New York's Classic Eats Lower East Side Food Tour

New York City , United States of America

New York's Classic Eats Lower East Side Food Tour

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About this experience

First time in New York? Join us on this crash course of NYC’s most famous foods. Explore some of NYC’s favorite neighborhoods and taste some of the most iconic foods in New York!

On the Lower East Side tour, we’ll discover who makes the best ‘street meat’ in New York, we’ll learn about the rise of the bodega and why pastrami isn’t the only thing worth talking about at Katz Delicatessen.

This informative, but fun on the go experience is part food tour and part scavenger hunt. If you’re looking for a food tour to complete your trip to NYC or looking for something fun to do on the weekend, this is it.

Join us on this kitschy tour of New York’s must eat foods and find out why ‘New York Style’ is the best style!

Please note: This food tour takes place in and around the Lower East Side and includes six sidewalk tastings.

Available options

New York's Classic Eats Lower East Side Food Tour

What's included

Licensed tour guide

Food tastings and sights (subject to change)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

General Tso’s Chicken may be named after a 19th century Chinese civil war general, but he certainly never ate anything resembling the dish as it is served today. As with most mainstream Chinese food in America, this dish, originally inspired by traditional Hunanese cuisine, is a re-imagined classic designed to appeal to American tastebuds. On our first stop, we'll take a trip to Wo Hop (another New York classic) to give this sweet and tangy dish a try. We’ll learn more about its history, as well as how several New York City restaurants helped make it popular.

Stop 2

This food tour takes place in and around the Lower East Side and includes a total of six sidewalk tastings, as well as stops at several historical locations.

Stop 3

In New York, 'street meat' is king and there's no better place to learn about this delicious New York right of passage, if you will, than The Halal Guys. Since 1990, The Halal Guys have been serving delicious platters of chicken and gyro over rice to on-the-go New Yorkers and what started as one food cart on the corner of 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue is now a multinational enterprise.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuity

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Let's meet outside of Katz's Delicatessen. Please look for a guide holding a black and gold flag.

Subway Lines: F to East Houston Street & 2nd Avenue, 6 to Bleecker Street & Lafayette Street, B, D, F, M to East Houston Street & Crosby Street.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information