beat the brochure

With all the fuss made over fancy Manhattan restaurants and the best (and most expensive) places to eat in Times Square, it’s no wonder people forget about one of the most famous New York establishments – the common street vendor.

It’d be totally acceptable to associate the New York street food scene with just cart after cart of hot dogs as every Hollywood movie has had us believe that’s all they have to offer. However, in the past few years, street food has become the top dog rather than just the hot dog with offerings such as steak, oysters, breakfast burritos, tacos, noodles and even lobster for ludicrously low prices! So if you’re looking for cheap New York holidays then try eating out (on the street!) – you never know, you may meet one of these famous New York street vendors too!

Seafood

Seafood is one of those things that would seem a bit dodgy being served out of a van however street vendors are subject to the same health codes as all restaurants in New York as well as random spot checks from inspectors that could have them shut down in an instant. With that in mind, don’t be scared to try delicious lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried shrimp, oysters and even lobster macaroni and cheese!

Steak

You’d be looking at around 30 dollars for a good steak in a New York restaurant but to be served a street vendor steak with a variety of side dishes for around 7 to 15 dollars, you’d be absolutely mad not to pick one up from a food truck instead. With fresh, real cuts of steak served with rice and coleslaw, mozzarella and mushrooms or even just between two thick slices of bread, it’s the ultimate in stomach filling food.

Mexican

The very thought of Mexican food can make some stomachs gurgle with the thought of the vast quantities of meat, cheese, rice and bread involved but New York vendors offer so many different options, you’ll think you’re south of the border. Alongside healthy avocado and salsa salads and the traditional tacos and fajitas – cooked mild or spicy to your liking – some Mexican food carts even offer breakfast burritos for a quick, filling and wallet-friendly breakfast on the run.

Asian

The diversity of New York’s culture is well-reflected in the availability of Asian foods available from carts. From Korean to Thai and from Chinese to Filipino, if you’re looking for a taste of the east, you’ve found it. A whole pot of gyoza or dumplings with a variety of fillings can easily be found for around $5 and duck, pork or chicken filled bao (Chinese buns) are around $8 for 3 or 4. If you’re on the lookout for a full meal then most vendors offer plates of such takeaway favourites as chicken curry, prawn noodles and fried rice served with plenty of complementary sides.

Dessert

After so many savouries, it must be time for something sweet. Vendors offer well-known sweet treats such as topped waffles and crepes but some offer such delicacies as deep-fried Oreos or the Choc-Claude Van Damme flavour ice cream (made with lots of rich, dark Belgian chocolate – making it as muscular as the action star himself!)

Ever considered spending a whole holiday eating just from street vendors? Let us know what street food you want to gorge on in the comments below!