The Top 8 Must-Try Foods for New York City Tourists

New York City is a foodie heaven for tourists and locals alike. The melting pot of culinary delights makes New York City one of the best places to sample foods of all types, from the classic NYC hot dog sold at the popular food carts around the city, to authentic ethnic dishes from all over the world. In addition to all the famous New York City tourist sites, New York City can be a food-lovers' adventure for tourists who are looking for a sampling of New York City's best foods.

Tourists of New York City should try at least a few of the following New York City culinary treats on their visit.

1.New York Pizza
New York City is known for their pizza. The endless choices for pizza in NYC can be found on nearly every street corner. From the mom-and-pop Italian pizzerias which have been making pizza for decades, to the new gourmet pizza shops, there is a pizza type for every tourist who decides to try NYC pizza. Lombardi's has been a NYC favorite since 1905, located in Little Italy. The coal oven pizzas cannot be beat for a taste of authentic NYC pizza. Don't limit yourself to one pizza sample, however, feel free to try any of the NYC pizzerias throughout the city.

2. Deli Sandwiches
New York City delis offer tourists a variety of piled-high sandwiches and deli selections, and every deli has their specialty. Classic pastrami is a popular choice, but any NYC deli sandwich is worth a try for a hearty lunch. Locals have their favorites, so be sure to ask for recommendations near the area you are staying.

3. Chinese Dumplings in Chinatown
Chinatown is a great place to sample some authentic Asian treats without breaking the budget. One of the most popular treats is the 5 for a dollar Chinese dumplings, found in many of the Chinatown counter service restaurants. Dumpling House at 118 Eldridge or Prosperity Dumpling at 46 Eldridge are two places to try. The sesame pancakes are also worth a try.

4. Lower East Side Ethnic Treats
The Lower East Side is the place to go if you want to sample some fantastic pickles, visit Katz's famous deli, or try a knish. Save your appetite when visiting New York City's Lower East Side. Russ and Daughters has excellent smoked salmon and fish, as well as bagels and lox. Try a classic pastrami sandwich or the matzo ball soup at Katz's Delicatessan, located at 205 E. Houston. Yonah Schimmel's Knishes Bakery at 137 E. Houston is a great place to try a knish. If you want some old fashioned candies, head over to Economy Candy (108 Rivington St.) before leaving the Lower East Side. They have a nice selection of candy, dating back to the days when candy was only a penny.

5. Bagels
You can't really go wrong with any bagel in New York City, and you certainly can't visit without trying at least one. Look for the nearest deli and try one of the many homemade NY bagels with any number of cream cheese toppings or lox. Bagels just taste better in New York City. Ess-A-Bagel is one suggestion if you are near the 359 1st Avenue location.

6. NYC Hot Dogs
If you want a cheap hot dog treat, head over to one of the famous Papaya named NYC restaurants. Papaya Dog in Penn Station offers two hot dogs and a drink for a mere $3.50. Gray's Papaya at 2090 Broadway offers a similar selection of the famous NYC hot dogs. You can also usually grab a quick hot dog or sausage at one of the many hot dog vendors around the city.

7. Murray's Cheese
Murray's Cheese Shop has been serving customers in NYC since 1940 and is regarded as one of the best places in New York to try an extensive variety of cheeses. If you want to sample some high quality cheese, both domestic and imported, make your way over to one of the two Murray's Cheese Shop locations in New York City. The Greenwich Village location is the perfect place to stop for a snack while strolling the Village. The Midtown location at Grand Central Terminal Marketplace is ideal for those staying in the Midtown area.

8. Sweet NYC Desserts
Finish your food journey through Manhattan with a few stops at one of the many specialty dessert shops and bakeries sprinkled throughout New York City. New York Style Cheesecake is one of the most cherished desserts in the city. Eileen's Special Cheesecake at 17 Cleveland Place in SoHo has the cheesecake mastered. Two Little Red Hens on the Upper East Side is also worth a visit. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory offers unusual flavored ice cream for the adventurous dessert fan, as well as fairly priced regular ice cream treats.

Bakery treats make the perfect snack anytime of day in New York City. Levain Bakery at 174 W. 74th Street has giant homemade cookies, while Magnolia Bakery in the West Village is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. No matter what your dessert fancy, it is likely you will find your perfect sweet treat somewhere in Manhattan.