New York City has so many legendary dishes that it’s impossible to name one as the most iconic meal. Countless restaurants have won acclaim across the United States for their delicious, unconventional meals made from fresh ingredients and crafted by professional chefs. Here are just a few of the most iconic meals in New York City.
Octopus and Bone Marrow Fusilli from Marea
Pasta, octopus and bone marrow might sound like an unusual combination, but the ingredients all come together to form an extravagantly savory dish. The fresh pasta is tossed with chunks of braised octopus and juicy bone marrow. To top off the dish, the chef adds a handful of seasoned bread crumbs. This unconventional pasta dish has become famous across the world for its texture and eclectic mix of flavors.
Recession Special from Gray’s Papaya
New York is famous for its hot dogs. With the Recession Special, visitors can get two hot dogs and a drink for only $5.50. The hot dogs are grilled with salt and garlic and topped with a heaping helping of sauerkraut. The acidic, slightly bitter flavor of the sauerkraut mingles perfectly with the meatiness of the hot dog.
Shackburger from Shake Shack
Shake Shack is so popular that even people who have never been to the East Coast have heard of this beloved hamburger restaurant. The Shackburger is one of New York’s most iconic meals. While the preparation is simple–a hamburger patty slapped between a bun with lettuce, tomato and a slice of cheese–the thick beef patty makes this much more delicious than a traditional hamburger.
Banana Pudding from Magnolia Bakery
For something sweet, many New York residents love the banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery. Their pudding is made from a rich vanilla pudding that’s mixed with vanilla wafers and slices of fresh banana. The resulting pudding is so thick that it looks more like a scoop of ice cream.
Cronut from Dominique Ansel Bakery
The cronut is a hybrid between a doughnut and a croissant that’s filled with sweet cream. A new flavor is introduced at the bakery every month. This treat is so popular that it went viral online and has been replicated in several bakeries across the world.