In the city that never sleeps, where the cost of a good meal can be as much as the price of a good hotel room in other cities, eating from street vendors is an inexpensive way to save money while tasting some of the best fare the city offers. Finding the best food truck offerings, however, can be a bit daunting in New York City, as practically every corner offers a variety of cuisines and flavors. To find the best food carts, take a tour or follow the advice of local food truck foodies.
The Urban Oyster Food Cart Tour is approximately two hours long and takes tourists to some of the most famous food carts in Midtown Manhattan. From kati rolls, Jamaican jerk chicken and scrumptious baked goods, tour participants will learn about the daily workings of the food truck business, meet star chefs who left traditional restaurant work to own a food cart and taste the many flavors of street cuisine.
In 2009, food trucks became all the rage in Manhattan; thus, food truck tours, such as the Tasting Tour, feature visits to old standbys as well as culinary newcomers. Tour participants will stop at trucks, such as the Jamaican Dutchy, The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, Muhammed Rahman's Kwik Meal cart, Calexico Carne Asada, the Eggs Travaganza cart and Schnitzel & Things. All of these trucks can be followed on Twitter or have permanent locations.
While not a traditional walking tour, the iconic Tavern on the Green in Manhattan's Central Park is now home to four great food carts, where you can enjoy delicious cuisine while strolling along the Sheep Meadow. On the outdoor terrace, you'll find offerings from Ladle of Love, Pera Mediterranean Brasserie -- the first Turkish Taco Truck in the country, the Rickshaw Dumpling Truck -- a Vendy's Street Food Award Finalist in 2009 -- and Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream.
