10 New York Recipes That Locals Will Never Fuhgeddaboud
New York is one of the most well known states in the United States, and for good reason. From Niagara Falls and Buffalo, down through the Catskills and Adirondacks, and into the Big Apple, the Empire State has no shortage of iconic landmarks, culture, and history. And as I’ve always believed, the best way to learn about and embrace a new place and culture is to eat. Who doesn’t like an excuse to try new foods?
While for some the idea of classic New York foods might bring to mind food cart hot dogs and dollar pizza slices, there is so much more to choose from. From cocktails to breakfast through dessert, this list has some of New Yorker’s favorite foods for all year long. Check out deli eats like our bacon, egg & cheese or pastrami sandwich, or bakery beauties like our black & white cookies and New York style classic cheesecake. Whether you're a native born New Yorker or just passing through, these recipes are sure to bring a little bit of Yankee pride to your table.
Pastrami Sandwich
The pastrami sandwich has been a New York deli staple for more than 100 years. Rye serves as the base for a mountain of pastrami, a layer of coleslaw, and a generous coating of mustard—and don't forget the pickle! One bite of this perfectly balanced, tangy sandwich will instantly transport you to your favorite deli, bodega, or diner.
Get the Pastrami Sandwich recipe.
Black & White Cookies
More cake than cookie, this classic dessert is a long-standing staple for a reason. Light and moist, the vanilla, almond and lemon flavored cookie is the closest you might get to biting into a cloud. These cake-like cookies have been around for a very long time. Originated in New York City, these handheld sweets are a staple at nearly every bakery or deli in their hometown.
Get the Black & White Cookies recipe.
Bagels & Lox
New York and bagels go hand-in-hand, and perhaps none more so than bagels and lox. The following recipe is simply the way I top my bagel. The only thing I’d say is an absolute must is some form of allium, whether that be sliced onion on top or scallion cream cheese. To me, that onion-y bite is a crucial part of the bagel and lox flavor profile.
Get the Bagels & Lox recipe.
Chicken Riggies
Aside from a name that's a hoot to utter, Chicken Riggies (aka Utica, New York’s pasta pride and joy) has a lot more going for it, namely that it's a spicy and a bit-sweet pleasure to eat. It’s so good, it might just become a new go-to weeknight dinner for all you non-Uticans out there.
Get the Chicken Riggies recipe.
Manhattan Cocktail
When it comes to booze-forward classic cocktails, the Manhattan is as iconic as they come. First stirred up in 1894 by a bartender at New York City's Waldorf Astoria, the defining characteristic is that it uses Scotch whiskey. Over the years, it has stayed in fashion, but with bourbon being a common alcohol of choice.
Get the Manhattan Cocktail recipe.
Matzo Ball Soup
With New York City having the second largest Jewish diaspora in the world, it's no surprise that matzo ball soup has become a staple of NYC deli's. This classic recipe—complete with homemade chicken broth and light and fluffy matzo balls—has a few ingredients that may surprise you, but truly perfects this pinnacle comfort food.
Get the Matzo Ball Soup recipe.
Classic Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a classic dessert in New York, especially tied to the local favorite, Junior's. New York-style cheesecake is generally smoother and creamier than other cheesecakes due to the addition of either sour cream or heavy cream. While there are plenty of flavors and variations to choose from, I think this classic cheesecake is a great starting point.
Get the Classic Cheesecake recipe.
Buffalo Wings
There’s no debate: Buffalo wings are the game day snack. In my book, a Super Bowl spread just isn’t complete without a plate (or two) of chicken wings ready to be devoured, and these Buffalo wings are the most classic version of the party staple. They’re easy to make, and still result in perfectly crispy, saucy, and caramelized wings I can’t get enough of.
Get the Buffalo Wings recipe.
NYC-Style Bacon, Egg & Cheese
There is perhaps nothing that screams New York as much as a classic deli bacon, egg & cheese. A BEC from a New York deli is the true definition of fast food, not wasting any time or effort on the unnecessary steps. This perfect way to start a day, takes just the good stuff, bacon, eggs, and cheese—ketchup optional—and places them between and warm kaiser roll.
Get the NYC-Style Bacon, Egg & Cheese recipe.
Corned Beef Hash
Growing up I used to eat corned beef for breakfast a lot, but usually we’d get the canned stuff. As I’ve gotten older and started cooking for myself, I found out the canned stuff is not the vibe! If you order a corned beef hash at any New York diner, you'll find a heaping plate of warming spices, tender pink pieces of corned beef, crispy potatoes, and a nice runny egg.
Get the Corned Beef Hash recipe.
