Have you ever returned from a trip with a drawer full of dust-collecting trinkets? Keychains that don’t fit any keys, snow globes that leak, t-shirts that shrink after one wash. We’ve all been there. But what if your souvenirs could be delicious? New York City, a global culinary powerhouse, offers a plethora of edible treasures just begging to be packed in your suitcase. Forget the generic “I <3 NY" mug – bring home the taste of the Big Apple with these unique and satisfying NYC food souvenirs.
This isn’t just about finding something to fill your tummy. It’s about capturing the essence of a city through its flavors, sharing the excitement of discovery with loved ones, and prolonging the vacation buzz long after you’ve unpacked. From iconic baked goods to savory spices, this guide will lead you to the best NYC food souvenirs that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and evoke memories of your New York adventure. Get ready to trade those forgettable trinkets for delectable treats!
Iconic NYC Treats – The Classic Souvenirs
New York City boasts some truly iconic eats, and some are relatively easy to transport, making them excellent NYC food souvenirs. These aren’t just food; they’re symbols of the city.
Bagels and Schmear (Cream Cheese)
Is there anything more quintessentially New York than a bagel piled high with cream cheese? The satisfying chewiness of a perfectly baked bagel, the creamy tang of the schmear – it’s a breakfast ritual woven into the fabric of the city. To bring this experience home, your first step is to locate the perfect bagel. Ess-a-Bagel, Murray’s Bagels, and Absolute Bagels are perennial favorites, consistently topping “best of” lists. Their bagels are kettle-boiled and baked to golden perfection, offering that desirable combination of a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
So, how do you transport these doughy delights? The key is to freeze them. Bagels freeze incredibly well. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for several months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight or pop them in the toaster.
As for the schmear, selecting the right cream cheese is crucial. You can often buy tubs of cream cheese directly from the bagel shop, which is the easiest route. For adventurous palates, consider trying flavored cream cheeses like scallion, vegetable, or lox. If you’re buying cream cheese separately, Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the classic choice, but many smaller creameries offer exceptional artisan cream cheeses with unique flavor profiles. Pack the cream cheese in a well-sealed container and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to transport it. Use ice packs to keep it cold during travel.
Black and White Cookies
The black and white cookie: a deceptively simple treat that holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of New Yorkers. The soft, cakey base, topped with contrasting layers of vanilla and chocolate icing, represents a perfect balance of flavors. These cookies are more than just a sweet snack; they’re a symbol of unity and harmony, a sentiment deeply rooted in New York’s diverse cultural landscape.
To find the best black and white cookies, venture beyond the tourist traps and seek out traditional Jewish bakeries and old-school delis. These establishments often bake their black and whites fresh daily, using time-honored recipes. Look for cookies that are soft and moist, with a generous layer of icing that cracks slightly when you bite into it.
To maintain their freshness during travel, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can dry them out. If you’re traveling a long distance, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between each cookie to prevent the icing from sticking together.
New York Style Pizza Sauce
Replicating the flavor of New York Style pizza at home begins with the sauce. The perfect NY pizza sauce is a blend of sweetness, acidity, and herbaceousness. The tomato flavor should be bright and vibrant, not muddied by excessive spices or sweeteners.
While it’s challenging to perfectly replicate a New York pizza oven in your kitchen, starting with a good sauce is half the battle. Many Italian delis and specialty food stores in NYC sell their own homemade pizza sauce, often in jars or cans. Look for sauces that are made with San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity. Brands like Cento and Mutti offer excellent San Marzano tomatoes and sauces that are readily available. Another option is to make your own using this key NYC food souvenir – the San Marzano tomato.
When transporting the sauce, ensure that the jar or can is tightly sealed and packed securely to prevent leaks. Consider wrapping it in bubble wrap or placing it in a sealed plastic bag.
Sweet Sensations – Perfect for Gifting (or Keeping!)
For those with a sweet tooth, New York City offers a dazzling array of delectable treats that make ideal gifts (or personal indulgences). These NYC food souvenirs are sure to impress.
Gourmet Chocolates & Candies
New York is a paradise for chocolate lovers. From artisanal truffles to decadent bars, the city boasts a wealth of chocolatiers who are masters of their craft. Jacques Torres Chocolate, with its several locations throughout the city, is a must-visit for any chocolate aficionado. Their hot chocolate is legendary, and their selection of truffles and bonbons is simply irresistible. Li-Lac Chocolates, Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, offers a taste of old-world charm with its classic recipes and handcrafted chocolates.
When selecting chocolates as NYC food souvenirs, consider opting for boxed assortments that offer a variety of flavors and textures. This allows the recipient to sample a range of different chocolates and find their personal favorites. Look for chocolates that are made with high-quality ingredients and that are beautifully packaged.
Artisanal Cookies & Brownies
While Levain Bakery’s oversized cookies have become incredibly popular (and potentially overdone as a souvenir suggestion), there are still plenty of other exceptional bakeries in NYC that offer unique and delicious cookies and brownies. Look for smaller, independent bakeries that focus on quality ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Many bakeries offer shipping, making it easy to send these treats directly to your loved ones. When buying to transport, check how sturdy the packaging is before buying.
Cheesecake
The New York-style cheesecake is an institution. Dense, creamy, and intensely flavored, it’s a far cry from the lighter, fluffier versions found elsewhere. Junior’s Restaurant, with its iconic location in Brooklyn, is arguably the most famous purveyor of New York cheesecake. Their cheesecakes are legendary for their rich, tangy flavor and their perfectly smooth texture.
While transporting a whole cheesecake can be challenging, it’s not impossible. Junior’s, fortunately, ships their cheesecakes nationwide. If you’re determined to bring one home yourself, consider purchasing a smaller cheesecake or individual slices. Pack it carefully in an insulated cooler with ice packs to keep it cold during travel. Be aware that this is a perishable item, so it’s best suited for shorter trips.
Savory Bites – For the Discerning Palate
New York’s culinary scene extends far beyond sweets. For those who prefer savory flavors, there are plenty of NYC food souvenirs to choose from.
Spices & Seasonings
Kalustyan’s, a spice emporium in Curry Hill, is a sensory overload in the best possible way. This family-owned business boasts an unparalleled selection of spices, herbs, and seasonings from around the world. You can find everything from rare and exotic spices to classic blends and pantry staples. Look for unique spice blends inspired by New York’s diverse culinary traditions, such as a “Little Italy” herb blend or a “Chinatown” five-spice powder. These spice can make great NYC food souvenirs that you can bring back with you.
Pickles and Preserves
Pickles are an integral part of New York’s culinary heritage. From the classic dill pickle to the spicy pickled green tomatoes, these tangy treats have been a staple of New York delis for generations. Shops like The Pickle Guys on the Lower East Side offers a dizzying array of pickled vegetables, each bursting with flavor.
Consider purchasing a jar of assorted pickles or a selection of unique pickled vegetables as a NYC food souvenir. These make a great addition to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards.
Hot Sauce
The heat is on, and New York’s hot sauce scene is sizzling. Craft hot sauce makers are popping up all over the city, creating unique and flavorful sauces that cater to a wide range of spice preferences. Look for hot sauces that are made with locally sourced ingredients and that showcase unique flavor combinations.
Drinks – Beverages to Bring Home
Don’t forget to bring home some of New York’s signature beverages.
Coffee Beans
New York is a city that runs on coffee, and there are plenty of excellent coffee roasters to choose from. Consider purchasing a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans from a local roaster as a NYC food souvenir. This allows you to recreate the perfect New York cup of coffee in your own kitchen.
Craft Beer
New York’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with breweries popping up in every borough. Many brewers now offer limited-edition beers or themed seltzers that highlight the city’s unique character. Check out breweries that will can or seal up crowlers.
Where to Find These Treasures
Finding these NYC food souvenirs requires a little exploration, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Markets
Chelsea Market, with its eclectic mix of food vendors, is a great place to sample a variety of different NYC food souvenirs under one roof. Eataly, the Italian food mecca, offers a wide selection of Italian delicacies, from pasta and sauces to cheeses and cured meats. Smorgasburg (seasonal) is a massive outdoor food market that takes place on weekends in Brooklyn, showcasing a dizzying array of street food vendors.
Specialty Food Stores
Venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths and explore the specialty food stores in different neighborhoods. Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is known as “Little Italy” and is home to a wealth of Italian delis, bakeries, and pasta shops. Chinatown is a treasure trove of Asian ingredients and delicacies.
Online Options
Many bakeries and food businesses in NYC now offer online ordering and shipping, making it easy to send NYC food souvenirs directly to your loved ones.
Tips for Buying and Transporting Food Souvenirs
Before you start packing your suitcase with NYC food souvenirs, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the expiration dates on all food items.
- Pack fragile items carefully in bubble wrap or other protective materials.
- Use insulated bags or coolers to keep perishable items cold during travel.
- Be mindful of TSA regulations regarding liquids and gels.
- Consider the recipient’s preferences and dietary restrictions when selecting gifts.
Conclusion
New York City is a culinary playground, offering a seemingly endless array of delicious treats that are perfect for bringing home as souvenirs. From iconic bagels and black and white cookies to gourmet chocolates and savory spices, there’s something for every palate. By choosing NYC food souvenirs, you’re not just buying a trinket; you’re capturing the essence of the city and sharing a taste of the Big Apple with your loved ones. So, ditch the generic souvenirs and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and evoke memories of your New York experience long after you’ve returned home. Go forth and explore the delicious landscape of NYC food souvenirs! What will you bring home to share?
