5 Best Street Food Places in New York

Searching for some of the best places to relish street food in New York? Well, look no further as our handy guide has everything you need to know and locate these food joints.

New York City is undoubtedly a haven for street food lovers. The city offers a diverse range of culinary experiences worldwide – from hot dogs and pretzels to tacos and kebabs. You can also find food carts and trucks that provide an affordable variety of cuisines at the customers’ convenience.

The aromas of sizzling meat, spices, and fresh-baked bread wafting through the streets can tempt any local and tourists alike. What’s even more enticing is New York’s street food scene isn’t just limited to classic American fare but offers a smorgasbord of options. From Thai to Middle Eastern, and Latin American to Indian, you can find it all on the streets day and night.

With that said, get some cash and your taste buds ready, as we are about to explore some of the best street food joints in New York.

Best Street Food Places in New York

Berber Street Food

• Timing: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Tue – Sat) | Closed on Sundays and Mondays
• Cost for two: $50 approx

Established in 2018, this cafe in Manhattan offers traditional gourmet African cuisine. The Berber Street Food menu has both veg and non-veg items and every dish looks mouth-watering. Some of the specialties of this place include Djolof Rice, Berber Shawarma, Mauritanian Lamb Feast, Gatsby Sandwich, and Caravan Shawarma.

They also offer Afro-fusion bowls allowing you to choose one base, two sides, and one protein. It can be a perfect place to have a meal when you are tight on budget but don’t want to compromise on the taste and quality. On the bright side, they also offer deliveries and takeout.

Calexico

• Timing: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon – Sun)
• Cost for two: $40 approx

As the name suggests, Calexico is a fusion of Californian and Mexican delicacies, slinging burritos and tacos and serving in multiple places along with New York, in the Upper East Side area. Some of the most popular dishes here include the Baja Fish Taco, Fried Chicken Taco, Baja Fish Burrito, Chipotle Pork Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito, and a lot more.

The quantity served can fill tummies also for a long time without burning a hole in your pocket. Calexico offers both deliveries and takeout. You can check their full menu here.

New York Hot Dogs

• Timing: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Sun – Thurs), 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Fri – Sat)
• Cost for two: $12 approx

If you are visiting New York and craving hot dogs at the same time, visit this street vendor right next to the MET museum. They have been serving delicious hot dogs for over 10 years now at this very place in NY! Not only do the hot dogs taste delicious, but they are also quite affordable as you can get a jumbo hotdog for as low as five dollars.

The Halal Guys

• Timing: 11:00 AM – 4:00 AM (Sun – Thurs), 11:00 AM – 5:30 AM (Fri – Sat)
• Cost for two: $30 approx

The Halal Guys first started as a food truck but later expanded into a fine dining restaurant as well. They provide one of the best street foods in New York City at affordable rates. The portion is always great and the staff is also quite friendly.

Some of the most popular dishes here are Chicken Over Rice, Lamb Over Rice, Chicken Shawarma, Falafel Sandwiches, and a lot more. You should definitely pay this place a visit if you are around the Theater District in Midtown West.

Young Xinjiang BBQ Cart

• Timing: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Mon – Sun)
• Cost for two: $10 approx

Young Xinjiang BBQ Cart offers Chinese dishes that are both cheap and tasty. Most skewers here cost about $2 and the cart is located at Forsyth Street and Division Street in Chinatown. People really prefer the chicken, eggplant, lamb, and pork here.

If you’re on the go and looking for a cheap and fast bite, this might just be the right place for you.

---

And there you have it! Those are some of the finest street food places you can find in New York. If you want to explore more with Exploria, be sure to check our other travel content and guides:

Why You Must Travel Solo At Least Once In Your Life | Best Pastry Shops In Canterbury | Exotic Places You Can Visit In Canterbury, UK | Best Day Trips From Paris in 2023 | Mother’s Day 2023