New York City is undoubtedly the most famous city in the United States – and food is among the major reasons for it. Be it a $4 pizza slice or a $400 steak, New York City has a place for every foodie. The city is a cultural pot with people of all cultures, ethnicities, social status, and careers – so is the food there – in the same Avenue you’ll find Halal gyro and Chinese dumplings, cheese bagels and Thai food – there’s no way you can run out of new stuff to try – and every borough has its own essence! You can feel it as you try new food from Brooklyn to Queens, or from Bronx to Manhattan! 

1. French Toast

New York City makes the best French toasts – the French might not agree, but most New Yorkers and tourists do! Even in the same city you’ll find variations in the texture and taste depending on the area you’re in, and each has a different story to tell! For example, I tried the French toast from a café located in the 61st street of Queens Boulevard in Queens. The toast was crispy solid in texture and had a cinnamon-rich taste. The flax seeds, peanut butter, and bananas on the top complemented the bread perfectly. On the other hand, the one I tried in an organic grocery store in Dumbo Brooklyn had a soft, milky bread – in fact the softest toast I’ve ever tried in my life. But unlike the Queen café, they gave me nothing on top but a free packaged maple syrup upon request. Both toasts cost me under $8 each and were satiating enough to beat the chilly wind for long. 

2. Salmon Steak

I know it comes across as a bit unheard of but trust me when I say it is possible to have affordable salmon dishes in NYC. I was adventurous enough to try a bar café right in the heart of Wall Street: Boss Tweeds. And it was the best decision ever! I was looking for some seafood and they had a Salmon dish on their menu which I ordered for only $28. Now, it might not be the most budget-friendly meal to try but considering the location and the bar café I was pretty impressed. The salmon steak was grilled to perfection – crispy from the outside but not overcooked in the middle. The zucchini with a combo of snap beans, arugula, and nuts balanced the protein really well. It was nothing less than an almost high-end dinner at a lavish restaurant. You might want to try it if you’re looking for a delusionally high-end experience on a budget.

3. Gyro

Gyros are among the most New Yorker-friendly meals to try – and that’s because you can find Gyro stalls around every other street in Manhattan. Not only that, but it’s also ready to eat in a matter of a few minutes and you can eat it while you’re walking – what every New Yorker is destined to do every day. I got mine from a stall right below the Empire State Building and it was only $8. I couldn’t finish mine in one go so I had to take it along with me for my next hunger pang. It’s usually fresh and hot – unless you get it from a not so popular place in the city. The vegetables are also a healthy option and for that much of a cost, it’s a good bargain for your fiber needs. It can sometimes get greasy so don’t forget to ask the seller to hold back the mayo or the oil used for the bread. 

3. Smoothie

NYC is known for its coffees and bagels, but did you know you’ve got to be drinking smoothies while you’re in the city? Firstly, because these smoothies are nutritious and are a must if you’re walking in the city on foot. And secondly because these are super affordable. Now, in Manhattan everything feels super expensive but even good stores serve smoothies cheaper than $7 – yes, cheaper than your Starbucks coffee, and with much greater vitamin content. It’s super helpful if you don’t have the time to munch and still want to energize yourself for the day on a budget. I ordered mine for $6, which had a blueberry, apple, and banana mix. I requested a $2 add-on for a shot of matcha to get some caffeine as well. The smoothie was blended right in front of me so it was a heads up that I was having something healthy. 

4. Chicken Soup

If you want another grab-and-go idea on a budget, then a classic chicken soup from a Chinese shop can be a super wise choice. And as expected, China Town is the go-to place for this meal. You can get a large cup of chicken soup for as low as $3. The flavors are authentic and heart-warming. However, you don’t have to be in China Town to be able to have chicken soup. I grabbed mine in the Hudson Yards subway station. The station has a wide variety of pop-up stores and food shops, and you can easily navigate through the cuisines. I ordered mine with medium spice for $6 and it was enough for me to serve as dinner after my visit to the Vessel. The meat was enough protein for me, but I liked the broth more – it was rich, spicy, and warm enough to comfort me during my stroll. 

Summary

To conclude things, I must admit that I was surprised to see affordable food options in NYC which was not what I expected at all! While most popular places are over-hyped with expensive menu options, New York City has to offer some convenient, budget-friendly meals too, and that too in abundance. So, if you’re planning to visit NYC, don’t get overwhelmed with inflation. With the right approach, you can avail wise, affordable meal options while enjoying your trip to NYC. We hope this article encourages you to plan your visit to NYC, especially if you’re a foodie like me!