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The Best of New York · Eat · Cheap eats

The best food carts in New York City

Updated September 2026. 14 places.

In New York City street food is a part of the daily routine for millions of locals. It’s what keeps the city running, and with such great variety street food vendors have also become a point of attraction for tourists.

In a city full of $5 tacos, Tacos El Bronco is a bargain at $3 a pop. However don’t assume the low price tag means a dip in quality; the veal head, tongue and tripe are all cooked to a tender, juicy consistency.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best food carts in New York City, 2026

  1. Adel’s Famous Halal FoodOther · Midtown ManhattanEven then I never debated taking it off the list, it’s just that good.
  2. Birria-LandiaOther · Jackson Heights, QueensIt seems like just yesterday that birria took the internet by storm, now the tender meat dish is found at most Mexican food carts in New York City.
  3. Canaima Food TruckOther · Williamsburg, Brooklyn
  4. Gray’s PapayaOther · Upper West Side, ManhattanGray’s Papaya has is not only one of the best street foods in New York City, it’s one of the best cheap eats.
  5. The Halal GuysOther · Midtown ManhattanThe Halal Guys has been bringing New Yorkers together since 1990.
  6. Billy’s Hot Dog CartOther · Upper West Side, ManhattanBilly’s customer service is among the best you’ll find anywhere in Manhattan, and the hot dogs are tasty and fairly priced.
  7. Cheong Fun CartOther · Chinatown, ManhattanChinatown is home to countless tempting street food options, but Cheong Fun Cart manages to stand head and shoulder above the rest.
  8. Home Made Cooking CafeOther · Brighton Beach, BrooklynThe piroshkis are top-notch and inexpensive (last time I was there they cost $2!).
  9. Jamrock JerkOther · Midtown ManhattanJamrock Jerk is the first food truck to (legally) have grills and smokers, so you already know the flavors are going to be off the charts.
  10. Mom’s MomoOther · Jackson Heights, QueensMomos are a type of steamed dumpling that originated in Tibet.
  11. NY DosasOther · Greenwich Village, ManhattanFew food carts in New York City are as famous as NY Dosas.
  12. Tacos El BroncoOther · Sunset Park, BrooklynIn a city full of $5 tacos, Tacos El Bronco is a bargain at $3 a pop.
  13. Tony Dragon’s GrilleOther · Upper East Side, ManhattanBy using free range chicken, USDA choice steak, and wild caught salmon Tony Dragon’s Grille makes plates that are fresh and flavorful.
  14. Uncle Gussy’sOther · East Midtown, ManhattanAnyone who’s worked or lived in East Midtown will likely be familiar with Uncle Gussy’s, one of the oldest food trucks in New York City.

On the map

Where they are

10 neighborhoods, Midtown Manhattan and Jackson Heights, Queens most of all.

Midtown Manhattan

Jackson Heights, Queens

Upper West Side, Manhattan

Brighton Beach, Brooklyn

Chinatown, Manhattan

East Midtown, Manhattan

Greenwich Village, Manhattan

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Upper East Side, Manhattan

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 14 Best Food Carts in New York City (NYC Street Food Guide).