- MAN
- $3.00
- VEG
- STREET
At this narrow East Village coffee mecca, a small assortment of pastries matches some of the city’s best brews. Baker Elizabeth Quijada’s acclaimed olive oil cake, which arguably sparked a renaissance of its own in coffee house food, is unequaled. Moist and prone to minor crumbling, it harbors a simple and unassertive flavor, like a more flavorful angel cake.
Abraço
86 East 7th St. at First Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 388-9731
- MAN
- $9.50 for 4
- VEG
In the gentrified East Village, B&H Dairy is still churning out tasty old-school dishes, including “tastes-like-homemade” soups. On any night at this vegetarian diner you’ll find special combos, like four pierogies (boiled, Polish-style dumplings) plus a cup of soup. The pierogies, filled with potato or cheese, are plump and unusually large. They’re great with the hearty, but not heavy, barley and mushroom soup. Sop up any leftovers with the two slices of challah, smeared with generous amounts of butter, that come on the side.
B & H Vegetarian Restaurant
127 Second Ave. nr St. Mark’s Pl. (map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 505-8065
- MAN
- $6.25
In New York, the Vietnamese sandwich known as bánh mì tends to be a heavy affair, loaded with grilled pork and closer to a hero than a street-side snack. Bánh Mì Zon captures the best of both approaches with a filling bánh mì that tastes light and fresh. Each layer of the sandwich—a flavorful pâté, terrine, thin-sliced ham, dried pork floss, pickled vegetables and cilantro—is applied in careful balance, and the baguette holding it all together is just crusty enough to crackle. It’s a bit more expensive than clunkier counterparts in Chinatown, but the extra cost is worth it.
Bánh Mì Zon
443 East 6th St. nr Ave A. (map)
New York, NY 10009
(646) 524-6384
- MAN
- $3.50
- Photograph by James Boo
After a long Friday night of drinking in the East Village, it’s still hard to top a hangover-preventing spot like BaoHaus, where Chairman Bao is the cure of choice. The hearty steamed bao (bun) envelops a melt-in-your-mouth slab of Berkshire pork belly, topped with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts, while the Huang brothers’ favorite Taiwanese red sugar gives the classic sandwich a pinch of sweetness. Add a second bao and a side of taro fries while you’re there, and you’re sure to feel better in the morning.
BaoHaus
238 E.14th St. at 2nd Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10003
(646) 669-8889
- MAN
- $6.00
When people say “bacon makes everything taste better,” they’re pretty much right. At the Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, you can have soft serve ice cream with sea salt and dulce de leche dipped in chocolate, but what you should really try is the Choinkwich, an ice cream sandwich made with chocolate cookies from the Treats Truck, chocolate soft serve ice cream and a layer of Bacon Marmalade. It’s chocolatey, bacony, smokey, salty, sweet and most definitely delicious.
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop on Eat to Blog
125 E. 7th St. at Ave. A (Map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 533-9333
- MAN
- $8.50
The fried chicken sandwich (a sweet-tea-brined behemoth) and seared pork chop sandwich (coated with a vibrant chowchow relish) are both solid choices at this Virginia-descended fried chicken joint in Alphabet City. Bobwhite’s fried catfish sandwich, however, trumps them both. The cornmeal-crusted filet is tender, fresh and just barely crumbly around the edges. The cole slaw scooped atop is thankfully light, and the entire sandwich comes together beautifully with a splash of Bruce Louisiana hot sauce (look for the yellow-and-red bottle at the counter). Catfish may be bottom feeders, but this sandwich flies high.
Bobwhite Lunch & Supper Counter
94 Ave. C at E. 6th St. (map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 228-2972
Cafe Himalaya – Chili Dofu
- MAN
- $7.99
- VEG
- SPICY
- Photograph by James Boo
Some Tibetan food is light on the spice, but the chili dofu from Cafe Himalaya is not one of those dishes. One wrong bite of the bright red, pepper-laden sauce can leave you in a coughing fit, though the basmati rice that comes with it helps soothe the burn. Alongside firm strips of tofu, you’ll find red and green pepper, onion, tomato and other spices that make the dish a panoply of textures.
Cafe Himalaya
78 E. 1st St. at First Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 358-0160
Caracas Arepas Bar – Yoyos
- MAN
- QNS
- BK
- $5.75
- VEG
- Photograph by Robyn Lee
Arepas aren’t the only food being given clever treatments at this hip downtown spot. The yo-yo, a classic Venezulan side that is a kind of cheese-stuffed plantain-wich, gets a sugary makeover at Caracas. Sweet plantains are fried in a cinnamon-spiked plantain batter to produce a crisp, aromatic crust; then they’re stuffed with a subdued, slightly chewy, fresh cheese. Dunked in the honey dipping sauce that comes on the side, they’re an irresistable way to start your meal.
Caracas Arepas Bar
93 1/2 East 7th St. at 1st Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 529-2314
291 Grand St. at Havemeyer St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 218-6050
106-01 Shore Front Parkway at Beach 106th St. (Map)
Queens NY 11694
(718) 474-1709
- MAN
- $6.00
- VEG
You can brave the pizza line at sister restaurant Artichoke Basille’s Pizza to score a stuffed artichoke, but you’re better off heading over to Chubby Mary’s, where you can wait for the dish to heat up in a more relaxed environment. The softball-sized ‘choke is packed with bread crumbs and anointed with artichoke stock. Take it home if you must. Better yet, sit on the one of the benches in front of the pizza shop and make passersby jealous of your Sicilian treat.
Chubby Mary’s Heroes
328 E. 14 St. btwn 1st and 2nd Ave. (map)
New York, NY
(212) 228-2807
Crif Dogs – Good Morning Dog
- MAN
- BK
- $5.00
At this tiny East Village (and Williamsburg) spot, your favorite meat product in tube form gets a nice upgrade. The Good Morning Dog, also pretty tasty as a late night snack, is a hot dog wrapped in bacon and padded with melted cheese and a fried egg. The bacon is fried up nicely for that perfect, salty-crunchy bite that all bacon lovers crave. Cheese fries sold separately.
Crif Dog on Eat to Blog
113 Saint Marks Pl # 2 at Ave. A (Map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 614-2728
555 Driggs Ave. at North 7th St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 302-3200
Dessert Club Chikalicious – Cookies and Cream Sundae
- MAN
- $7.95
- VEG
- Photograph by James Boo
To make its Cookies and Cream Sundae, Dessert Club Chikalicious cuts up three of its cookies—The Situation (chocolate chips, corn chips, peanut butter chips, marshmallow and pretzel), Situation Dark (chocolate cookie with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, toffee popcorn and pretzel) and Chocolate Chip—then mixes the crisp chunks with super creamy vanilla bean soft serve. Each dessert is great on its own, but together they form the best combination of cookies and ice cream you may ever eat. Just make sure to share with one or two people; the portion is huge.
Dessert Club Chikalicious on The Girl Who Ate Everything
203 E. 10th St. at Second Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 475-0929
Dos Toros – Carnitas Taco
- MAN
- $3.90
Offering tasty, fresh tacos for under $4, Dos Toros brought a little slice of Bay Area Mexican food to Union Square. The carnitas (pork) are seared and slow cooked, leaving them juicy and flavorful, with the right amount of salty kick before being wrapped in corn tortilla along with toppings of your choice. The meat is purposefully left mild, so feel free to be adventurous with Dos Toros’ tangy homemade sauces.
Dos Toros
137 Fourth Ave. at E. 13th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-7300
11 Carmine St. at Bleeker St. (Map)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 627-2051
- MAN
- $2.50
- VEG
- STREET
- Photograph by James Boo
For most young people, “egg cream” evokes hazy, black-and-white memories of an older generation of New Yorkers, sharing the once-ubiquitous drink over doo-wop music at a 1950’s-era diner. Thankfully, the humble egg cream, a mixture of chocolate syrup (the purists demand Fox’s U-Bet), milk and soda water, lives on at Gem Spa, a ramshackle bodega on the corner of St. Marks and 2nd Ave. Grab one on a hot afternoon for a refreshing, cross-generational treat.
Gem Spa
131 2nd Ave. at St Mark’s Pl. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 995-1866
- MAN
- $7
- SPICY
For those who are disinclined to trek to Flushing for quality Sichuan, newcomer Hot Kitchen provides a surprisingly solid alternative in the heart of the East Village. Their hot pot is great, but if you’re without a group, stick to this appetizer. The name is misleading—the noodles are actually vermicelli—but forgive the misnomer and just enjoy the mouth-numbing sensation of slippery noodles bathed in a hot chili-oil broth, studded with bits of ground beef, peanuts and cilantro. Taste- and texture-wise, it’s a workout for your tongue—in a good way.
Hot Kitchen
104 Second Ave. at 6th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 228-3090
Japadog – Age Ice
- MAN
- $3.35
- VEG
At this Japanese-inspired, Vancouver-born hot dog joint, even dessert comes on a warm bun. The Age Ice (pronounced “ah-gay ice”) consists of three plump scoops of ice cream in your choice of flavors—vanilla, strawberry, green tea or black sesame—set inside a bun that is lightly deep-fried moments before being served. The bun’s texture and light coating of granulated sugar are reminiscent of a good raised doughnut.
Japadog on Eating in Translation
30 Saint Marks Pl. nr Second Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(646) 476-2324
- MAN
- $2.75
- VEG
Joe’s Pizza, an outpost of the famed Greenwich Village pizzeria, is a welcome taste of old New York City in a neighborhood besieged by chain stores. For just a few bucks, Joe’s serves up the perfect street slice: a crisp crust that remains pliant enough to fold and stroll with, topped by a vibrant, slightly sweet sauce under a bronzed canopy of cheese.
Joe’s Pizza on Serious Eats
150 E. 14th St. (map)
New York, NY
(212) 388-9474
Luke’s Lobster – Shrimp Roll
- MAN
- $8.00
- Photograph by James Boo
Luke made his name by slashing the price of NYC lobster rolls in half. So it’s no surprise that many customers overlook his other sandwiches featuring less expensive seafood alternatives, like crab and shrimp. The bargain shrimp roll—a buttered, split-top bun packed with juicy shrimp lightly tossed with herbed salt and a hint of mayo—is worth a detour from the more famous lobster roll (and half the price).
Luke’s Lobster
93 E 7th St. at First Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 387-8487 (EV)
242 E. 81st St. at Second Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10028
(212) 249-4241 (UES)
426 Amsterdam Ave. nr West 80th St. (map)
New York, NY 10024
(212) 877-8800 (UWS)
26 South William St. at Beaver St. (map)
New York, NY
(212) 747-1700 (FiDi)
@LukesLobsterNY (Truck)
(917) 881-7866
- MAN
- $2.50
Mark serves a perfect rendition of a classic slider. A proprietary beef blend is chopped right on the premises. The patties are pressed into a cast iron griddle with onions, flipped, and topped with cheese, which is then left to steam underneath the bun until gooey and soft. The result is the perfect hamburger experience in a bite-sized package.
Mark on A Hamburger Today
33 St. Mark’s Pl. at 2nd Ave.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-3132
- MAN
- $8.50 (price varies at Smorgasburg)
- Photograph by James Boo
Since beginning as a stand at Smorgasburg, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque has expanded to include a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Manhattan. The smokehouse’s “Texalina” style combines Texan dry rub with the vinegar sauces of the Carolinas, creating a clean sweetness in the beautifully marbled brisket. It makes for a substantial sandwich, with meat that falls gently apart, bits of fat with a hint of smoke, and flakes of Maldon salt. The complimentary slaw and pickled vegetables cut through the richness, but with this meat, extra barbecue sauce is unnecessary.
Mighty Quinn’s
Saturdays at Smorgasburg, East River State Park
Kent Ave. and North 7th St. (map)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
103 2nd Ave. at E. 6th St. (map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-3733
- MAN
- $5.00
- STREET
- Photograph by James Boo
Grilled octopus balls, or takoyaki, may not sound appetizing, but the textures and taste of this Japanese street food are worth trying. Otafuku is one of the few quick-and-cheap sources of this snack, in which pieces of octopus are enrobed in wheat flour, grilled in spherical molds and then covered in mayo, a smoky “barbecue” sauce, dried seaweed and bonito flakes. Find a nearby bench or stoop and eat them right away—and don’t be afraid to get those toppings on your face during consumption.
Otafuku
236 East 9th St. nr Second Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 353-8503
- MAN
- $6.40
The menu welcomes diners to create their own burger combinations, but when it comes to Paul’s bacon burger, no adjustments are necessary. The patty is loosely packed, topped with slices of crisp bacon and laid atop a fluffy bun. A swipe of mayonnaise brings it all together, creating the just-right bite. Of course, with such reasonable prices and extensive topping options, you may just want to invent the burger of your own monstrous dreams.
Paul’s Da Burger Joint on Feisty Foodie
131 2nd Ave. at St. Marks Pl. (map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 529-3097
- MAN
- $1.25 per paczek
- VEG
- Photograph by Dave Cook
Paczki (pronounced punch-key) are Polish jelly-filled doughnuts traditionally made and devoured on “Fat Thursday” as a way to finish all the fat, sugar and fruit in the household before Lent. Luckily, the husband-and-wife duo running this homey Eastern European deli sells paczki year-round. These circular treats are prepared and deep-fried to a rich, golden brown color every morning. The dough is light and airy, and the dollop of strawberry and raspberry jam in the center has a sweet and slightly tart flavor, making this pastry an ideal snack.
Polish G.I. Delicatessen
109 1st Ave. at E. 7th St. (map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 982-7893
Porchetta – Lebanese Pressed Chicken Sandwich
- MAN
- $10.00
Porchetta’s reputation was built on killer Italian roast pork sandwiches. With the Lebanese pressed chicken sandwich, chef Sara Jenkins has turned her attention to poultry and the Middle East. The bird is marinated in lemon and saffron for a day. Then it’s roasted, sliced and slathered with toum, an intense spread consisting of garlic, olive oil and salt. Thrown in a press and topped with pickles, the result is a crunchy, lemony and garlicky sandwich that calls to mind a chicken-based Cubano, by way of Beirut.
Porchetta
110 East 7th St. nr First Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 777-2151
- MAN
- $5.50
- VEG
- SPICY
Hipsters rub shoulders with gray-bearded cabbies at Punjabi Grocery & Deli in the East Village. The chaats here—Indian fried snacks tossed with an addictive combination of sauces—are the real deal. My favorite is the hearty two samosas and chickpeas chaat. More a meal than a snack, it tops crisp, potato-stuffed samosas, split open and doused in spicy stewed chickpeas, with zesty extras such as tangy yogurt, sweet tamarind-date chutney, spicy cilantro chutney, and chopped raw onion. Wash it all down with a cup of doodh patti (a richer version of masala chai, brewed in milk). -Delia Pless
Punjabi Grocery & Deli on City Spoonful
114 E 1st St. #3 at Ludlow St./Houston St. (Map)
New York, NY 10009
(212) 533-3356
- MAN
- $9.95
Filipino cuisine’s meaty tendencies often extend into the vegetables, and pinakbet is no exception. This stew is jam-packed with squash, tomatoes, green beans, bitter melon and eggplant, showcasing a variety of squishy textures and flavors ranging from naturally sweet to sour—with a salty edge from shrimp paste. Of course, there’s also plenty of pork strewn throughout, creating enough heft to qualify this dish as a main attraction, not just as a mere side.
Sa Aming Nayon
201 First Ave. at E. 12th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 388-0152
- MAN
- $6.00
- VEG
This Vietnamese sandwich gets all the small, but important, details right. A rice flour baguette—crisp outside, soft within—cradles tangy, crunchy shreds of pickled carrot and daikon, a thicket of fresh cilantro, a crisp cucumber wedge, and creamy mayo (applied sparingly to moisten the bread). But it’s the tofu—stir-fried with soy sauce and garlic, and imbued with distinct smoky “wok essence”—that really steals this show. The sandwich would be delicious all on its own, even without a symphony of supporting flavors and textures. (Only available before 5 p.m.) -Anne Noyes Saini
Sao Mai
203 1st Ave. at 13th St. (map)
New York, NY
(212) 358-8880
- MAN
- $5.00
- VEG
Surrounded by bustling brunch stops and bars that draw a college crowd, Señor Pollo is a cozy joint that serves up Peruvian-style roasted chicken, fried rice and lo mein, along with traditional sides. Their papa a la huancaina—a boiled, sliced potato smothered in a creamy sauce made of queso fresco, aji amarillo (a yellow Peruvian pepper) and turmeric—is served on a large lettuce leaf and topped with a hard-boiled egg and olives. Soft and mildly spicy, this carb bomb makes a filling snack or breakfast.
Señor Pollo on Tina’s Nom Noms
221 First Ave. at East 13th St. (map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-0362
Sigmund Pretzelshop – Garlic Parsley Pretzel
- MAN
- $3.00
- VEG
While they offer the giant, Bavarian-style pretzels we’re used to seeing, Sigmund Pretzelshop also makes sweet and savory mini pretzels. Warm, airy and tasty, these mini pretzels make the perfect afternoon snack. Try the garlic parsley, paired with a honey mustard dip.
Sigmund Pretzelshop on Eat to Blog
29 Ave. B at E. 3rd St. (Map)
New York, NY 10009
(646) 410-0333
Stage Restaurant – Corned Beef Hash
- MAN
- $5.10
Not to be confused with tourist trap The Stage Deli, Stage Restaurant is a tiny postage stamp-sized diner in the East Village that has been knocking out breakfast classics since 1980. Unlike most every other diner these days, Stage makes everything from scratch. The corned beef hash doesn’t come from a can, but is made daily from fresh corned beef. Served with two eggs, toast and potatoes, an order costs barely over $5 and is packed with beefy flavor. Best of all, it’s available all day long.
Stage Restaurant on Serious Eats
128 Second Ave. at St. Marks Pl. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-8614
Sundaes & Cones – Taro Ice Cream
- MAN
- $3.85 for 1 scoop
- VEG
This ice cream shop offers classics like vanilla, strawberry and mint chocolate chip, but the main draw is a selection of Asian-inspired flavors, including wasabi, ginger and black sesame. If you’ve never had taro-flavored ice cream before, this is the place to try it. Made with fresh taro and taro-flavored powder, the ice cream tastes like vanilla and sweet potato—subtly starchy and floral.
Sundaes & Cones on Serious Eats NY
95 East 10th St. at 3d Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 979-9398
- MAN
- $7.00
Deep in the East Village, there’s an unassuming bodega called Sunny and Annie’s with an ambitious sandwich program. Alongside turkey clubs and chicken parms, they dabble in combinations appealing to a variety of customers—the adventurous, the gourmet, or the stoner. Perhaps the most innovative (and tastiest), is the PHO Real. This sandwich uses fresh sliced Boar’s Head roast beef, basil, cilantro, sprouts, tomato, avocado, and a squirt of spicy sriracha and sweet hoisin to capture the essence of the Vietnamese noodle soup in sandwich form.
Sunny & Annie’s
94 Ave. B at E. 6th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-3131
- MAN
- $5.50
The “This Way” sandwich served at this East Village hole in the wall is an obvious homage to the roast beef sandwich sold at the Sheepshead Bay institution Brennan and Carr. Slowly roasted beef round is sliced paper thin and served on a sesame studded roll, a hearty au jus is ladled on, and lashings of cheese whiz are then applied. The resulting sandwich is as delicious as it is messy.
This Little Piggy on Beef Aficionado
149 First Ave. at E. 9th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 253-1500
Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop – Spicy Rizzak
- MAN
- $9.00
- SPICY
Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop offers over 20 sandwiches (and lots of vegetarian options). One of the best menu options is the Spicy Rizzak, a neat stack of sliced turkey, crispy bacon bits, melted cheddar, raw tomato, raw onion and spicy chipotle mayo on fragrantly nutty sesame semolina bread.
Tiny’s Sandwich Shop on The Girl Who Ate Everything
129 Rivington St. Norfolk St. (Map)
New York, NY 10002
(212) 228-4919
Tuck Shop – Egg and Bacon Pie
- MAN
- $4.00
Our friends at Tuck Shop manage to defy the laws of physics by somehow cramming an Australian lumberjack breakfast into a fist-size pie. The crust is wonderfully flaky, and the eggs are lightly seasoned with cheese, beans, potatoes, onions, peppers and tomatoes—alongside massive quantities of bacon. A vegetarian version is available, but you won’t mistake it for a light and healthy salad. Available Mon-Sat at the 1st St. branch, from 8:00 a.m. until sold out.
Tuck Shop on United Nations of Food
68 East 1st Street at 2nd Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 979-5200
- MAN
- $8.95 for 3
- VEG
- Photograph by James Boo
For decades the East Village meant Ukrainian and Polish food. Now only a few of those old restaurants remain, and East Village Ukrainian Restaurant is one of the best. Their cheese blintzes (nalesnyky) taste like the East Village of bygone days. Each is filled with lightly sweetened farmer cheese and fried in butter until the edges are just crisp enough, while the middle remains tender. Eaten with sour cream, these blintzes are dairy nirvana.
Ukranian East Village Restaurant on Eric Eats Out
140 Second Ave. at East 9th St. (map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 614-3283
Vinnie Vincenz Pizza – Margherita Slice
- MAN
- $3.50
- VEG
Not a fan of Artichoke’s heavy hand and long lines? Looking for a break from the ambitions of neo-Neapolitan pies? If you’re in the East Village, there’s no better stop for a solid slice than Vinnie Vincenz. The margherita slice—featuring a taut, thin crust, rich but mellow tomato sauce and a modest layer of fresh mozzarella—is particularly good. This pizza may not be legendary, but it upholds the New York standard with distinction.
Vinny Vincenz Pizza
231 1st Ave. at E. 14th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 674-0707
Wechsler’s Currywurst Bratwurst – Currywurst
- MAN
- $7.00
- Photograph by Robyn Lee
If you have ever spent an evening roaming the streets of Berlin hungry, this is the place to bring you back. A veal and pork bratwurst, cut up and served with fries and a homemade, tomato-based curry sauce, is the perfect snack food while drinking German beers.
Wechsler’s Currywurst Bratwurst on Eating the World in NYC
120 First Ave. at E. 7th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 667-4663
Xi’an Famous Foods – Liang Pi Cold Skin Noodles
- MAN
- QNS
- BK
- $4.00-4.50
- VEG
- SPICY
Since opening, Xi’an Famous Foods has duly conquered Flushing, Chinatown, the East Village, Anthony Bourdain’s heart, Adam Richman’s gut, and Andrew Zimmern’s, uh, heart and gut. As famous as the no-frills noodle shop has become, it can’t be praised enough, especially when said praise is pointed at Xi’an’s “cold skin noodles.” This signature dish—a vegetarian plate of noodles, sprouts, wheat gluten and spices served cold—throws nearly every trick into the mix. Imparting tangy, spicy, hot, cool, crisp, moist and chewy sensations with every bite, cold skin noodles are still the double rainbow of flavor they’ve always been.
Xi’an Famous Foods on The Eaten Path
67 Bayard St. at Mott (Map)
New York, NY 10013
81 St. Marks Place at 1st Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
41-28 Main Street Stall #36 at 41st Rd. (Map)
Flushing, NY 11354
86 Beadel St. at Vandervoort Ave. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Xi’an Famous Foods – Spicy Hot Oil Seared Hand-Ripped Noodles
- MAN
- QNS
- BK
- $5.50-6.00
- VEG
- SPICY
You might be familiar with fiery dishes from Sichuan Province or the noodles of Northern China, but how often do you hear about the delicacies of Shaanxi? With temperatures steadily dropping, is there anything better than indulging in a meal so spicy you’ll be dripping sweat, with complete loss of feeling in your face? The only answer is: nothing. Xi’an Famous Food’s “Spicy Hot Oil Seared Hand-Ripped Noodles” do just that. A hefty plate of—you guessed it—hand-torn carbs is stir-fried in red-hot chili oil, scallions, cumin and other spices until every square inch of noodle is coated in a thin film of liquid heat. It’s perfect for winter days.
Xi’an Famous Foods on My Inner Fatty
81 St. Marks Place at 1st Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10003
67 Bayard St. at Mott (Map)
New York, NY 10013
41-28 Main Street Stall #36 at 41st Rd. (Map)
Flushing, NY 11354
86 Beadel St. at Vandervoort Ave. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
- MAN
- $11.00
- SPICY
Editor’s Note: Since this dish was added to Real Cheap Eats, its price has risen past $10.00. It’s still a part of the guide as a part of our “grandfather” policy.
Papaya salad is a staple on Thai restaurant menus, and at Zabb Elee, which specializes in food from Thailand’s northeastern Isaan region, you’ll find seven varieties of som tum—some more oddball than others. The Kortmuar hides a slew of unexpected goodies in a pile of rice noodles and shredded fruit: slices of pork sausage, raw Thai eggplant, crunchy fried fish, pork skin and tangy pickled cabbage. Spicy (a four on Zabb’s one-to-five scale packs serious heat) and a little funky, it may change your idea of what a papaya salad can be.
Zabb Elee
75 Second Ave. nr East 4th St. (map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 505-9533