One of the best ways to get a sense of a neighborhood’s identity is through its food. On this comprehensive tour of the tastes of the Lower East Side, you’ll get a true reflection of how its past has influenced its vibrant present. Nowhere is this more visible than through its local dishes.

To begin, step inside one of the Lower East Side’s cultural institutions run by the same family for over 100 years. Katz's Delicatessen serves up classic American breakfast foods and perfecting giant sandwiches since the 1888. Here you'll bite into their signature pastrami with mustard sandwich.
Breakfast foods are an art in New York, so you’ll stop by a Dominican breakfast counter next to get a variety of what’s on offer in the locality.
Then, you're off to a small shop big on passion. A newer addition to the Lower East Side, this is a butcher that focuses on top-to-tail use of the animal and makes their own charcuterie right here in New York!

You’re sure to see many bodegas dotted along corners of New York—a visual reminder of its history brought over by the Jewish community in the early 19th century. You’ll visit a new twist on the classic bodega and sample a modern interpretation of a New York style bagel sure to impress.

With Chinatown right around the corner, it would be impossible to pass by the delicious aromas infusing the streets. That’s why you’ll stop by one of the newer additions to Chinatown and sample some of their specialities such as Fujian peanut butter noodles or thin-skinned pork dumplings.

This stop pays homage to another food brought over by Jewish immigrants that made the Lower East Side their home in late 19th century. Try the delicious family pickle recipe passed down for generations.

For the final stop, you’ll get a taste of some of the Lower East Side’s delicious baked goods. From cinnamon rolls, monster cookies to loaded croissants there’s something for everyone at this spot which eschews a laid back, open vibe. It’s a spot that perfectly encapsulates the modern identity of the Lower East Side.