New York is a state with a rich history, diverse culture, and an incredible must-try cuisines, much of which is multi-ethnic. From the vibrant city of Albany to the charming town of Syracuse, there are plenty of culinary delights visitors can discover. The region boasts an abundance of locally grown produce, fresh seafood, and artisanal products that make for a delightful gastronomic journey. Each dish is unique and flavorful and will give people a true taste of the state's local cuisine.
For foodies who are planning a trip to New York and are ready to go on an unforgettable gastronomic journey, these are the top ten must-try foods in New York. Go a step beyond the top foods in NYC, like pizza and bagels, and try these mouth-watering dishes throughout the state that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Upstate New York is a food lover's paradise, with a wide range of unique and delicious dishes to try. So, pack an appetite and get ready for a gastronomic adventure like no other!
10 Garbage Plate – Rochester
Let's start with a dish that may sound unappetizing but is a beloved staple in Rochester – the Garbage Plate. This hearty dish is a mishmash of home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans, and a choice of meat, topped with mustard, onions, and hot sauce. It's a meal that traditionally caters to hungry travelers and is said to satisfy any cravings.
- Garbage Plate: home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans, and a choice of meat, topped with mustard, onions, and hot sauce
9 Utica Greens – Utica
Utica Greens are a classic dish that originated in Utica and are a must-try for anyone visiting New York. It's a simple but delicious combination of escarole, hot peppers, bread crumbs, and Pecorino Romano cheese, sautéed to perfection. It's a healthy and flavorful dish that travelers won't regret trying.
- Utica Greens: rigatoni pasta, chicken, hot cherry peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce
8 Chicken Riggies – Rome
Another dish originating in upstate New York is Chicken Riggies, a popular pasta dish in Rome, New York. It's made with rigatoni pasta, chicken, hot cherry peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce. It's spicy, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
- Chicken Riggies: rigatoni pasta, chicken, hot cherry peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce
7 Tomato Pie – Schenectady
If visitors are pizza lovers, they won't want to miss Schenectady's Tomato Pie. It's a unique twist on traditional pizza, with a thick, crispy crust and a sweet, tangy tomato sauce. This savory, tomato-based dish is a local favorite that has been enjoyed for generations, and it continues to be a staple of Schenectady's culinary scene. The origins of tomato pie can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants settled in Schenectady and brought with them their love of tomato-based dishes. Over time, tomato pie became a favorite of the local community, and it has remained a beloved dish ever since. It's a perfect snack to grab on the go while exploring the city.
- Tomato Pie: a twist on traditional pizza, a pie consisting of a thick, crispy crust and a sweet, tangy tomato sauce
6 Spiedies – Binghamton
Spiedies are marinated, and grilled cubes of meat usually served on a skewer or a roll. This delicious dish is believed to have originated in Binghamton, and it's a must-try for meat lovers. The meat can be anything from chicken to pork, but the traditional Spiedie is made with lamb. The origins of Spiedies can be traced back to Italian immigrants who settled in Binghamton in the early 20th century. The dish is believed to have originated in the Italian neighborhoods of the city, where families would gather for outdoor barbecues and grill up marinated meats on skewers.
One of the most popular places to try Spiedies in Binghamton is Lupo's S&S Char Pit, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up Spiedies since 1951. The restaurant's secret Spiedie marinade recipe has been passed down through generations and remains a closely guarded secret. Lupo's S&S Char Pit might not be one of America's most romantic restaurants, but it definitely delivers when it comes to flavor.
- Spiedies: marinated and grilled cubes of meat usually served on a skewer or a roll
5 Hoffman Hot Dogs – Syracuse
Hoffman Hot Dogs are a Syracuse institution and have been a local favorite since 1879. They're made with high-quality beef, pork, and veal and are the perfect snack to have while exploring Syracuse. Whether visitors prefer hot dogs with mustard or ketchup, they should make sure to try a Hoffman hot dog on their trip to Syracuse.
- Hoffman Hot Dogs: hot dogs with high-quality beef, pork, and veal
4 Pastrami Sandwich – Albany
Albany is known for its delicious delis, and a classic pastrami sandwich is a must-try. The sandwich consists of thick, juicy pastrami piled high on rye bread, with a dollop of mustard. It's a simple but tasty meal that will leave foodies feeling satisfied.
- Pastrami Sandwich: thick, juicy pastrami piled high on rye bread, with a dollop of mustard
3 Beef On Weck – Buffalo
Buffalo is famous for its spicy wings, but don't forget to try a Beef on Weck sandwich while there. The sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a Kummelweck roll, topped with horseradish and salt. It's a classic dish that can’t be found anywhere else. One of the most famous places to try beef on weck in Buffalo is Charlie the Butcher, a local institution that's been serving up the sandwich since 1915.
At Charlie the Butcher, the roast beef is slow-cooked for hours and sliced thin to create a melt-in-the-mouth texture that's perfectly complemented by the salty, caraway-seed-topped roll. Charlie the Butcher might not be one of New York City's restaurants with the best views, but its location in Buffalo is charming, and as a food outlet, it certainly serves delicious beef on weck that's worth trying!
- Beef on Weck: a sandwich with thinly sliced roast beef served on a Kummelweck roll, topped with horseradish and salt
2 Apple Cider Donuts – Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is known for its apple orchards, and there's no better way to enjoy the fruit than with a fresh apple cider donut. These fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-coated treats are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether a fan of sweet or savory, they won’t disappoint.
One of the top destinations for apple cider donuts in the Hudson Valley is Barton Orchards, a family-owned farm in Poughquag that's been in operation since 1813. At Barton Orchards, people can pick their own apples, enjoy a hayride, and indulge in freshly made apple cider donuts that are crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and bursting with delicious apple flavor.
- Apple Cider Donuts: a cake donut flavored with sweet apple cider and often coated with cinnamon sugar
1 Grape Pie - Finger Lakes
When most people think of grape-related treats, they might imagine grape jelly, grape juice, or perhaps even wine. But in the Finger Lakes region of New York, there's a unique and delicious grape delicacy that's been a local favorite for generations: grape pie. Made with locally grown Concord grapes, the pie is sweet, tangy, and a perfect end to any food journey.
Grape pie is served at several local bakeries throughout the Finger Lakes, including the town of Naples, which has become known as the "grape pie capital" of the world. One of the most popular places to try grape pie is Monica's Pies, a family-owned bakery that has been serving up the dessert since 1983. Grape Pie is so delicious it might deserve a spot on the list of the world's best desserts.
- Grape Pie: a sweet, tangy pie made with Concord grapes