Real Cheap Eats NYC
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Currently viewing the tag: "Vegetarian"
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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
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- $3.50
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Stateside scones get a bad rep for being overly dry and crumbly. Alice’s Tea Cup will change that perception in a minute with its exceptionally moist, caramel-capped pumpkin scones. Whether you enjoy these for dessert, breakfast or as a pre- or post-lunch snack, no trip to Alice’s is complete without one.
Alice’s Tea Cup on Blondie and Brownie
102 W. 73rd St. at Columbus Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10023
(212) 799-3006
156 E. 64th St. at Lexington Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10065
(212) 486-9200
220 E. 81st St. at 3d Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10028
(212) 734-4832
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- $3.90
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- Photograph by Robyn Lee
If ice cream can be called intense, then that’s the best description for Salted Crack Caramel from Ample Hills in Prospect Heights. The dark flavor of caramel bumps up against a salty kick, and just when you think there’s not much more this ice cream can offer, you’re hit with a chunk of the “crack.” It isn’t an illicit substance, but saltines coated in chocolate, butter and sugar. The shop’s flavors rotate, but they seem to always have this one on the menu.
Ample Hills Creamery
623 Vanderbilt Ave. at St. Marks Ave. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(347) 240-3926
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- $3.00
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Antonio’s grandma slice is loaded with garlic over a bed of fresh mozzarella. It’ll leave your mouth tingling. The sauce is specially made for this pie, burnt a bit to torque the flavor. It might be so named because only a grandmother could love you (and your garlic breath) after eating a slice.
Antonio’s Pizza on Jeffrey Tastes
318 Flatbush Ave. at Seventh Ave. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY, 11238
(718) 398-2300
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- $1.00
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Mexican Coke can be elusive, but Indian Coke? Get a real sugar bite way in the back of the Apna Bazar. The soda’s black color shines through the bottle, without even a sliver of Coca-Cola red. For a Coke collector or a soft drink enthusiast, this is a nice pick-up.
Apna Bazar on Jeffrey Tastes
72-20 37th Ave. at 73rd St. (Map)
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 565-5960
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- $6.00
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The house specialty at Astoria’s Arepas Café is (unsurprisingly) Venezuelan-style arepas: thick, white corn cakes that are griddled until their outsides are slightly crisp, and then stuffed with savory fillings. Amid the mostly meaty options, the “Guayanesa Tropical” arepa holds its own, bolstered by a rich combination of fried sweet plantains, creamy wedges of avocado, and firm, mild Guyanese cheese. Add squirts of peppery-and-sour West Indian hot sauce (hello, Scotch bonnet peppers) and the tangy, creamy, house-made guasacaca (a blend of mayo, avocado, garlic, and cilantro) to your arepa, and you’ll have a full meal in your hands. -Anne Noyes Saini
Arepas Cafe on City Spoonful
33-07 36th Ave. at 33rd St. (Map)
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 937-3835
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- $9.50 for 4
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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
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- $7.00
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Falafel is everywhere in New York City, but falafel that stands out is a rare treat. Ba’al Café & Falafel opened in Soho in 2011 without a media blitz, but news has spread about its cheap and well-crafted food. The word of mouth was right: This falafel is fresh and light, while the pita is fluffy. Throw in some of their lemony hummus, and you might find yourself thinking about this falafel for days.
Ba’al Cafe & Falafel on Midtown Lunch
71 Sullivan St. at Spring St. (Map)
New York, NY 10012
(646) 368-9957
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- $3.50
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- Photograph by James Boo
Salvadoran food isn’t exactly widespread along the L, but Bahia, on Grand Street in East Williamsburg, offers a legit taste of Central America. Although Bahia boasts a full menu and dining area, the best value lies in the takeout-friendly pupusas, stuffed with everything from loroco (an edible flower) and cheese to bits of pork and refried beans. Served hot off the griddle, each greaseless pupusa comes with generous portions of thin tomato salsa and a pickled cabbage, carrot and onion slaw called curtido. One is a hearty snack; two is enough for dinner.
Bahia Restaurant
690 Grand St. at Graham Ave. (map)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 218-9592
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- $3.50
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The standout slice at Bleecker St. Pizza is the Nonna Maria. It’s not overwhelmingly garlicky, like other grandma slices, but the basil, smooth tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese come together beautifully above the crisp crust. Order one for your date, and you are gold. Order one for yourself, and (though lonely) you’ll still be happy.
Bleecker Street Pizza
69 Seventh Ave. South at Bleecker St. (map)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 924-4466
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- $2.50
Blue Sky Bakery redefines the muffin for anyone used to dense clumps of chewy, greasy cake. A thin coat of sugar brushed atop each blueberry muffin glistens just slightly on a sunny morning, and when your teeth penetrate the surface, they’re met with a confident crunch. Beneath the crust is a moist, fluffy texture that never dips into excess, and at the center of each muffin lies a cluster of moist berries, often warm to the touch. Try one at the main bakery in Park Slope, open until 1:00 p.m. on weekdays and until 2:00 p.m. on weekends.
Blue Sky Bakery on The Eaten Path
53 Fifth Ave. at Bergen St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 783-4123
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- $8.00
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On the periphery of Flushing Chinatown you’ll find Bownie Restaurant, a small, modest eatery for Sri Lankan home cooking. The freshly pressed iddiappams, delicately steamed wheat noodle patties, outshine the more familiar Indian dishes on the menu and come with a serving of sambhar and coconut chutney on the side. They taste even better with an order of mutton curry for dipping—like a chip in salsa, this match is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor in each bite.
Bownie Restaurant on World to Table
143-05 45th Ave. at Bowne St. (Map)
Flushing, NY 11355
(718) 463-8621
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- $2.50
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Almost everything on the shelves of Breads Bakery is an ode to truly great bread, each loaf a testament to quality ingredients and serious craft. If you’re only looking for a small bite of greatness, the bakery has you covered with a full assortment of pastries and savory baked treats for single servings. The Jerusalem Baguette, a slightly sour take on a French baguette, heightens the pleasure of a crackling crust with a coat of toasted sesame seeds. The simple but forward flavors make a surprisingly good match for a cup of strong coffee.
Breads Bakery
18 East 16th St. nr. Union Square West (map)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 633-2253
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- $2.50
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At Brother’s, nearly everyone orders a regular slice—oregano-tinged, thick-sauced and well heated over a smokey, crackling crust. There’s nothing behind a sneeze glass, and you won’t see a chicken-and-broccoli or buffalo-and-bleu-style slice. Instead you’ll see a regular and a square behind the counter and the ever-working pizza man making another.
Brother’s Pizzeria on Jeffrey Tastes
185-04 Horace Harding Expressway at 185th St. (Map)
Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
(718) 445-7888
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- $7.99
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- 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
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- $5.75
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- 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
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- $1.50
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Caucasus Garden takes you to Azerbaijan with its amazing kutabs, flour pancakes stuffed with lamb or greens, pan fried in butter and topped with sumac. Filled with tender and mild lamb or a blend of spinach, parsley, dill and green onion, this dish is the perfect introduction to Azerbaijani cuisine. Top each kutab with some yogurt sauce, roll it into a wrap and enjoy.
Caucasus Garden on Sheepshead Bites
2715 Ave. U at E. 27th St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(718) 769-7003
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- $1.65
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Cheburechnaya’s cheburek—a popular snack of Crimean origin that looks like a flattened Indian samosa—embodies the Rego Park eatery’s Central Asian, Bukharian Jewish cooking, which blends Eastern European and Asian traditions. Cheb’s cabbage chebureki contains a piquant mixture of cabbage and pureed tomato, still crunchy after a thorough deep-frying. The mushroom variety is filled with tender, deeply savory bits of seasoned funghi. Diners can order one of each with a Baltika brew ($5) and enjoy this oil-rich, classic drinking snack as it was intended—all for less than $10. -Anne Noyes Saini
Cheburechnaya on City Spoonful
92-09 63rd Dr. at Wetherole St. (Map)
Rego Park, NY 11374
(718) 897-9080
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- $3.50
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- (Photo by James Boo)
Flimsy styrofoam plates come overflowing with chili oil, and the old man behind the counter has a heavy hand with mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. His “House Special Salad” is stunningly perfect: Glass noodles, carrots, seaweed and chopped scallions accompany a hot and numbing dressing with a vinegary zip. The natural sweetness of the carrots mellows the whole dish out, but your mouth will be buzzing for hours. A convincing case for (occasionally) eating vegetarian.
Chengdu Heaven on Law & Food
Golden Shopping Mall
41-28 Main St. at 41st Rd. (Map)
Flushing, NY 11354
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- $3.00 per quarter lb.
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Just holding this little paper bag of twelve or so charcoal-roasted chestnuts on a cold day brings warmth. Cracking one open to reveal the yam-tasting nut brings further satisfaction. By the eighth one, you’ll master the art of peeling back an entire shell, leaving the meat inside unscathed. Three dollars for a quarter pound may not seem cheap, but it’s a small price to pay for this much nut-busting fun.
Chestnut King Stand
Main St. at 40th Rd. (map)
Southwest Cornwer
Queens, NY 11354
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A Fujianese lady curates this stoop-line stand; many of her wares likewise have roots in southeastern China. Perhaps the most intriguing, sold by the pair, are pastries filled with sweet potato, crushed peanut and some cryptic candied-looking tidbits. What might they be? Unless you speak Fujianese, there’s no telling; let your tastebuds be your guide. Like most of the lady’s wares, these pastries are unlabeled, but you can recognize them by their whorled shape and deeply indented top.
Chinese Snacks Table on Eating in Translation
Chrystie St. and Grand St. (Map)
Northwest Corner
New York, NY 10002
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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
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- $3.00/pint
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- Photograph by James Boo
As you approach this narrow Clinton Hill storefront, lined with red plastic barrels holding pickles in various stages of fermentation, you may experience a sense of déjà vu. It’s no coincidence; there’s a very similar sight on the Lower East Side. Formerly the owners of Guss’ Pickles, the mother-and-son team behind this shop lost their legendary moniker when they relocated to Brooklyn in 2011. They still serve some of the best pickles in town: no fancy labels—just simple, honest pickles. The spicy sour pickles are especially extraordinary, with a clean crunch and a singeing heat that lasts.
Clinton Hill Pickles
431 Dekalb Ave. at Classon Ave. (map)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(212) 334-3616
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- $3.50
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Some days a lazy weekend brunch is perfect, but on days I need to be up and at ‘em, a slice of Cookie Road’s egg frittata is exactly what I want. Fluffy, yellow eggs are baked together with young spring peas, chunks of asparagus and sliced shallots on a tender potato crust. The ample slice is enough to get me through any hectic morning without needing a second breakfast.
Cookie Road
94 Franklin St. at Oak St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 383-8094
659 Manhattan Ave. nr Bedford Ave. (map)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
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- $8.95
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Supper at this 24-hour Cuban-American diner will set you back $20, but an affordable selection of breakfast plates is available all day. Coppelia’s Huevos Rancheros, served over a deep-fried corn tortilla and flavorful moros (black beans and rice), are especially good. Sparing no detail, the two fried eggs atop are splashed with a tart salsa verde and garnished with pickled onion, crema and queso fresco. The impeccable contrast of textures and flavors makes this a noteworthy (and addictive) spin on a Mexican classic.
Coppelia
207 W. 14th St. at 7th Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 858-5001
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Coqui Mexicano’s owners hail from Mexico and Puerto Rico, and their creative, home-style cooking straddles both countries’ cuisines. From the tortillas to the tamales, everything at this three-table Melrose eatery is made fresh, from scratch. Try the chayote salad, a traditional Puerto Rican dish that tosses the tender, squash-like vegetable—lightly sautéed in onion, garlic, cumin and other spices—with roasted red peppers, Spanish olives, vinegar, fresh avocado, tomatoes and cilantro. Add a few shakes of Coqui’s homemade hot sauce and dig in. -Clare Trapasso
Coqui Mexicano on City Spoonful
871 Brook Ave. at 3rd Ave./St. Ann’s Ave. (Map)
Bronx, NY 10451
(718) 450-3477
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- $3.00
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Roti canai, a thin crepe served with chicken curry, is often miscategorized as a pancake on Malaysian menus. The true Malaysian flapjack is apam balik, a popular hawker snack filled with sweet corn and ground peanuts. Save the plane fare and find it at Flushing’s Curry Leaves for $3.00. Take note: It’s only available from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., when the restaurant serves various and sundry soups, noodles and other night market fare to a motley crew of night owls, club kids and homesick Southeast Asians lining up at the counter.
Curry Leaves on World’s Fare
135-31 40th Rd. at Main St. (Map)
Flushing, NY 11354
(718) 762-9313
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- $7.95
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- 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
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- $4.25 for 10
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During Dominique Ansel’s tenure at Michelin-rated restaurant Daniel, meals famously ended with a basket of freshly baked madeleines, their lemony scent wafting from beneath a white napkin. When Ansel left Daniel, he left diners yearning for such delights. Fortunately, those madeleines are now available every day at his bakery. Stop in for a treat that’s a fraction of the cost of three Michelin stars, but just as memorable.
Dominique Ansel Bakery on Feisty Foodie
189 Spring St. at Thompson St. (map)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 219-2773
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- $1.15
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Remember the days before New York was overrun by cupcake shops, artisan pies and exotic doughnuts? I actually don’t, but the Donut Pub embodies everything good about classic American desserts. If you’re looking for a Valrhona triple-chocolate doughnut or exotic ingredients like matcha, you won’t find them here. What you will find is the epitome of a glazed doughnut (they call it a Honey Dip). The dough melts in your mouth, yet has a certain resilience upon biting. With an oh-so-thin layer of honey-based syrup drizzled over this magical bread, you have an intoxicating blend of sugar, carb, and pure sensual feelings—quite possibly a benchmark for any doughnut in the city.
Donut Pub on My Inner Fatty
203 West 14th St. at Seventh Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 929-0126
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- $0.70
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The plain glazed doughnut at The Donut Shoppe (a.k.a. Shaikh’s Place) is one of those foods that immediately transport you to another era. The glazed, oddly shaped ring is fluffy, light and just sweet enough. The handmade dough collapses to the touch and almost melts in your mouth at each bite. This is artisanal food at its finest.
The Donut Shoppe on Sheepshead Bites
1503 Ave. U at E. 15th St. (map)
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(718) 375-2572
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- $5.50
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A step into Eddie’s is a step back in time to when things were simpler—the ice cream was homemade, and whipped cream with a cherry on top was a given. Every flavor is handcrafted, but the standout is maple walnut: rich, buttery, filled with nuts. Hot fudge is unnecessary on a scoop this beautiful.
Eddie’s Sweet Shop on Feisty Foodie
105-29 Metropolitan Ave. at 72nd Rd. (Map)
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 520-8514
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- $1.75
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Empanada Cafe is a short distance off the Long Island Expressway, but people travel from all over to partake in the delicious empanadas. The maduro y mozzarella white flour empanada might sound a bit odd, but somehow, the sweet plantains and mozzarella work wonderfully well together, creating a sweet, creamy, cheesy center surrounded by a crisp, crunchy shell.
Empanada Cafe on Feisty Foodie
56-27 Van Doren St. at 108th St. (Map)
Corona, NY 11368
(718) 592-7288
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- $1.50 for small
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(Photograph by Miriam Finkelman)
The tacos and cemitas at this Michelin Guide-recommended joint are some of the best in the Bronx. In winter weather, though, you may want something more than mole to keep you warm. Estrellita’s champurrado, a rich, hominy flour and chocolate-based beverage, is thick as pudding. If you’re looking for a jolt, try the soothing café de olla. Flavored with cinnamon and panela (unrefined whole cane sugar), it’s devoid of bitterness and uncharacteristically sweet. Take it black.
Estrellita Poblana 3 on Serious Eats New York
2328 Arthur Ave. at Crescent Ave. (Map)
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 220-7641
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- $9.00
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- (Photo by James Boo)
The marinara pizza at the newly opened Forcella doesn’t hide behind the cover of cheese or the forgiving flavors of Italian cured meats. It’s a three-component dish: a tremendously zesty, herbal tomato sauce amped up with garlic and spices atop a perfectly pliant, charred crust with a stray leaf of basil. Behind this blistery crust is the culmination of years of experience by pizzaiolo Giulio Adriani, top notch ingredients and a very hot Acunto oven. No matter how homely this pie may appear, such simple pleasures are not without their rewards.
Forcella
485 Lorimer St. at Grand St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 388-8820
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- $8.95
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Cooked in the style of ba si (“bah sih”)—which roughly translates to “pulling threads”—these cubes of taro are fried until lightly crisp, tossed in caramelized sugar and brought straight to the table, where wisps of candy trail each piece as it’s coaxed from the plate. The layering of crystallized sugar, browned edges, and fluffy-yet-hearty taro is a minor miracle of cooking. It’s also fleeting — within minutes the pile will begin to cool, melted sugar hardening into a sticky, unyielding sludge until dunking the pieces into water loses its sorcery. Share it with friends, and share it quickly.
Fu Run on The Eaten Path
40-09 Prince St. at Roosevelt Ave. (Map)
Flushing, NY 11354
(718) 321-1363
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- $6.99
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If you love the tiny, green, ultra-hot chilies eaten throughout Asia, then the Ganesh Temple Canteen’s spicy, Hyderabadi Masala Dosa is for you. A fiercely spicy chutney spread across the underside of the dosa blends the chilies with cilantro, lime juice and other seasonings. If you can get past its extreme heat, that chutney is just the thing to liven up the hunks of mildly spiced potatoes that come on the side. The dosa itself is a fine specimen of its kind: crisp on the outside with a spongy underside and a distinctly tangy, fermented flavor. -Anne Noyes Saini
Ganesh Temple Canteen on City Spoonful
45-57 Bowne St. at Holly Ave. (map)
Queens, NY 11355
(718) 460-8484
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- $2.50
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- 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
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- $6.00
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- (Photo by Robyn Lee)
“Artisanal” is a word that’s thrown around a lot these days, but Badri, the baker at Georgian Bread, embodies this tradition in its truest, most elemental sense. There’s no glamour to be found in this grueling work, but Badri still turns out bulging loaves of shotis puri every day but Monday. Though he’s significantly cut back on making his world-class cheese khachapuri (a Georgian bread baked with fresh cheese), going early on a weekend will ensure a cheesy, buttery round straight from the oven. There are few purer pleasures to be found in the city, or in life—just don’t expect Georgian Bread to be around forever. Rumor has it that Badri will retire soon.
Georgian Bread on Law & Food
265 Neptune Ave. at Brighton 6th St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11235
(718) 332-8082
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- $5.39
- VEG
This falafel is the most authentic Israeli-style sandwich I have yet to find outside of Israel. Use Grill Point’s large salad bar, full of fresh and pickled veggies, to top the crisp and tasty falafel balls, which are nestled within a thick and chewy hummus-slathered pita, and then squirted with tahini sauce. The beautiful inclusion of french fries or “chips” make this sandwich even better.
Grill Point on Serious Eats NY
69-54 Main St. at Jewel Ave./69th Rd. (Map)
Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367
(718) 261-7077
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- $1.00
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Just off the well worn trails of Main Street in Flushing is Halal Food/BBQ Chicken, wedged into a tiny storefront shared with Home Noodle. The chef, who hails from Tianjin, produces a litany of meats (mostly lamb and chicken) and cold dishes. Subdue your carnivorous urges, and instead snag a couple of lǘ dǎ gǔn, a cake of sticky rice rolled in cooked soybean powder and stuffed with homemade red bean paste. A characteristic dessert of the Beijing region’s Muslim population, it’s sweet in that Chinese dessert kind of way—which is to say: not at all.
Halal Food/BBQ Chicken
41-28 41st Rd. at College Point Blvd. (Map)
Queens, NY 11355
(718) 888-9208
- BK
- $4.00 per pound
- VEG
Henry’s Deli is one of few old-school, German-style delis left in South Brooklyn. Most dishes here have been replaced by more modern offerings, but Henry’s still bakes its own rice pudding every week. Made from long grain rice, milk, vanilla and several secret ingredients, the pudding is rich, creamy and smooth. It’s sweet without being cloying, and thick without being heavy. It’s just about perfect.
Henry’s Deli on Sheepshead Bites
2921 Ave. S at Nostrand Ave. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(718) 375-8580
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- $8.50
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- SPICY
Fried masala noodles—thin pasta strands, simply sauteed with egg, scallion, carrot and your meat of choice—may not sound like much. But it’s the masala that makes this dish so special. The spice mix, heavy on coriander and chile, adds a level of flavor that takes these noodles far above most stir-fried noodle dishes. Order it spicy and it comes spicy, not watered down for the American palate. These noodles are addictive.
Himalayan Hut
75-18 37th Ave. at 76th St. (Map)
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
(718) 426-6888
- QNS
- $8.95
- SPICY
You’re more likely to find the “Hunan” name haphazardly slapped on an Americanized Chinese takeout awning then on a legitimate source of China’s fieriest food. But at Hunan House, sweet, salt-pickled chilies and smoky pork are found in abundance. For those seeking vegetarian fare, there are plenty of opportunities to sweat. These sautéed taro cakes, which don’t add much flavor, are present more for their textural contrast and bland relief from the plentiful, spunky-sour green beans and chilies. A scattering of roasted bell pepper, which perfumes the dish with smoke, seals the deal.
Hunan House
137-40 Northern Blvd. at Linden Pl. (map)
Queens, NY 11354
(718) 353-18018
- MAN
- $5.49 per pound
- VEG
Jacob’s expansive buffet offers a constantly refreshed selection of soul, Southern and Caribbean chow. Hot food is the focus, supplemented by cool salads. Chilled banana pudding is worth a second trip to the buffet—not least because you wouldn’t want the gravy on your smothered chicken or the run-off from your okra gumbo to slop over the ‘nilla wafers in your pudding. A delicious mess, the banana pudding deserves its own plate.
Jacob Restaurant on Eating in Translation
2695 Frederick Douglass Blvd. at 8th Ave. (map)
New York, NY 10030
(212) 283-3663
373 Lenox Ave. at W. 129th St. (map)
New York, NY
(212) 866-3663
- 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
- QNS
- $3.50
- VEG
Bing bika ambon at Java Village, an Indonesian spot in Elmhurst, Queens, is as fun to say as it is to eat. Resembling a corn muffin in size and color, it has a spongy texture and pronounced, yeasty flavor, enriched by plenty of coconut milk. They come three to an order, a perfect serving size if you’ve put too much of this shop’s blazingly hot sambal on your noodles.
Java Village on World’s Fare
86-10 Justice Ave. at 52nd Ave. (Map)
Elmhurst, NY 11373
(718) 205-2166
- QNS
- $2.50, $5.00
- VEG
- SPICY
Kering kentang, or Javanese potato chips, are the stuff of a snack lover’s dream. The crunchy spuds are tossed with chili peppers, sugar, peanuts and fried shallots. There’s also a goodly amount of salt and a touch of sweet Indonesian soy sauce, kecap manis. Each bite is simultaneously crunchy, sweet, salty, nutty and fiery. Find them at Java Village, a superb Indonesian steam table joint by Grand Ave. station in Elmhurst.
Java Village on World’s Fare
86-10 Justice Ave. at Broadway (Map)
Elmhurst, NY 11373
(718) 205-2166
- 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
- QNS
- $3.50
- VEG
When New York becomes unbearably hot, cool off with Joju’s black sesame milk shake. The taste of black sesame, simple but strong, is neither overwhelming nor disappearing under the creaminess of the ice cream. Delicious and refreshing, this is a worthy warm weather treat.
Joju
83-25 Broadway at Dongan Ave. (Map)
Elmhurst, NY 11373
(347) 808-0887
- QNS
- $5.00
- VEG
Cholados are sold all over Jackson Heights, especially in the summertime. Made from shaved ice topped with fruit, fruit syrups, condensed milk and a cherry on top, they’re fruit salads transformed into the perfect summer refreshment. At Jugos Prontito y Algo Mas, the cholado isn’t just good—it’s exceptional. Here, the usual mix is accompanied by real passion fruit puree—seeds and all. Loaded with fresh chunks of banana, pineapple, papaya, melon and apple, it’s an extra special, tropical treat.
Jugos Prontito y Algo Mas
90-02 43rd Ave. at Ithaca St. (Map)
Queens, NY 11373
(347) 556-4950
- MAN
- $7.99
- VEG
The steam table specials at Kalustyan’s second-floor deli change daily, but you can always stuff yourself with a gigantic Middle Eastern veggie combo plate. On any given day you might receive a monstrous container overflowing with sautéed spinach, mujadarra (lentils with fried onions), a green salad, warm pita, pickled vegetables (celery, carrots, cucumbers) and dolma (stuffed grape leaves). It’s more than enough fiber to make you squirm, but the food is well worth it.
Kalustyan’s on United Nations of Food
123 Lexington Ave. at 28th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10016
(212) 685-3451
- MAN
- $3.75
- VEG
- (Photo by Dave Cook)
Maybe the cheese isn’t the highest quality, maybe the crust isn’t as finely “charred” as fancier establishments, and maybe the amount of oil on top will give you a heart attack. I can’t say for certain. What I do know is that for $3.75, this is a slice of fairly decent pizza, 14” in length and wider than your face. If you’re looking for the finest slice in all of Manhattan, you’ll probably want to keep looking. If you’re looking for the greatest cost-value slice in the entire city, Koronet delivers.
Koronet Pizza
2848 Broadway at W. 111th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10025
(212) 222-1566
- MAN
- $4.50 for small, $5.50 for large
- VEG
The West Village is home to a handful of good ice cream and gelato shops. My favorite, which most reminds me of Italy, is L’Arte del Gelato. Their freshly made gelati and sorbetti are invariably creamy and smooth, and their seasonal menu offers a wide variety of flavors—from chocolate-y, to nutty, to fruity, to creamy, to spicy and more. Don’t miss their intensely nutty pistachio gelato, made with Bronte pistachios from Sicily. Pair it with a fruity gelato or sorbet; I’m fond of strawberry, peach, banana and grape.
L’Arte del Gelato
75 Seventh Ave. South at Bleecker St. (map)
New York, NY, 10014
(212) 924-0803
75 Ninth Ave. nr West 15th St. (in Chelsea Market – map)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 366-0570
- QNS
- $6.50
- VEG
- STREET
Nevermind the pizza; it’s the focaccia that make this Astoria neighborhood joint special. Half a dozen varieties of focaccia are available on any given day. The richer (fresh mozzarella and tomato; spinach and ricotta) and fancier (eggplant, tomato and broccoli; pineapple and ham) toppings are hard to resist, but Lorusso’s traditional focaccia, topped only with slices of tomato, sea salt and olive oil, is the best of the lot. If you’re lucky enough to get yours fresh from the oven, you’ll find that the bread—soft, but crispy at the edges, and distinctly flavorful—is the real pleasure here. -Anne Noyes Saini
Lorusso Pizza Foccacia
18-01 26th Rd. at 18th St. (Map)
Queens, NY 11102
(718) 777-3628
- QNS
- $3.00
- VEG
Here’s the challenge: Find a better grandma slice in the city. This one, which supposedly originated on Long Island, has fresh mozzarella cheese on the bottom, garlic and plum tomato sauce on top and a sprinkling of parmesan and basil leaves. Cooked in a pan, the bottom of the pie is essentially fried, leaving the middle perfectly elastic.
Louie’s Pizzeria
81-34 Baxter Ave. at Ithaca St. (map)
Queens, NY 11373
(718) 440-9346
- QNS
- VEG
- $2.25
- Photograph by Yvo Sin
Notice the generous movement of cheese, especially when folding the slice, exposing dimples formed from the crust-warping sauce. It’s a fun, burn-the-roof-of-your-mouth slice. And it’s a slice that was created by one of the original owners of the legendary Gloria Pizza of Flushing. Most customers don’t care about the history, though—they just come for the slice.
Lucia Pizza on Real Pizza of NY
136-55 Roosevelt Ave. at Union St. (Map)
Queens, NY 11354
(718) 445-1313
- BK
- $2.25
- VEG
Old school, new school, who cares? Honesty, integrity, quality ingredients, and pride; this is what makes Luigi’s one of the best pies in the city. Start with a regular or a fresh mozzarella slice. They won’t miss.
Luigi’s Pizza on Jeffrey Tastes
686 Fifth Ave. at 21st St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11232
(718) 499-3857
- MAN
- $2.75
- VEG
This square slice, covered in crushed tomato sauce and fragrant garlic, is love at first sight. While the pizzeria doesn’t skimp on fresh basil leaves, cheese is applied sparingly. The thin crust takes a backseat to the fresh toppings and is basically a vehicle to get them in your mouth—nothing more, nothing less.
Majestic Pizza on Midtown Lunch
8 Cortlandt St. at Broadway (Map)
New York, NY 10007
(212) 349-4046
- QNS
- $1.25
- VEG
Mama’s Empanadas has taken a classic childhood comfort food and given it a Latin twist. At first glance it looks like any other empanada—crescent shaped with a bubbly golden brown crust. Bite into it and find an unexpected filling: macaroni and cheese. Elbow pasta is mixed with a cheesy sauce that, depending on who you are, will channel either your inner child or inner stoner. But do be careful on that first bite, as the filling is quite hot.
Mama’s Empanadas
4218 Greenpoint Ave. at 43rd St. (Map)
Queens, NY 11377
(718) 729-1303
8505 Northern Blvd. at 85th St. (Map)
Queens, NY 11370
(718) 505-9937
9120 59th Ave. at Queens Blvd. (Map)
Elmhurst, NY 11372
(718) 429-2502
- BK
- $8.17
- VEG
Kumpir, baked potato stuffed with black and green olives, corn, pickles and Russian salad, is a street food in its native Turkey. The potato is as large as a small child’s head. Topped with ketchup and mayo, this is truly an outstanding meal. Take it from the menu, which literally reads, “YOU SHOULD TASTE THIS, once in your life.”
Masal Cafe on Sheepshead Bites
1901 Emmons Ave. at Ocean Ave. (Map)
Brooklyn NY 11235
(718) 891-7090
- MAN
- $2.00
- VEG
- STREET
New York’s appetite for frozen yogurt is undeniable. In a change of pace from the Pinkberry and Red Mango shops popping up all around the city, Monsieur Singh’s Lassi Pop brings a different type of frozen yogurt to the streets. Made from a blend of all-natural, probiotic Indian yogurt with digestive herbs, spices and fruit, these rich and creamy pops make for a delightful afternoon snack on a hot day.
Monsieur Singh on Blondie and Brownie
Schedule available at Monsieur Singh and Twitter
- QNS
- $5.00
- VEG
- SPICY
Anda bhurji (eggs scrambled with Indian spices and seasonings) is a popular street food in Mumbai, where it is often served with pav, the city’s famous, Portuguese-inspired bread rolls. In New York, where eggs are synonymous with breakfast, anda bhurji pav is an ideal way to start the day. At the sweets shop next to Mumbai Grill, moist, fluffy eggs are scrambled with diced onion, tomato, green chilies and fresh coriander leaves. Each double-wide pav is then slit open and buttered, then griddled to golden crispness. Pile on the steaming hot eggs and dabs of tangy, housemade coriander chutney and enjoy a filling, Indian-style breakfast. -Anne Noyes Saini
Mumbai Grill
37-33 74th St. at 37th Rd. (map)
Queens, NY 11372
(718) 205-7577
- MAN
- $6.00
- VEG
- SPICY
- STREET
For 10 years, Vendy Award-winning dosa cook Thiru Kumar has been serving up fantastic vegan fare in Washington Square Park. His Jaffna Dosa special is a perennial favorite. This hefty platter consists of four soft and spongy South Indian pancakes, covered in a spicy dried coconut chutney. The dosas are served with a cup of sambar and your choice of appetizer, including samosas or veggie rolls. Show up early, or risk losing missing out on lunch—Thiru always sells out.
N.Y. Dosas
50 Washington Square South nr Sullivan St. (map)
New York, NY 10012
(917) 710-2092
- BK
- $6.50
- VEG
Nectar, a juice bar, also serves a great avocado and sweet potato sandwich. The combination of avocado, mashed sweet potato, sprouts, onion, jack cheese and slices of multigrain bread is enough to make any meat lover crave a vegetarian meal.
Nectar on Eat to Blog
198 Court St. at Congress St. (Map)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 855-6166
- BNX
- $3.99
- VEG
- SPICY
Bhartas, essentially mashed side dishes, add an extra flavor kick to most Bangladeshi meals. At Neerob in Parkchester, these accompaniments—seasoned with seriously hot chilis, ample garlic, fresh cilantro, and mustard oil, with its pungent, wasabi-like flavor—transcend their secondary meal-time status. Order a sampler of the half-dozen bhartas available on any given day with a huge charred roti to enjoy a spicy, boldly flavored meal. The sutki (fermented fish) and green-hued “mixed vegetable” bhartas are my favorites; the begun (smoky roasted eggplant), daal (rich chickpea lentils), tomato, and alu (potato) varieties are tasty too. -Anne Noyes Saini
Neerob on City Spoonful
2109 Starling Ave. at Unionport Rd. (Map)
Bronx, NY 10462
(718) 904-7061
- MAN
- $2.00
- SPICY
- STREET
The roti, peas-and-rice and doubles from Nio’s Trinidad Roti truck were a mainstay of the Financial District for years, but then they suddenly disappeared, leaving people in the area with few Caribbean cart options. When Nio’s returned in 2012 it was like they’d never left. Although the roti are a filling option, the doubles—a scoop of curried chickpeas stuffed into flatbread for a cheap and messy snack—are better. Ask for extra hot sauce if you crave spice; otherwise, the flavor lacks punch.
Nio’s Trinidad Roti Truck on Midtown Lunch
Whitehall St. nr. Beaver St. (map)
- BK
- $3.00
- VEG
Long before Bedford Avenue filled its storefronts with hip restaurants and boutiques, there was Oasis atop the North 7th L station. Its glowing lights have welcomed students, suits, and drunks at all hours of the day, most popping in for a $3 falafel sandwich. In a matter of minutes, you’re handed an overstuffed pita, filled to the brim with lettuce, red cabbage, pickles and freshly fried falafels. The Palestinian-style balls aren’t overly spiced, so be sure to ask for hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Oasis
161 N. 7th St. at Bedford Ave. (map)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 218-7607
- MAN
- $1.75
- VEG
- (Photograph by James Boo)
Patsy’s, one of New York’s oldest pizza institutions, serves jarringly cheap slices. Just north of their restaurant is this quick take-out shop for locals not wanting a sit-down meal. You’ll get a slice that’s smoky, soft, and delightful every time. If you see other locations, forget ‘em — they’re no Frank Viola. They’ll blow the game.
Patsy’s Pizzeria on Jeffrey Tastes
2287 First Ave. 118th St. (Map)
New York, NY 10035
(212) 534-9783
- MAN
- $3.50
- VEG
Cer Te is leading the New York pizza scene in sustainability, local ingredients, and environmentally minded construction (look for the basil growing on the wall). Aligning with their many mantras, the farmer’s slice is funky, marrying slick onions with the sweetness of real, irregular corn kernels. This slice may change you.
Pizza by Cer Te on Jeffrey Tastes
132 E. 56th St. at Lexington Ave. (Map)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 813-2020
- 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
- QNS
- $2.50
- VEG
One of Astoria’s finest, this quick shop is the epitome of a New York slice: casual, quick, greasy, cheesy and best tasted while folded in your hand. They will be busy when you step up and order. Take it as a reassuring sign.
Polito’s Pizza on Jeffrey Tastes
38-12 Broadway at Steinway St. (Map)
Astoria, NY 11103
(718) 626-6344
- QNS
- $8.00
Eight dollars is pricey for two tamales, but these are no ordinary tamales. Salvadoran tamales de elote (fresh corn tamales) are sweeter than their Mexican counterparts. Studded with fresh corn kernels, they are soft and spongy—like a cross between corn pudding and corn bread. The sweetness is cut by the complementary side of tightly packed cheese curds and a puddle of fresh sour cream. Each bite is different, but any combination is delicious.
Rincón Salvadoreño
92-15 149th St. at Jamaica Ave. (map)
Queens, NY 11435
(718) 526-3220
- BK
- $3.00-$5.00
- VEG
Cupcakes were never the plan at Robicelli’s, a mom-and-pop good eats shop that closed its doors to South Brooklyn in 2009. Since then, Matt and Allison Robicelli have earned a reputation for perseverance, becoming city-wide cupcake distributors. Their reputation is earned: Robicelli’s cupcakes—with over 100 flavor combinations in rotation to date—are always well executed, never too sweet, and topped with a silky French butter cream that puts the world of overkill cupcake frosting to shame.
- CLOSED
Anda Paraantha, an egg omelet rolled inside dense, griddled flat bread, is a favorite breakfast food throughout North India and parts of neighboring Pakistan. You won’t find it on the menu at this pan-South Asian eatery in Astoria, but ask for it in Hindi (“Aap anda paraantha banaa saktay heh?”) and you shall receive. Sabri Nihari’s foot-long version combines a flaky homemade paraantha with a nicely browned omelet, easily enough carbs and protein to keep you going all day long. Our suggestion: Ask for plenty of green chilies (haari mirch) and cilantro (dhania) in your omelet. -Anne Noyes Saini
Sabri Nihari & Grill
28-02 21st St. at 28th Ave. (Map)
Queens, NY 11102
(718) 777-2274
