• Home
  • About
    • In The Media
    • Contact Me
  • Where I’ve Been
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    • Bucket List
  • Travel Resources

Pack Me To

Part time traveler, full time explorer

  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Myanmar
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Slovenia
    • North America
      • Canada
        • Alberta
        • British Columbia
        • Manitoba
        • Ontario
      • USA
        • California
        • Illinois
        • Massachusetts
        • New York
        • Oregon
        • Washington
        • Wisconsin
  • Tasty Bites
  • Living Abroad
  • Travel Tips
  • Reviews
    • Accommodation
    • Gear
    • Tours
  • Inspiration
You are here: Home / Destinations / Eating New York City 2.0

Eating New York City 2.0

06/06/15 | Destinations, Food, New York, USA


Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). You can read my full disclosure policy here.

You can’t go to New York City and not eat well. Actually, scratch that. You still can, but it’s not hard to find delicious food in the city.

Even though my visit this time to New York was short and I was busy with various graduating events for my brother, I still managed to try some new places that have been on my radar for awhile and even revisited a few favourites.

Madison Sq Eats

We arrived in New York City under the cover of darkness. By the time we were settled in our apartment, it was quite late and I knew ahead of time I wouldn’t want to go far for food. Luckily, nearby Madison Square was hosting a pop-up food market for the month of May. Perfect timing.

Madison Square Eats | packmeto.com

Even though it was pouring rain, my dad and I ventured out for some food adventures. There were lots of great options making it hard for me to choose. In the end, I grabbed three arancinis from Arancini Bros, a pear, walnut & gorgonzola (a combo I’ve recently come to LOVE) crepe from Bar Suzette Crepe and for dessert, a crack pie from Milk Bar.

Crack Pie from Milk Bar NYC | packmeto.com

I had never had an arancini before but who can’t love what is essentially a savory filled doughnut? Yum! I’m a big fan of fruit, nut and cheese combos lately in my sandwiches so the crepe was a no brainer for me when I saw it. The crack pie was really cloyingly sweet and dense. I shared it with my mother and brother. There’s no way one person could eat the whole thing.

Momofuku Noodle Bar

I’ve been following David Chang for a while and I was disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to go to Momofuku on my last visit to the city (but really, who wants a steaming bowl of ramen when it’s 30C and humid outside?). I dragged my family with me down to the Lower East Side with me for a food adventure this time around.

When we arrived it was prime dinner time. Mistake #1. There was a wait of at least an hour. We left our number, but we decided to just wait it out. Mistake #2. In hindsight, it would have made sense to find a nearby bar for a drink or even another restaurant altogether. But stubbornness in me and my family won out.

I love ramen and have it regularly in Vancouver so I was really looking forward to this meal. I had heard lots of mixed reviews. Some people loved it and others not so much.

Momofuku Noodle Bar Ramen | packmeto.com

I’m with the latter camp. Sure, the ramen is decent. Almost good, but it’s not worth the wait. There is definitely a lot more hype to it. I ordered the Momofuku ramen and some steamed buns with mushrooms. Shockingly, I liked the steamed buns more than the ramen, but they were expensive. $10 for 2 teeny tiny buns is not worth it, but the depth of flavour they were able to pull from just mushrooms was amazing. I’m going to try and replicate it at home.

Momofuku Noodle Bar Buns | packmeto.com

Prior to this meal, I had debated trying some other ramen shops I heard were good – Ivan Ramen and Ippudo – and now I wish I had. Not to worry though – I’ll get to try Ippudo when I’m in Japan later this year!

171 first avenue
New York, NY 10003
Website

Russ & Daughters

Everyone tells you that you need to get a bagel with lox and cream cheese from Russ & Daughters. A New York institution in the Lower East Side, Russ & Daughters have been purveyors of smoked fish, caviar, herring and bagels since 1914. What originally started as a business catering to the Jewish immigrants in the city has passed down 4 generations of Russes.

Russ & Daugthers Appetizers NYC | packmeto.com

I picked up an everything bagel with Norwegian Smoked Salmon and regular cream cheese. I love smoked salmon and if it weren’t so pricey and I could eat it for every meal I would. This bagel was really good. Smoked salmon flavour all the way through.

Russ & Daughters Inside NYC | packmeto.com

Be sure to grab a number when you walk in. This location is a take out location and can get quite busy I’m told. However, I was there early on a weekday morning and there was virtually no line. There is also a Russ & Daughters Cafe located a couple blocks away if you’re after a sit-down meal.

Smoked Salmon & cream cheese bagel from Russ & Daughters NYC | packmeto.com

P.S. Want to know what makes a good NYC Bagel? Serious Eats has you covered.

179 East Houston Street
New York, NY 10002

Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 8 PM
Sat: 8 AM – 7 PM Sun: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Website

Katz’s Deli

I previously visited Katz’s Deli on my first visit to New York City and absolutely loved it. I went home and raved to my mom about it and she told me that she wanted to try it this time. I dragged her with me to Russ & Daughters down the street so we popped over to Katz’s as well to pick up a sandwich.

Inside Katz's Deli NYC | packmeto.com

I had forgotten how awesome the sandwich was. The pastrami was melt in your mouth perfection. It was expensive (and the price went up from 2 years ago!), but considering the size, it easily can be turned into two or three meals for one or a shareable meal for two.

Pastrami Sandwich from Katz's Deli NYC | packmeto.com

Because it was so early in the morning, the deli was completely empty save for a few eager tourists that didn’t want to fight the crowds. The process was much the same as my previous visit. You get a ticket that needs to be returned, you order at the counter and pay as you leave. Visitors take note! If you have no issues with having sandwiches for breakfast and want to snag a table here and not fight the crowds, go early and go on a weekday.

205 E Houston St
New York, NY 10002

Website

Sentosa Malaysian Cuisine

My brother and his girlfriend were heading out to Flushing, Queens for a baseball game and wanted to grab food beforehand. My parents hadn’t been to Flushing before, so they invited us to come along. We ended up wandering around and picked this restaurant at random.

Sentosa Malaysian Cusine NYC | packmeto.com

What came were dishes after dishes of Chinese and Malaysian goodness. I’m not too familiar to Malaysian food so I don’t really have any major comments about this restaurant.

3907 Prince St
Flushing, NY 11354

11 AM – Midnight
Website

Artichoke Basil Pizza

C. kept on raving about this place before my trip to New York City so I made a note to try it. Even without him talking it up, it was already on my radar with lots of great reviews out there. With multiple locations, I went to the one in Chelsea. My original plan was to pick up a slice and enjoy it along the High Line, but it was really chilly and the wind was strong.

Artichoke Basil Pizza Chelsea Counter NYC | packmeto.com

At first glance, I thought the restaurant only offered a sit-down option, but towards the back, they had by the slice counter. I went with their namesake and ordered the Artichoke Pizza.

Artichoke Pizza NYC | packmeto.com

At $5 a slice, it’s a bit expensive, but you definitely get your money’s worth. One slice was HUGE and really filling. This slice is not your typical thin crust New York Style pizza. This slice had height. I really enjoyed the creamy sauce and the thick pieces of artichoke. I normally don’t like artichoke, but this was good. I couldn’t finish my slice and had to take it to go with me. It’s definitely a slice worth sharing and very very indulgent.

Adelina and pizza NYC | packmeto.com

114 10th Avenue
New York, NY 10011

12 PM – 5 AM, Tuesday thru Saturday
12 PM – 12 AM, Sunday & Monday
Website

Absolute Bagel

Absolute Bagel NYC | packmeto.com

On my last morning in New York City, I knew I wanted something good so I paid another visit to Absolute Bagel which I discovered last time I was here. I went with my regular order (well as regular as visiting a place twice can be) – an everything bagel with smoked salmon cream cheese. I enjoy how there are chunks of salmon in the cream cheese. A perfect way to end a relaxing time in the city.

How do you choose what you want to eat in a city? Do you make a point of seeking out local institutions? Has anything stood out as either living up or not living up to the hype?

P.S. See what I ate on my last visit to New York: Eating New York City 1.0

If you’re new to Pack Me To, welcome! Stay on top of my

adventures on Facebook and follow me on Twitter & Instagram.

Tweet51
Share12
WhatsApp
Pin6
Flip
Email
69 Shares

Sign up to receive monthly updates and exclusive giveaways:

« A New York State of Mind
7 Free Things to Do in New York City »

Comments

  1. RamblinLove says

    June 6, 2015 at 1:15 PM

    Yum! I’m getting hungry!

  2. Andrew says

    June 6, 2015 at 2:57 PM

    wow you’ve found some amazing eateries there. Not sold on bagels though… never really understood the attraction. I mean I don’t think they’re bad, but not sure why people love them so much. toasted with cream cheese is nice, but i cant imagine them as a substitute for a good sandwich or roll. thanks for sharing!

    • Adelina says

      June 9, 2015 at 3:23 PM

      Haha, I’m actually quite conflicted on bagels. I’ll eat them, but they’re not mind blowing. But when in New York… 🙂

  3. Fairlie says

    June 6, 2015 at 3:07 PM

    There’s so many fantastic places to eat in NYC – its hard to narrow it down to your available time! We were there for two weeks last year, and my husband had a restaurant chosen and booked for every evening before we got there – he like to do all the pre-trip food research. He used the OpenTable app to make most of the reservations from Australia,

    • Adelina says

      June 9, 2015 at 3:22 PM

      Wow, that’s really really organized! Good for you guys! I was mostly eating on my own so I didn’t want to go anywhere too fancy. Which place was your favourite?

  4. Upasna says

    June 7, 2015 at 3:24 AM

    New York is seriously one of the best places in the world to eat yourself silly!
    I wanted to try Katz Deli on my trip last year, but never made it! Glad to know the Pastrami sandwich is as good as they say! And ooh, that slice of Pizza!
    This reminds me that I never got down to doing a What I Ate in NYC post myself! I better hop to it 🙂

    • Adelina says

      June 9, 2015 at 3:22 PM

      It’s so easy to just eat eat and keep on eating in New York! And yes! You should put one together! Looking forward to reading it 🙂

  5. Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says

    June 7, 2015 at 9:54 PM

    I think you may have cured me of my craving for Momofuku. I wouldn’t want to wait that long unless it was absolutely AMAZING. I did manage to get my hands on a slice of Crack Pie. I usually like sweet things, but even one slice was too much for me. That Artichoke pizza looks so rich and filling, and that bagel just screams NYC. Looks like you had a great time dining around the town.

    • Adelina says

      June 9, 2015 at 3:20 PM

      I had to share my slice of crack pie with my family. I definitely could not have eaten it all by myself!

  6. Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says

    June 8, 2015 at 12:22 AM

    You covered a lot for a brief trip! I regret not doing a bit more planning re food when I visited New York because there are so many great options so I’ll definitely be doing it differently next time! There are a few places in London like that too where you have to queue for ages and it’s always a real disappointment when they don’t live up!

    • Adelina says

      June 9, 2015 at 3:17 PM

      I find it kind of overwhelming to be honest. Almost too many options. I feel like its like that for a lot of large cities. London included. And so true. Sometimes it’s just good to have no expectations at all.

  7. Cherie City says

    June 8, 2015 at 12:48 PM

    Great food tips! The artichoke pizza looks amazing and I really want to try the crack pie at Milk Bar.

    • Adelina says

      June 9, 2015 at 3:16 PM

      Both are good but so so indulgent. You definitely need to share!

  8. Laia | colibrist says

    June 9, 2015 at 3:25 PM

    I always do the same thing… reading your food posts before eating! Then I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten ramen for ages and ohhh that pizza!!
    In Asia I always ate in random places but in Chile I’ve gone to recommended places and oh! I love the food here 🙂

    • Adelina says

      June 9, 2015 at 3:28 PM

      Oooh! Awesome! It’s always fun exploring a new place through its food 🙂

  9. Ruth says

    June 9, 2015 at 6:29 PM

    Wow, seems like you ate the city! I follow David Chang too (love to see his delicious creation in Instagram). The artichoke pizza looks delicious. I have to try it!

    • Adelina says

      June 11, 2015 at 8:51 AM

      And there’s still so much more to eat too!

  10. Anna | slightly astray says

    June 10, 2015 at 12:44 AM

    Yummmmm… the bagels look really good. I love a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel too! That sucks that the ramen wasn’t so good :(. I’m not crazy about ramen so I wouldn’t wait an hour for a bowl! And I think when you’re waiting for that long, your expectations go up. The crack pie looks really good though!!

    • Adelina says

      June 11, 2015 at 8:46 AM

      You can go wrong with the smoked salmon and cream cheese combo. Such a classic! There are lots of other restaurants under the momofuku brand so I wonder if they’re good or not. The milk bar definitely stood up to reputation!

  11. Rochie says

    June 30, 2015 at 4:02 AM

    I don’t mind having a bloated stomach, all I know is New York is a place to be. I hope my dad would allow me to to have my dream vacation by next year. I’ve got to start planning where should I dine, stay, shop and do whatever I want. I hope I could post something like this in the future.

Trackbacks

  1. My Favourite Travel Souvenirs - Life On My Plate says:
    June 7, 2015 at 3:17 AM

    […] also linking this post up to #SundayTraveler (you can link-up here or […]

  2. TranzAlpine: introduction to New Zealand | Colibrist says:
    June 7, 2015 at 7:51 PM

    […] post is part of Sunday Traveler, hosted by Pack Me To, Chasing the Donkey and other great blogs. […]

  3. Friday Favourites - Best Reads from June 2015 - Life On My Plate says:
    July 3, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    […] Eating New York City – By Adelina of Pack Me To […]

  4. 3 Cheap Eats in New York City - Travelnuity says:
    January 28, 2016 at 7:02 PM

    […] space on the internet. Find out more of her recommendations on what to eat in New York on her blog or follow her on […]

  5. 3 Cheap Eats in New York City - Travelnuity says:
    January 28, 2016 at 7:02 PM

    […] space on the internet. Find out more of her recommendations on what to eat in New York on her blog or follow her on […]

Welcome to Pack Me To!

Adelina is a part time traveler, exploring the world despite having a full-time job. Pack Me To is a collection of stories from her travels and adventures around the world as she packs you to destinations around the world with her.

Adelina has been traveling for as long as she can remember and has lived abroad in the Netherlands and Hungary. She loves telling stories, and eating and exploring her way around the world. Come along for the ride. Read More…

Let’s connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Popular Destinations

Sign up to receive monthly updates and exclusive giveaways:

Recent Posts

  • 7 Destinations to Experience Game of Thrones in Real Life
  • My Date with a Dinosaur in Drumheller, Alberta
  • Inside the Agra Fort: Highlights from the Red Fort of Agra
  • Finding Peace and Hope in Hiroshima
  • The Hostel Chains of Japan In Review

Popular Posts

7 Free Things To Do in Prague
7 Free Things To Do in Portland, Oregon
Top 10 Things To Do in Vienna
A Beautiful Day at Crater Lake National Park
Touring Alcatraz in San Francisco

Privacy & Disclosure

Pack Me To is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read the site’s full Privacy and Disclosure policy here.

Copyright © 2021

Copyright © 2021 · Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in