Famous NYC Bites That Made Culinary History
New York has never been shy about rewriting the rules. In a city that’s equal parts culture and innovation, it’s no wonder so many trends are born here. And for a place that loves its cuisine, it’s no surprise this is the birthplace of the Cronut, the Ramen Burger, and Cereal Milk — each of these creations began as a chef’s experiment and quickly became a cultural icon through the NYC food scene. Some even went viral overnight, drawing lines down the block and imitators across the globe. Others simply cemented themselves as modern classics — the kind of thing you tell out-of-towners they have to try. In celebration of NYC’s edible creativity, we’ve compiled a list of our personal faves.
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Milk Bar’s Cereal Milk
Christina Tosi’s now-iconic Cereal Milk started as an experiment in 2006, when she was tasked with creating desserts for David Chang’s Momofuku. Inspired by the flavors at the bottom of a childhood cereal bowl, she steeped toasted cornflakes in milk, added brown sugar and salt—and suddenly had a flavor that felt both nostalgic and subversive. It first appeared in a panna cotta before finding its way into cookie recipes, lattes, cocktails, and—our favorite—soft serve ice cream at Momofuku Milk Bar. Though Milk Bar and Momofuku have since split, you can still find this cherished NYC creation at any of the Milk Bar locations around the city.
Milk Bar Mini, 246 Mott St; (646) 896-1612
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Dominique Ansel’s Cronut
When Dominique Ansel debuted the Cronut in 2013—a croissant-donut hybrid that can take up to three days to make (and less than five minutes to sell out)—it instantly became a cultural phenomenon, earning a spot on Timemagazine’s list of best inventions of the year. The donut-shaped, deep-fried croissant is topped with powdered sugar and sometimes filled with cream. Variations of this delectable creation abound—from Earl Grey to Apple & Crème Brûlée—with lines around the block no matter the flavor of the month. But don’t expect to find the Cronut at Papa d’Amour, Ansel’s newest Greenwich Village spot. He’s described his new venture as “a fusion between French pastries and Asian bread culture.” But knowing Ansel, this new chapter will surely come with creations we can’t wait to try.
Dominique Ansel Bakery, 189 Spring St; (212) 219-2773
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Smorgasburg’s Ramen Burger
It’s no wonder some have called Keizo Shimamoto “the King of Ramen.” After years of obsessively eating, studying, and cooking ramen in both Japan and the U.S.—including a stretch where he supposedly consumed 600 bowls in a single year—Shimamoto landed in New York with a wild idea. In 2013 at Smorgasburg, he debuted the Ramen Burger: a juicy beef patty tucked between sesame-seared ramen “buns” and finished with arugula and scallions. Crispy on the outside and chewy within, it was unlike anything else on the market—going viral overnight. The $8 burger became a sensation, spawning copycats worldwide and cementing Shimamoto’s cult status. Though his beloved Ramen Shack in Queens closed in 2019, his ramen burger remains one of the most iconic food mashups New York has ever produced.
Smorgasburg, 185 Greenwich St
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Lafayette Bakery’s Supreme Croissant
If you love the Cronut, you’ll love the Supreme. This spiraled, cream-filled croissant at Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery became a viral pastry obsession when it debuted in 2022—racking up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. Dropping three times daily—at 8 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m.—lines formed around the block long before each release. The flaky, glazed pastry is offered in rotating flavors like pistachio and rose berry spritz—and, believe us, it’s well worth the hype.
Lafayette Grand Cafe & Bakery, 380 Lafayette St; (646) 896-1612
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Win Son’s Scallion Pancake BEC
Win Son’s Scallion Pancake BEC was born from the desire to serve an American-style bacon, egg, and cheese in a uniquely Taiwanese way. The result is one of NYC’s most unforgettable breakfast sandwiches: heritage bacon and melty Reading Raclette folded into a perfectly greasy, griddled pancake wrap. It’s dense, chewy, and wildly satisfying—especially with a swipe of ginger mayo if you’re feeling adventurous. Mortadella or milk bun versions round out the menu—but it’s that scallion pancake classic that made Win Son a breakfast icon.
Win Son Bakery, 23 2nd Ave; (646) 869-0150
WORDS Hillary Sproul
PHOTOGRAPHY amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash