After a seriously never-ending winter, it’s finally time to start plotting your summer food escapades. From the jam-packed offerings at perennial fave Smorgasburg to the brand-new subterranean stalls at Mercado Little Spain, this season’s best eats include everything from loaded sandwiches to refreshing ice pops. Bring an appetite for this epic tour of NYC’s best new market bites.
10 New (and Amazing) Things You Need to Eat at NYC Food Markets This Summer
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Published May 13, 2019
Courtesy of Eataly USA
Pizza By The Slice At Alla Pala Pizza & Enoteca
Roman-style pizza is having a moment right now, and there’s probably no more authentic place to try it (this side of the Atlantic, anyway) than this newest counter in Eataly’s Flatiron location. What makes this slice superior? The dough is fermented for 12 to 14 hours, resulting in a crust that’s simultaneously crunchy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. Grab a Margherita slice to go or eat at the counter, where you can pair your pie with a glass of Italian vino.
Where to find it: Eataly NYC Flatiron
Courtesy of the Better Pop
Kombucha Ice Pops At The Better Pop
We’ve reached peak 2019: frozen treats laced with kombucha. But the offerings at the Better Pop aren’t just a healthy take on a summertime staple; they’re delicious in their own right. Flavors like blueberry, strawberry and piña colada are all made with just fruit and kombucha—no added sugar—plus, the quirky grid-like shape makes sharing that much easier. Hypothetically.
Where to find it: Smorgasburg
Courtesy of Brooklyn Hummus
Chalva Parfait At Brooklyn Hummus
Your summer eating agenda wouldn’t be complete without an ice-cream sundae, and one of the most unique takes can be found at one of DeKalb Market Hall’s new vendors. Brooklyn Hummus may be known more for its savory dishes, but don’t sleep on its desserts. This parfait, flavored with nutty, tahini-based chalva (or halvah), is topped with crunchy pecans and rich silan, a Middle Eastern date syrup.
Where to find it: DeKalb Market Hall
Liz Clayman
Churros At The Churros Kiosk
One of spring’s most anticipated openings was famed chef José Andrés’s Spanish food hall, Mercado Little Spain, located inside the gigantic new Hudson Yards mall. While no one would blame you for taking a whole day to sample all the offerings, popping in to grab a sweet treat is a good start. The churros here are satisfyingly crispy and served with a decadent chocolate dipping sauce.
Where to find it: Mercado Little Spain
Courtesy of Fluffy’s NYC
Soufflé Pancakes At Fluffy’s Nyc
A contender for this year’s most Instagrammable dish, these unbelievably tall and fluffy pancakes are inspired by similar versions found in Japan. Try the original “fluffies,” a double stack with butter and maple syrup, or go all in with the crème brûlée version, which is torched to order.
Where to find it: Smorgasburg
Courtesy of Kanin NYC
Halo-halo At Kanin Nyc
It’s no surprise that Filipino desserts are some of the most refreshing summer treats; after all, Filipinos know a thing or two about sweltering heat. One of the most famous is the shaved ice drink halo-halo. Kanin NYC’s standout version is made with milk, ube (sweet purple yam), creamy leche flan, sweetened beans and fruit.
Where to find it: Queens Night Market
Courtesy of Muzzles
Dumpling Sandwich At Muzzles
What’s better than a dumpling? One that’s been rolled in butter, stuffed inside a soft pretzel roll and topped generously with sweet caramelized onions. Such is the concept of a maulstasche, a sandwich originally found in southern Germany, but now thankfully available at new Smorgasburg vendor Muzzles.
Where to find it: Smorgasburg
Liz Clayman
Patatas Bravas At The Bravas Kiosk
Tater tots have nothing on patatas bravas, the Spanish-style fried potatoes often served at tapas bars. At this kiosk, gobble them up plain or slather them with traditional spicy tomato sauce and creamy aioli.
Where to find it: Mercado Little Spain
Courtesy of the Pizza Cupcake
Pizza Cupcakes At The Pizza Cupcake
Is it actually possible to improve upon the already-perfect pizza? It might be, when you make itin cupcake form and stuff it full of melty mozzarella. This new vendor at Smorgasburg is serving two-bite pizzas in traditional flavors like Margherita, pepperoni and zucchini.
Where to find it: Smorgasburg
Courtesy of Wowfulls
Gai Dàn Jai At Wowfulls
These treats—better known as egg or bubble waffles—are extra in the most delightful way. They start with a base of indulgent flavored waffles like chocolate, coconut, red velvet or matcha, then get loaded up with ice cream and a variety of sauces and toppings. (Maybe don’t tell your dentist about this one.)
Where to find it: Urbanspace Makers Market