Ready to eat your way through New York City? The Big Apple is a foodie’s paradise and there are no shortage of restaurants, cafes, markets, and street vendors to keep your belly satisfied. Today, I’m going to tell you about 30 iconic cheap eats in NYC that you can get for under $10!
From the classic dollar pizza to mouthwatering dumplings, you’re sure to find something that you’re craving on this list! These must-try dishes aren’t just cheap eats – they’re staples that are a reflection of New York City’s diversity.
New York City is consistently rated as being one of the best cities for foodies. Since it’s such a diverse city, you can find food from all different cultures & cuisines here. You name it, you can find it here! Whether you’re exploring Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, you’ll find plenty of affordable eats that capture the city’s vibrant and diverse food scene.
Ready to indulge in NYC’s best budget bites? Keep this list handy for your next trip and get ready to eat your way through the city without overspending!
Please note that prices may fluctuate and vary. Before your trip, make sure to check prices and store availability.
1. Dollar Slice Pizza
Cheese pizza slice from 99 Cent Fresh Pizza in Midtown East
If you try only one food off this list – it needs to be this. A true NYC icon – the $1 slice of cheese pizza! The dollar slice is perfect for satisfying late-night cravings or grabbing a quick meal between sightseeing. Many places also offer 2 slices + drink combo for under $5. These slices are simple but delicious—thin crust, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of sauce. Here are some of my favorite spots:
- 99 Cent Fresh Pizza (Multiple Locations) – this is the classic dollar pizza spot!
- 2 Bros Pizza (Midtown) – in recent years, some locations have increased their prices but still worth checking out!
2. Bagel with Cream Cheese
Bagel from Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company in NYC
New York City bagels are just out of this world. They’re hand-rolled, fresh, and chewy especially when slathered with a generous amount of fresh whipped cream cheese. My favorite combo is a plain bagel with scallion cream cheese, but there are endless combos for you to choose from! Check out these must-visit bagel spots:
- Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company (Multiple Locations) – highly recommend the Chelsea location!
- Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)
- Ess-a-Bagel (Midtown)
3. Chopped Cheese Sandwich
Image source + credit: Canva
A true bodega classic, the chopped cheese is NYC’s answer to the cheesesteak, featuring ground beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted hero roll. This sandwich is cheap, filling, and packed with flavor. It makes for a quick & delicious lunch! You can stop at any local bodega or corner deli and get one, but here are some favorites:
- Hajji’s Deli (Harlem)
- Blue Sky Deli (The Bronx)
- Tony’s Deli (Brooklyn)
4. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs from Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island
Hot dogs are another iconic NYC treat that you can’t skip on your next visit to the Big Apple! The OG is of course Nathan’s Famous, which has been serving up juicy, flavorful hot dogs since 1916. If you have time, try to go to the original location in Coney Island! Otherwise, you can grab one from these top spots:
- Multiple hot dog carts throughout NYC – you’ll find many carts throughout Manhattan that make a delicious hot dog!
- Nathan’s Famous (Coney Island, Brooklyn)
- Crif Dogs (East Village)
- Papaya King (Upper East Side)
5. Halal Cart Chicken Over Rice
Image credit + source: Canva
This top-rated street food consists of flavorful, spiced chicken served over fragrant yellow rice with pita and a drizzle of white and hot sauces. This is a great affordable option for lunch or dinner, and will keep you full for hours. There’s many different halal carts throughout the city and most of them are all delicious!
Note that platters at halal carts may be cheaper than their counterparts in storefront locations. Sometimes they can run slightly over $10. Find some of the best halal platters at:
- The Halal Guys (Midtown) – the iconic Halal cart is on 53rd & 6th, although their prices run a little higher and may be over $10
- King of Falafel & Shawarma (Astoria, Queens)
- Adel’s Famous Halal (Financial District)
- Many other halal carts around the city!
6. Pan-Fried Pork Buns
Pan-fried pork buns at Nan Xiang Long Bao in Flushing
This is my personal favorite food on this list! Pan fried pork buns are a Shanghainese snack that feature fluffy dough wrappers filled with a juicy pork “meatball” that is just bursting with flavor in every bite! You can get them either pan-fried or steamed, although I think pan-fried tastes better. Here are some of my favorite spots for affordable pork buns:
- Vanessa’s Dumpling House (Multiple Locations)
- Shangai21 (Chinatown)
- Liu Liu Sheng Jian (Flushing, Queens)
- Nan Xiang Long Bao (Multiple Locations) – this one is a little over $10 but SO delicious I had to include it on this list!
7. Scallion Pancake
Scallion pancake at Nom Wah Tea Parlor in Chinatown
Continuing on the Asian food theme, the scallion pancake is another fan favorite! Flaky, crispy, and packed with scallions, this Chinese street food is a simple but satisfying snack. Dip it in soy sauce for extra flavor, and you’ve got an irresistible treat! You can find these for a great price at most Chinese restaurants but here are some of my favorites:
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor (Chinatown)
- 456 Shanghai (Chinatown)
- Shanghai You Garden (Flushing)
- New World Mall Food Court (Flushing) – you can get a lot of other great Asian eats on a budget here, too!
8. Dumplings
Image credit + source: Pexels
You can get many flavors and varieties of dumplings here in NYC! Dumplings are delicate dough wrappers filled with juicy meat or vegetable stuffing, and then fried, steamed, or boiled. Many restaurants will feature unique flavors of dumplings that you may not have even heard of before! Get the best dumplings at:
- White Bear (Flushing) – one of my favorites!
- Vanessa’s Dumpling House (Multiple Locations)
- Joe’s Shanghai (Chinatown)
9. Jamaican Beef Patty
Image credit + source: Canva
I admit that I had never heard of a beef patty until I moved to NYC. It’s such a delicious and filling snack or lunch, and the spices are just out of this world! This flaky, golden pastry is packed with spicy beef, and will definitely satisfy your taste buds. This is a Caribbean favorite that you must try when you visit NYC. Try one at:
- Kingston Bakery (Harlem)
- Big Tings (Meatpacking District)
- Island Express (Flatbush)
- Patty Plus (Flatbush)
10. Knish
Image credit + source: Canva
A Jewish deli staple, the knish is a doughy pastry filled with mashed potatoes, onions, or meat, often baked or fried. It’s such a delicious & affordable comfort food! I would say this is more of a snack, but you can also get one for a small lunch or as a side if you wish. Grab one at:
- Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery (Lower East Side)
- Mile End Delicatessen (Brooklyn)
- B&H Dairy (East Village)
11. Belgian Fries
Image credit + source: Canva
Oh man, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried Belgian fries at least once in your life! Crispy, golden, and served with a variety of dipping sauces, Belgian fries are beyond delicious! Unlike regular fries, these are twice-fried for extra crunch and flavor. Get your fix at:
- Pommes Frites (Greenwich Village) – one of my favorite places in all of NYC!
- Bel-Fries (Lower East Side)
- Friterie (Brooklyn)
12. Falafel Sandwich
Image credit + source: Pexels
This is a delicious, budget-friendly option for both lunch and dinner since it’s very filling. These falafel sandwiches come stuffed inside a warm pita with fresh veggies and a tangy tahini sauce. The best spots to get a falafel sandwich for a great pice include:
- Mamoun’s Falafel (Greenwich Village)
- The Halal Guys (Multiple Locations) – many halal carts also feature falafel sandwiches under $10!
- Heights Falafel (Brooklyn Heights)
- King of Schwarma & Falafel (Astoria)
13. Birria Tacos
Street tacos from Chinelos Tacos NYC in Long Island City
Birria tacos are Mexican tacos that are filled with slow-cooked, tender meat, marinated in spices, and served with a side of consommé for dipping. They make a delicious yet affordable meal. You will find birria tacos at food trucks, but there are some shops where you can get them as well. Some favorites include:
- Birria-Landia (Brooklyn & Queens) – food truck
- Chinelos Tacos NYC (Long Island City) – food truck that was my neighborhood favorite!
- Birria LES (Lower East Side)
- Jo’s Taco (East Village)
14. Empanadas
Image credit + source: Pexels
Empanadas are another iconic street food in NYC. You can find these in many food carts throughout the city and in Hispanic grocery stores. They are flaky, stuffed pastries that are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They make for a great snack to eat as you’re sightseeing!. Try them at:
- Empanada Mama (Midtown & Lower East Side)
- Nuchas (Times Square)
- La Masa (Queens)
15. Banh Mi
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If you’re interested in trying Vietnamese cuisine, you must get the classic banh mi sandwich! This is an iconic Vietnamese sandwich loaded with marinated meats, pickled veggies, and spicy mayo on a crisp baguette. It offers a unique flavor that will also make a filling lunch. Get the best at:
- Saigon Shack (Greenwich Village)
- Banh Mi Saigon (Little Italy)
- Ba Xuyên (Sunset Park)
- Banh Mi Cart (Financial District)
16. Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding
The famous banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery (I forgot which location we got this from!)
If you think banana pudding is plain or boring, think again! This banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery will change your life forever…seriously! Their banana pudding is consists of multiple layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and soft vanilla wafers. It’s sooooo good! It has a rich, smooth texture and isn’t too sweet which makes it one of the best desserts I’ve ever tried in my life.
- Magnolia Bakery (Multiple Locations)
17. Kati Roll
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Ever heard of a Kati roll? Think of it like an Indian version of a gyro or burrito! There’s so many flavors and combinations to choose from, and the spices hit just right. Be careful of the spiciness level as some may tend to be hot! This is another great option for a filling lunch or dinner for right around the $10 price mark.
- Kati Roll Company (Multiple Locations)
- Thelewala (Greenwich Village)
- Chote Miya (Meatpacking District) – this one is a tad more expensive than the other two options on this list
18. Sicilian Slice
Image source and credit: Canva
If you’re a fan of the regular pizza slice, try the square Sicilian variety! Thicker and fluffier than the classic NYC slice, Sicilian pizza features a crispy crust, robust tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. Grab a square from:
- L&B Spumoni Gardens (Brooklyn)
- Prince Street Pizza (SoHo)
- Mama’s Too! (Upper West Side)
19. Hand-Pulled Noodles
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Ditch the regular lo mein and try a bowl of hand-pulled noodles the next time you’re in NYC! Hand pulled noodles are fresh noodles that are made by stretching and pulling long strands of dough. They are super chewy and easily soak up the broth/sauce they’re in. This dish is also filling, so it makes a great lunch or dinner option.
This dish will cost you right around the $10 mark or may be a tad higher, but it is such a unique & delicious dish that I had to include it on this list! Try some at:
- Super Taste (Chinatown)
- Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles (Chinatown)
- Bites of Xi’an (Boerum Hill, Brooklyn)
- Xi’an Famous Foods (Multiple Locations) – this is the go-to spot for hand pulled noodles but in recent years prices have gone to about $10-15 per plate, but it is definitely still worth it!
20. Soup Dumplings
Soup dumplings from Nan Xiang Long Bao
Another one of my favorite foods! If you like regular dumplings, then you must try soup dumplings. They’re literally just that – dumplings that contain a meat or veggie filling + soup broth. They are such a comforting and delicious snack. Sip the soup carefully before enjoying the rest of the dumpling! Try some at:
- Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao (Flushing)
- Joe’s Shanghai (Chinatown)
- Shanghai 21 (Chinatown)
21. Pierogies
Image source and credit: Pexels
These Polish dumplings are stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as potatoes, cheese, and meat, then pan-fried or boiled for a comforting, hearty bite. Pierogies are a staple in NYC’s Eastern European food scene, offering a delicious balance of crispy and soft textures. Try them at:
- Veselka (East Village) – a delicious Ukranian staple in the Village! Great place for latkes as well
- Streecha (East Village)
- Polka Dot Café (Greenpoint)
22. Black & White Cookie
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You’re probably confused after reading the title on this one – black and white cookie, what? This is another iconic NYC treat and is no ordinary cookie! It’s a soft, cake-like cookie topped with half vanilla and half chocolate fondant, creating the perfect balance of flavors. A true New York classic, it’s not quite a cookie or a cake, but something in between. Find the best black & white cookies at:
- Zabar’s (Upper West Side)
- William Greenberg Desserts (Upper East Side)
- Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)
23. Pretzel
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If you’re looking for a simple, yet classic NYC street food – how about a pretzel? It’s chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and often served with mustard. This treat has been a New York staple for decades, and is perfect for an on-the-go bite. Grab one from:
- The best place is any of the food carts throughout the city!
- Sigmund’s Pretzels – you can sometimes find their pretzels at markets like the Union Square Greenmarket or the Essex Market
24. Cronut
Cronut from Dominique Ansel bakery
In 2013, Dominique Ansel bakery released their now-famous cronut — a hybrid between a croissant + doughnut. I just tried one for the first time on my last trip to NYC and oh my gosh it was so delicious! You can try it plain or filled with one of their creams or jams. This viral pastry has lines out the door, so I would recommend coming on a weekday or early in the morning if you can. Get your hands on one at:
- Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo) – this is where you get the original, trademarked Cronut!
- Daily Provisions (Multiple Locations) – they make a cinnamon cruller that is similar to a cronut
25. Peking Duck Bun
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These fluffy, pillowy buns are stuffed with Peking duck, hoisin sauce, and crunchy cucumbers for a perfect sweet-savory bite. This is similar to a bao bun, but filled with duck meat instead. The combination of tender duck and soft bun makes it a must-try for food lovers. Find delicious Peking duck buns at:
- Peking Duck Sandwich Stall (Flushing)
- Shanghai You Garden (Flushing)
26. Arepa
Image source and credit: Canva
This South American delicacy features a flat, round bread made from cornmeal, which can be grilled, fried, or baked. The texture is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Arepas can be eaten plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings like cheese, meats, beans, or avocado. A basic arepa will run you around $10 or slightly under, but those with more fillings can run upwards of $10-15.
- La Arepa (Astoria)
- Empanada Mama (Hell’s Kitchen)
- Patacon Pisao (Lower East Side)
27. Cheesecake Slice
Image source and credit: Pexels
New York-style cheesecake is known for its rich, dense texture and smooth, creamy filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s one of the city’s most famous desserts, perfect for any sweet tooth. Enjoy a slice at:
- Junior’s (Brooklyn & Times Square) – the classic spot! Perfect treat after a Broadway show.
- Eileen’s Special Cheesecake (SoHo)
- Veniero’s (East Village)
28. Samosas
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Samosas are savory, deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat or lentils, originating from the Indian subcontinent. These crispy, golden pockets are often served with chutneys or yogurt for dipping and are popular as snacks or appetizers. The filling varies by region, but they are typically seasoned with cumin, coriander, and other flavorful spices. Here’s where to find the best:
- Tamarind (Gramercy)
- Samosa King (Jackson Heights)
- Punjabi Deli (Chinatown)
29. Bubble Tea
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A refreshing Taiwanese drink, bubble tea combines tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls for a fun and delicious beverage. With endless flavor combinations and toppings, it’s a popular grab-and-go treat! Get your fix at:
- Tiger Sugar (Chinatown)
- Kung Fu Tea (Multiple Locations)
- Moge Tee (Flushing)
30. Soft Serve from Mister Softee Truck
Mister Softee ice cream
If you ask any New Yorker about their favorite childhood summertime memories, they’re sure to mention Mister Softee! Their classic soft serve is rich, creamy, and comes in simple flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and twist. Whether dipped in rainbow sprinkles or drizzled with chocolate syrup, it’s the perfect summer treat!
Just make sure you don’t accidentally mistake one of the many other ice cream trucks in NYC for Mister Softee! While it can be hard to nail down a Mister Softee truck, try the classic spots like:
- Union Square Park – this is where I usually go!
- Times Square (Multiple Locations)
- Bryant Park
I hope you found this list helpful! Let me know which ones you try in the comments below! Plus if you know of any other good classic NYC cheap eats or places to find them, drop me a comment! Happy exploring!
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