The 10 best street food vendors in NYC
Discover spicy tacos, Nigerian dundun, and world-famous dosas from 10 of NYC’s premier street food vendors. What’s more quintessentially New York than enjoying street food on a curb? From iconic hot dogs to pizza slices, and ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles, NYC’s food trucks, food halls, and night markets offer some of the best bites across the five boroughs. Visit a renowned dosa truck in Washington Square Park, head to the Bronx for delicious tacos, or savor Nigerian dundun from an acclaimed chef. While some of these vendors have fixed locations, others are always on the move, so check their Instagram accounts for daily updates and locations.
Best New York Street Food
1. GG’s Fish and Chips
Craving soul food? GG’s serves up fried catfish and whiting with collard greens, candied yams, mac and cheese, and rice and peas. Finish with a strawberry banana pudding layered with cream pudding, crumbly cookies, and fresh strawberries. Usually found in downtown Brooklyn, they sometimes appear at the Bronx Night Market. Follow their Instagram for the latest updates.
2. Tacos El Bronco
Located on White Plains Road in the Bronx, this taco truck might be easy to miss. For just $10, indulge in lengua or spicy chorizo tacos, topped with fresh cilantro and diced white onions on double-layered corn tortillas. Pair with a Jarritos for a satisfying meal under ten bucks.
3. The Kati Roll Company
Technically a restaurant, The Kati Roll Company’s Calcuttan casual fare is perfect for on-the-go eating. The small interior means most customers take their kati rolls to go. Don’t forget to grab a mango lassi to complement your meal.
4. Royal Grill Halal Food
True New Yorkers know the best reason to visit Times Square is Royal Grill. In a city full of halal carts, Royal Grill stands out with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Start with the staple lamb and chicken over rice platter.
5. Joe’s Steam Rice Roll
Found in Chinatown’s dim sum spots and Flushing malls, Joe’s Steam Rice Roll offers the best cheong fun. These wide, translucent rice noodles are filled with pork, beef, or shrimp and served with sweet soy sauce. Check out their location in the hip Canal Street Market.
6. Makina Ethiopian Food
Owner Eden Egziabher draws from her Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Italian heritage to create healthful platters of injera (sourdough flatbread) with veggies, beef or chicken, and rice. Ideal for those with dietary restrictions, all dishes are gluten-free and can be made vegetarian or vegan.
7. NY Dosas
Since 2001, Thiru Kumar’s NY Dosas cart has been a staple in Washington Square Park. Enjoy vegan-friendly dosas—Southern Indian crêpes filled with fragrant vegetables—and hot samosas, drawing a loyal crowd of NYU students and street food fans.
8. Ling’s Sweet Mini Cakes
After shopping in Chinatown, treat yourself to Ling’s sweet cakes. These fluffy pancake-like balls are served in heaping bags. Enjoy them plain or with chocolate sauce for an airy delight.
9. Los Tacos No. 1
Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market was founded by friends from Tijuana and California. Their family recipes and fresh ingredients make their adobada quesadillas and tacos irresistible. Try any of their tacos to taste the difference.
10. DF Nigeria Food Truck
- Godshelter Oluwalogbon’s truck aims to popularize Nigerian dishes like dundun (fried yam fingers) and akara (fried bean paste). Known for winning top honors at the 2017 Vendy Awards, his truck offers a spicy taste of West Africa, featuring hot Scotch bonnet peppers.
Think you’ve tried it all? Think again.
