9 Tasty and Cheap NYC Eats You’ve Got to Try

With so much to do and see in New York, tourists often miss out on one of its most satisfying indulgences, food. Admittedly, being a famous metropolitan city in the world, everything in New York is usually expensive. When it comes to culinary adventures, it's home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that plate innovative dining experiences. Grabbing a bite in NYC, at most restaurants, can often leave a small hole in the pocket. So, it's a surprise to many first-timers that the city also offers a diverse set of eating establishments, reflecting its multi-cultural population, where you can eat a hearty meal for well under $10.

Hot Dog from Gray's Papaya

A hot dog is the quintessential New York comfort food found everywhere in the city. While more fancy versions of the hot dog are now available in numerous big and small establishments, nothing beats having the plain and gratifying sausage in a bun topped with either mustard or ketchup from a roadside stand. For a bit more choice, go with Gray's Papaya, a 24-hour eatery with two locations in the city, and a menu that features $1 dogs, fruit drinks, and a breakfast section comprising of bacon and cheese rolls, donuts, and croissants.

Gyro from The Halal Guys

Internationally famous, the Halal Guys are all about serving finger-licking Middle Eastern flavors through a limited but wholesome menu. The halal meat, with the addition of their secret white sauce, promises a juicy and delicious bite every time. The chicken shawarma over rice and the beef gyro come highly recommended. A meal, along with a drink, at the Halal Guys is just below the $10 mark, making it a much-desired budget eat in NYC. Now, with multiple locations in the city, and the country, you're never far from a Halal Guys stand or restaurant.

Indian Curry from Punjabi Grocery & Deli

Operational since 1994, Punjabi Grocery and Deli in the East Village has been a respite for New York cabbies looking for a reasonably priced vegetarian meal at any time of the day or night. Known for serving the "cheapest curry" in the city, Kulwinder Singh, a former cabbie himself, and his family have transformed their shop into a warm and friendly space where anyone can drop in for a guaranteed mouthful of pleasing Indian preparations. Samosas here cost $0.50, whereas a bowl of rice with two vegetables at $2.50 is a truly pocket-friendly choice.

Vietnamese Banh Mi from Banh Mi Saigon

Banh Mi Saigon is a tiny stand in Lower Manhattan’s Grand Street that serves the classic Vietnamese sandwich and popular street food, banh mi. Famously known as the "jewelry store one," its location inside a shop selling traditional necklaces, earrings, and gemstones gives it a somewhat quirky disposition. The food, though, is true to its origins, bursting with exotic flavorings and fresh ingredients. The meat and vegetarian banh mi cost around $5, and along with the papaya salad, it's a refreshing meal option.

Pizza from Joe's Pizza

It might be a little touristy, but Joe's Pizza is a New York culinary hotspot that now has five setups across the city, the main being in Greenwich Village. Joe's Pizza takes pride in its 45-year-old legacy and continues to keep things simple but offering classic pizzas instead of more contemporary selections. When eating at Joe's, an entire pizza costs around the $20 mark, but it's possible to pick up a plain or topping-filled slice for under $4.

Chopped Cheese at Blue Sky Deli

Known as Hajji's, Blue Sky Deli is a tiny bodega in Harlem acclaimed for being the birthplace of the surprisingly simple yet deliciously tempting chopped cheese sandwich. Costing less than $5 for a large chopped cheese, Hajji's takes pride in keeping the price low to support individuals from all economic backgrounds living in the neighborhood. With no sitting space, it's best to grab your chopped cheese and head to the nearby Jefferson Park to enjoy your delightful snack.

Noodles from Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

A tiny cash-only eatery with minimal seating that gets really busy around mealtimes, Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles is amongst the best in NYC for homemade Chinese dishes. Situated in Chinatown, there are several varieties of noodle soups and noodle dishes available here, costing around $10. The quantities are quite large, and when combined with a side order of fried dumplings, the food is more than enough for two people. One of the highlights of eating here is the opportunity to watch the chef make noodles from scratch in the kitchen.

Tacos from Los Tacos No. 1

Everything from the grilled steak or marinated pork taco to the grilled cactus quesadillas at Los Tacos No. 1 is for under $5. Boasting authentic Mexican flavorings and top ingredients, Los Tacos is your opportunity to savor classic Mexican street fare in the heart of New York. Situated in Chelsea Market, Los Tacos not only dishes out delectable tacos but also creates a lively environment with friendly staff, music, and an all-round positive vibe that adds a sense of tanginess to every bite.

Morcilla from 188 Bakery Cuchifritos

A colorful little "bakery" in the Bronx, basking in the fame it received when Anthony Bourdain covered it in an episode of Parts Unknown, 188 is a haven for fried food lovers. Specializing in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine, especially pork preparations, there's always a crowd in its limited space, throughout the day. The menu, hand-painted entirely in Spanish, adorns the wall behind the counter and features delicacies like pig ears, beef and potato croquettes, pig tongue, and blood sausage known as morcilla. There are plentiful eats under $10 here, which is why it remains a favorite haunt with the locals even after 38 years.

Conclusion

The trick to appreciating New York's food scene is to immerse yourself in its cultural diversity. By skipping the chain restaurants and going off the tourist route to find the smaller mom-and-pop type stores, travelers can help strengthen the local economy. It's also the perfect way to experiment with international food options that the city has to offer.