaint neighborhood charm. Many eateries are small and cozy, while food is served till late at night.
Conclusion
You can take your pick from the options mentioned above, in order to try the best street food of New York. The biggest advantage of the city is its diverse culinary offerings and the rapidly evolving street food culture. There’s always something new in NYC for you to discover. Explore multiple neighborhoods to feast on authentic and delicious street food that will wow you instantly!
FAQ: NYC Street Food
What is the best street food in New York in 2026?
Some of the top street foods right now include halal chicken over rice from The Halal Guys, hand-pulled noodles on Doyers Street, Korean corn dogs in Midtown, dosas from NY Dosas, dumplings on Mulberry Street, and birria tacos from Birria-Landia.
Where can I find the most popular street food in NYC?
Some of the popular choices include the following:
- Midtown Manhattan: halal carts, hot dog stands, waffle trucks
- Chinatown: dumplings and noodles on Doyers Street & Mulberry Street
- Harlem: seafood vendors on 125th Street
- Brooklyn: Red Hook, Van Brunt Street, Williamsburg markets
What street foods should first-time visitors try?
Halal platters, NYC hot dogs, Belgian waffles, dumplings, Jamaican beef patties, birria tacos, and dosas.
Is NYC street food safe?
Most long-standing carts are permitted and inspected. Busy carts with high turnover are generally reliable choices.
What’s the best halal street food in New York?
The Halal Guys are the most recognizable, while smaller Midtown and Queens carts offer excellent variations.
Where can I find street food in Brooklyn?
Try Van Brunt Street (markets, seafood, global eats), Berry Street (Cheeseboat), and Court Street (Shelsky’s).
What should I try in Chinatown?
Hand-pulled noodles on Doyers Street, dumplings on Mulberry Street, buns, bubble tea, and roast meats.
