20 Things You Need To Eat Before You Die

Katherine Ripley • August 25, 2015

This is the definitive list of all the foods in NYC you need to eat at some point in your lifetime. Pay close attention and try not to drool while reading this.

1. Pastrami sandwich from Katz

Katz’s pastrami is world famous, and there is always a line out the door so bring your appetite and your patience.

2. Hotdog from Crif Dogs

Crif Dogs was number one on our list of the best hotdogs in the city. You can order anything on the menu to check off this item, but we recommend the bacon-wrapped Chihuahua.

3. Bagel from Absolute Bagels

Absolute was our number one pick for the best bagels in NYC. Bagels are a staple in this city and you really can’t get good ones anywhere else in the world.

4. Doughnut from Dough

Another one of our winners, from the best doughnut list. It’s a craze that’s sweeping the city.

5. Grilled cheese from the Morris Truck

The Morris Truck made our list of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the city. It’s on this list because food trucks are a staple of NYC.

6. Pizza from Roberta’s

The experts have weighed in, and Roberta’s officially makes the best pie in the city. Get a slice to make your life complete.

7. Fresh baked loaf from Amy’s Bread

You probably won’t just eat a loaf of bread by yourself in one sitting. But come into Amy’s bread and choose a loaf, take it home and make sandwiches with it.

8. Shredded pork taco from Taco Mix

New York classic. #FEASTAGRAM

A post shared by First We Feast (@firstwefeast) on Sep 12, 2015 at 2:03pm PDT

Taco Mix was number one of our list of the best tacos in the city. Not only is it delicious, but it cooks right in the window for all passers-by to see.

9. Cupcake from Two Little Red Hens

Two Little Red Hens was on our best bakery list, and we’ve put them here to highlight their delicious cupcakes. You could definitely get a cake and it would still count, but a cupcake is acceptable to eat by yourself.

10. Black Label Burger from Minetta Tavern

This was on our best burgers list, and we’ve put it here because it’s the perfect balance between classic and adventurous.

11. Crepe from Crepe Sucre

Crepe Sucre was number one on our best crepes list, and it’s on this list to satisfy the current crepe craze.

12. Ice cream rolls from 10 Below Ice Cream

This creation is actually a Thai street food which has been brought to NYC—the perfect treat for the August heat.

13. Soft pretzel from Sigmund Pretzel Shop

Soft pretzels are quintessential NYC. You never really know what you’re going to get from a pretzel cart, but at Sigmund Pretzel Shop you know you’ll get the best.

14. Chicken and waffle Benedict at The Derby

We included this one in our list of the best hangover foods. We had to list it again here because it’s one of the ways New York surprises us. You’d expect to find this dish in the south, but NYC is killing it.

15. Chocolate Chip Cookie from Levain Bakery

This was also on our best bakeries list, and pretty much everyone agrees that Levain Bakery makes the best cookie in the city.

16. Roasted Duck from Peking Duck House

If you want some delicious Chinese food, this is the dish you need to eat.

17. Sushi burrito from Uma Temakeria

It’s a creation that makes so much sense you wonder why no one thought of it sooner.

18. Cannoli from La Guli

It wouldn’t be New York without a good cannoli. And La Guli makes the best.

19. Bacon egg and cheese from Murray’s Cheese

It’s really all about the cheese at Murray’s, but they make a good breakfast sandwich on an English muffin.

20. Ramen from Ivan Ramen

This ramen made by a Long Island Jew (weird). But who cares because it’s world famous and rightly so.

There you have it. If you eat every one of these things, you can die happy.

Cover photo credit: The Alternative Food Blog

Tags: Food