I often find myself struggling to find a snack in between meals or after dinner in NYC. The criteria for a good snack includes: being the right portion (not too big or too small), fast, and relatively inexpensive. Here are 9 different snack foods to try in NYC that will never let you down.
Cookies: Levain, Yanni’s, Culture Espresso
A classic treat, cookies will always be the perfect snack at any time of day. These are my 3 favorite places, but there are endless options throughout the city. My preferred type of cookie include a crisp exterior and chewy interior to get the best of both worlds. I used to be a thin cookie only type of person, but trying all of these options in NYC have made me a changed person.
Boba Tea: I’Milky, Wanpo, or Xing Fu Tang
I did not grow up around much boba being from a suburb in Michigan, so when I moved to the East Coast, I have been absolutely spoiled ever since. I love how there are fruity or more milky options, and that you can customize the level of ice and sweetness. All three of these options are solid and are hard to resist whenever I’m in the area.
Croissants: Michaeli’s or Julien Boulangerie
Thought of to be a breakfast pastry, croissants are still just as delicious past 3pm. The croissants from Michaeli’s have such a great chew and flavor profile, while the Julien Boulangerie ones are amazingly flaky and crispy. Both are not too greasy whatsoever but still the right level of decadent.
Candy: BonBon
I am much pickier with my candy these days, as the old Hershey’s or Twix bars just don’t cut it anymore. BonBon is not just a candy store, but a whole experience with the bright decor, friendly staff, soft serve ice cream, and even Swedish hot dogs on the weekend. Sometimes they will let you sample candy before purchasing, and you’ll find a wide array of fruity, sour, or chocolatey candy.
Pizza Slices: Best Pizza, Sauce, or Mama’s TOO!
How could I not include quintessential NYC food on this list? Most slices in the city are decent, but these places are standouts and all very different. Best Pizza has a beautiful crispy crust and nutty flavors with the seseme seeds on their White Slice (they make their own cheese too!). Sauce is extremely thin and satisfying, showing how simple can be the way to go. Finally, Mama’s TOO! Is more of a Sicilian style, with a fluffy crust and a very crispy exterior.
Bao: BAO TEA House or Mei Li Wah
Craving something soft, fluffy, and filling? Bao will be your best bet. The fillings range from savory to sweet I love BAO TEA House for sweet little snacks that are decadent with a good crust. Mei Li Wah is more of the classic bao texture, being soft and pillowy. They have more options than just bao – anything from here is good.
Tofu Skin Pockets: YUBU
YUBU has it all. They are known for Korean tofu skin pockets – little boats filled with this satisfyingly sticky rice and a variety of toppings. I love the crabmeat flavor, and they even have refreshing fruity drinks too that pairs well. This type of snack stands out to me as it’s one of the options that are the highest in protein and will keep you fuller for longer.
Extra Snack: Tozzo The Italian Coffee Shop
As a little bonus, I had to mention Tozzo in the Upper East Side. It’s this tiny Italian coffee shop filled with pastries and strong espresso. My personal favorite is savory Tozzo – fresh prosciutto and cheese on fluffy bread. In my opinion, it’s the perfect little pocket snack.
Next time you’re walking around the city and need a bite to eat, you will no longer be short on options. I hope you enjoy some of these snack foods, and let me know which ones you try. If there are other places that you love, comment below and I will add them to my list!
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