What is New York’s signature dish? Is it the fried chicken that came all the way from the South? Is it the simple yet versatile hotdog found in stands and food carts? Is it the Philly cheesesteak rising in popularity? The world-famous New York pizza favored even by turtles in sewers? The answer to the thrilling question might not be as clear-cut as we would want it to be. Manhattan is home to different people of different backgrounds, which makes it one of the most diverse places in the world.
Dishes found in the Upper West Side restaurants show that it’s not just one dish that owns this city, but it’s a whole buffet waiting to be tested and recognized. Though we might not be able to figure out one meal that is above all, here are some valid options that have stood the test of time and continue to be staples in New York’s streets.
Hotdogs
Immigrants who widely popularized the snack brought in the German Frankfurter to American shores. Now, it’s seen as an everydaytreat that can be found just across the corner in food stalls and food trucks. The simple hotdog can be dressed as just plain on the bun or grilled with different herbs and spices to warrant it a place among entrees in a fancy restaurant. Both a finger food and a contender in modern cuisine, the hotdog, is undoubtedly a contender for the top spot in NYC’s best.
Wraps
Wraps come in all forms and sizes, depending on their historical origin. The Greek’s gyro is similar to kebab döners which also seem to have a faint resemblance to Mexican wraps which is reflective of how no matter how far apart the cultures are, they seem to share an affinity for great food, especially food you can take on the go. Local restaurants like Kasbah Grill’s Grilled Deli Avocado Wrap is a mix of middle eastern and Mexican cuisine with the meat of your choosing topped off with mayo, basil, barbeque, or honey mustard sauce.
Pizza
Who wouldn’t forget to include pizza in the list to see what Manhattan’s signature dish is? The age-old question of whether or not New York pizza is better than Italian pizza is a question that might go down in history without a clear answer. In one aspect, the Italians did own the recipe, but it’s the New Yorkers who developed it into its innovative and greasy form. Try your hand at dining at local pizzerias and your taste buds will be in for a surprise they won’t ever get from fastfood pizzas.
Steak
Show us a prime ribeye steak, and we’ll tell you if it’s worthy of being called one of the greats. Steaks are staples of the grilling meats which makes them one of the favorite choices for Manhattan’s greatest dish. With steaks ranging from the simple to luxurious, a massive slab of beef is a great way to keep your stomach full for the entire day.
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