Posted on 21 March 2017

New York – as one of the most multi-cultural cities on Earth, it's little wonder that so many culinary marvels have hailed from its eclectic streets. Whether enhancing a classic dish from Europe or Asia, or creating an entirely new eat – NYC has always been a trend-setter in the realm of lip-smacking cuisine.

If you're heading to the Big Apple anytime soon, be sure to track down one or two of these wonders...

Eggs Benedict

Yes, this breakfast/brunch favourite is from NYC. Two halves of an English muffin, each laid with a slice of (ideally Canadian) bacon and topped with poached eggs. Hollandaise sauce is then drizzled on top – although this component often makes or breaks the dish, since so few chefs have the knack of doing it justice.

Cream Cheese bagel

Ideal as a main event or to grab on the run, the cream cheese bagel is a New York classic that can also be sampled with eggs, bacon, salmon and jalapenos. Wash it down with an Americano and you'll be fully energised for some Big Apple sightseeing.

Shack Burger

No visit to this city is complete without at least one trip to a burger stand. And if you ask us, Shack Burger is one of the finest – best served with crinkle cut chips and a soda. Vegetarian? Try Superiority Burger on 430 E. 9th Street, which also has some vegan options.

Cheesecake

Cream cheese was 'discovered' not far from New York in the Catskills in the 1870s, laying the foundations for one of the world's most lusted-after desserts. While other cheesecakes had been invented before this, the Jewish-style cheesecake is what most of us now know and love. The best cheesecake in the city purportedly comes from Junior's, Brooklyn.

Doughnuts

Another calorific wonder to enjoy on the go, the doughnut is as quintessentially 'Big Apple' as, well, burgers and cheesecake. Actually, the origins of the doughnut are disputed (even Hertfordshire has a claim to it), but the modern incarnation is undoubtedly American, with some of the most mouth-watering and inventive examples originating from New York City...

Pork Buns

If you end up going on a bread-n-meat binge during your stay, make sure you try a pulled pork bun, a protein-and-fat hit that will be totally worth those extra gym visits when you get home.

Lobster Newberg

This dish was originally named after ship's captain Ben Wenberg, who revealed the recipe to restaurant owner Charles Delmonico in 1876. However, when the pair fell out, Delmonico reversed the first three letters of Wenberg's name, giving us Newberg. A selection of crustaceans in a pool of cognac, sherry, cream and cayenne pepper. Delmonico's still exists on Beaver St – and so does this remarkable New York dish.

Key Lime Pie

More Floridian than NYC, but the delectable key lime pie can be sampled across New York. Recipes vary, but lime, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk are 'key' ingredients. Fancy yours frozen and coated in dark chocolate? Head down to Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies in Brooklyn.

Grilled Mexican Corn

This taste-bud tingler is best served with mayo, cheese, chilli powder and lime. Head down to Cafe Habana (two locations in Brooklyn) for this filling treat – and all for just $3!

Snow Ice Cream

These joyous mini-mountains of shaved ice and thick cream, fruit and chocolate, are almost too good to eat – almost. Visit Snowdays Shavery and try the yeti tracks snow cream (Oreo cookies and blueberries), or one of their other rainbow-coloured visions of ice cream ecstasy.

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