New York City, a melting pot of cultures, boasts an incredible array of Asian cuisine. Beyond the sit-down restaurants, a world of delicious and affordable Asian snacks awaits the adventurous eater. This guide dives into 15 of the best, highlighting diverse flavors and hidden gems across the city. Whether you're craving crispy dumplings or sweet mochi, this list has something for every palate.
Exploring NYC's Diverse Asian Snack Scene
New York's Asian snack scene is incredibly diverse, reflecting the city's vibrant and multifaceted Asian communities. From the bustling street food stalls of Flushing, Queens to the sleek dessert shops of Koreatown, Manhattan, each neighborhood offers a unique culinary experience. This diversity ensures that you'll find something new and exciting to try every time you explore. This list showcases the best of this diversity, covering various Asian cuisines and price points.
Top 15 Asian Snacks You Must Try in NYC
This list isn't ranked in any particular order; each snack deserves its spot as a culinary highlight.
1. Takoyaki (Japan): Fluffy, savory octopus balls.
Find these delicious treats at many Japanese street food vendors and restaurants throughout the city. The perfectly round balls, filled with tender octopus and topped with mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger, offer a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Many variations exist, including cheese and kimchi takoyaki.
- Where to find them: Explore various Japanese restaurants in Midtown, Flushing, or the East Village.
2. Egg Waffles (Hong Kong): Crispy, golden-brown waffles.
These iconic Hong Kong egg waffles are a delightful sweet treat. Their airy, honeycomb-like texture pairs perfectly with a drizzle of honey or condensed milk. You can often find them in various flavors, too, such as chocolate or matcha.
- Where to find them: Look for bubble tea shops and dessert places in Chinatown or Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
3. Jianbing (China): Savory crepe filled with various delights.
Jianbing is a northern Chinese street food classic. It’s a thin crepe made from batter, often featuring eggs, scallions, youtiao (fried dough), and various sauces. It’s a savory and satisfying breakfast or snack, offering a great balance of flavors and textures.
- Where to find them: Flushing, Queens, is a great place to find authentic jianbing.
4. Mango Sticky Rice (Thailand): Sweet, creamy, and irresistible.
This iconic Thai dessert is a must-try. Sweet sticky rice, topped with fresh, ripe mango slices and a rich coconut milk sauce, it's a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The contrast between the chewy rice and juicy mango is simply divine.
- Where to find them: Many Thai restaurants across the city offer this dessert, often on their lunch specials.
5. Mochi (Japan): Chewy rice cakes in many flavors.
Mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake, comes in countless variations. From classic sweet flavors like red bean paste to more modern options like green tea and strawberry, there's a mochi for every taste. The unique, chewy texture is incredibly satisfying.
- Where to find them: Japanese supermarkets and bakeries throughout the city offer a vast selection.
6. Banh Mi (Vietnam): Savory baguette sandwich.
The banh mi is a Vietnamese culinary masterpiece. A crusty baguette filled with marinated meats (often pork or chicken), pickled vegetables, cilantro, and various sauces, it’s a delicious and satisfying snack (or meal!). The combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors is exceptional.
- Where to find them: Little Saigon in Brooklyn is a great place to find authentic banh mi.
7. Korean Corn Dogs (Korea): Deep-fried corn dogs.
Korean corn dogs have taken the city by storm. These aren't your average corn dogs; they often feature mozzarella cheese inside, a crispy exterior, and various seasonings. They are a unique and delicious snack.
- Where to find them: Explore Koreatown for numerous options.
8. Bubble Tea (Taiwan): Tea with chewy tapioca pearls.
Bubble tea, or boba, is a Taiwanese classic. This refreshing drink combines tea with chewy tapioca pearls (boba) and various flavorings. It's a perfect refreshment on a hot day.
- Where to find them: Bubble tea shops are ubiquitous across the city.
9. Spring Rolls (Various): Fresh or fried, a versatile snack.
Spring rolls are a ubiquitous snack throughout Asia, and NYC offers a wide variety. From fresh Vietnamese spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) to crispy fried Chinese spring rolls, these offer a light and flavorful snack.
- Where to find them: Many Asian restaurants offer various types of spring rolls.
10. Dim Sum (China): Small plates of various delicacies.
Dim sum is a Cantonese culinary tradition, offering a variety of small, bite-sized dishes. From steamed dumplings to savory pastries, dim sum is a delicious and interactive dining experience.
- Where to find them: Chinatown and Flushing offer many excellent dim sum restaurants.
11. Street Noodles (Various): Quick, tasty, and affordable.
Noodles are a staple across Asia, and NYC’s street food scene offers many variations. From spicy Sichuan noodles to savory ramen, these offer a quick and tasty snack or meal.
- Where to find them: Flushing offers a wide array of noodle options.
12. Taiyaki (Japan): Fish-shaped waffles.
Taiyaki are fish-shaped waffles, often filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. The unique shape and sweet filling make them a fun and delicious treat.
- Where to find them: Japanese bakeries and dessert shops throughout the city offer taiyaki.
13. Dorayaki (Japan): Sweet pancakes with filling.
Dorayaki are two small pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. They are a simple but delicious treat, perfect for a quick snack.
- Where to find them: Japanese supermarkets and bakeries are good places to search.
14. Curry Puffs (Various): Savory pastries filled with curry.
Curry puffs are savory pastries filled with spiced potatoes and vegetables in a flavorful curry sauce. They offer a satisfying, spicy kick.
- Where to find them: Many South Asian restaurants and bakeries will offer them.
15. Onigiri (Japan): Rice balls.
Onigiri, rice balls often wrapped in seaweed, are a simple and versatile snack. They are often filled with savory ingredients like pickled plums or tuna. They're perfect for a quick and easy meal.
- Where to find them: Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores offer a good selection.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Asian Snack Adventure!
New York City's Asian snack scene is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. This list is just a starting point – many more amazing snacks are waiting to be discovered. So, grab your friends, explore different neighborhoods, and prepare for a delicious journey through the diverse and exciting world of Asian snacks in NYC!
