Exploring the Best Street Food in New York City: A Guide
New York City is renowned for its diverse and vibrant street food scene. Whether you're looking for a quick and filling meal or a unique culinary experience, the city offers an endless array of food trucks and carts serving everything from traditional halal delicacies to innovative taco creations. This guide will help you navigate the best street food in New York City and find your next favorite cart.
Which Carts to Try Around Union Square
If you find yourself in the heart of Manhattan, consider visiting the area around Union Square for some of the city's best street food. This bustling area is often home to a variety of trucks serving everything from halal to vegetarian options. One standout spot you might want to consider is a halal cart located on the 14th street, often referred to as the yellow sign cart. Although it may have 'bad' old school decorations, the food, particularly the meat and vegetarian selections, is highly regarded.
Another spot to explore is the area at the southwest corner of Union Square Park, where several trustworthy trucks often park. These trucks are known for serving a variety of foods and attracting a steady stream of repeat customers, indicating that the food must be both consistent and of good quality. Many locals recommend that you give these trucks a try, as they are a reliable bet for finding delicious street food.
Brooklyn’s Culinary Delights: The Smorgasborg and Summer Street Fairs
Beyond the downtown core, Brooklyn offers its own array of street food options, particularly during the summer months. The Brooklyn Smorgasborg is a must-visit event, featuring a wide range of local and international cuisines, making it the perfect destination for food enthusiasts. Additionally, various street fairs in the summer offer unique and exciting culinary experiences, allowing you to sample a multitude of dishes in a festive setting.
The Halal Guys: A Historical Success Story
No discussion of New York City street food would be complete without mentioning the legendary The Halal Guys. This cart, located on 6th Avenue and 53rd Street, has gained legendary status for its gyro and chicken dishes, which have been feeding the city's hungry residents since the 1980s. The Halal Guys not only served as a quick lunch spot for cab drivers but also became a favorite among tourists and locals.
Due to its popularity, other businesses have sprung up in the area, including multiple carts and a few permanent restaurants. The Halal Guys is still widely regarded as the best, and many visitors come from all over the city to taste their unique and delectable street food. The success of the cart speaks to the quality and taste of their food, which has sustained them through decades in the ever-changing New York City street food landscape.
While The Halal Guys serves the area well with their traditional offerings, if you're looking for something more specific, such as the best tacos in the city, you might want to try Tacos Veloz at Roosevelt Avenue and 86th Street in Queens. This location is highly recommended for those craving the best tacos in the world, north of Tlaxcala, Mexico. The combination of quality ingredients and mastery of traditional techniques have earned this cart a well-deserved reputation for excellence.
In conclusion, whether you're seeking halal delicacies, traditional American street food, or innovative taco creations, New York City's street food scene offers a vast array of options. From Union Square to Brooklyn, there is always something new and exciting to try, and the city’s loyal street food enthusiasts can provide valuable guidance to ensure your next visit is nothing short of a culinary adventure.