Move aside, Michelin-star restaurants and other fancy dining destinations; because food halls in New York City are all the rage right now.

From industrial-looking warehouses to contemporary modern establishments, The Empire State’s food halls are as diverse as its demographics. Food halls are where you can sample a myriad of cuisines at relatively affordable prices.

The success of food halls is a win-win situation for all parties involved. A sense of community is restored, cooks get to showcase their products at a lower cost and patrons can relish in gourmet satisfaction at slashed prices. From Chelsea Market, Gotham West Market to The Plaza Food Hall, here are 8 Food Halls in New Yock City that you must include in your itinerary.

#1 CHELSEA MARKET

Chelsea Market boats more than 35 food vendors and attracts approximately six million visitors each year. From fresh lobsters, baked doughnuts to artisanal meat, you can easily spend half a day here and eat to your heart’s content.

75 9th Ave, New York
NY 10011, USA
Mon to Sat: 7am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 9pm
Tel: +1 212-652-2110
Nearest Station: 14 Street

Source: Pinterest

#2 EATALY

The Eataly Brand can be found across the world, including in the Flat Iron district in the Big Apple. This is the go-to place whenever you need to purchase some specially imported Italian ingredients or indulge in some mouthwatering Italian cuisine.

200 Fifth Avenue, New York
NY 10010, USA
Tel: +1 212-229-2560
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: 23 Street

Source: NY Eater

#3 GANSEVOORT MARKET

The 8000-square-foot Gansevoort Market—located in the meatpacking district—is one of the locals’ favourite dining destinations. The sheer number of food vendors will leave you giddy with glee. Sink your teeth into Burger, Inc. NYC’s tantalising burgers, devour a nourishing bowl of Hawaiian poké from Gotham Poke, savour authentic crêpes from Crêpe Sucre and more!

353 W 14th St, New York
NY 10014, USA
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Tel: +1 646-678-3231
Nearest Station: 14 Street

Source: Yelp

#4 GRAND CENTRAL MARKET

Located in the iconic Grand Central Terminal itself, the Grand Central Market is where you can pick up local produce and a handful of munchies before you board the next train. From the world-famous Magnolia Bakery to everyone’s all-time favourite burger joint Shake Shack, there is indeed magnificent food at every turn.

89 E 42nd St, New York
NY 10017, USA
Tel: +1 212-340-2583
Mon to Fri: 7am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Grand Central Terminal

Source: Bon Appetit

#5 GOTHAM WEST MARKET

Spanning across 10,000 square feet, Gotham West Market features an eclectic mix of shops selling all sorts of food thinkable. From Mexican tacos, Japanese ramen to Spanish tapas, there is definitely something here for everyone.

600 11th Ave, New York
NY 10036, USA
Tel: +1 212-582-7940
Sun to Thu: 7am – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 7am – 12am
Nearest Station: 42nd St-Port Authority

Source: Smorgasburg

#6 SMORGASBURG

Smorgasburg is more of an outdoor market and we absolutely love its laid back vibes. It all started as a humble Brooklyn market, but its popularity grew exponentially and the rest is history. With more than 100 food vendors to visit, this is seriously every glutton’s paradise.

90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
NY 11211, USA
Daily: 6am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Bedford Avenue

Source: NY Daily News

#7 THE PENNSY

The Pennsy is one of New York City’s newest food halls, but the 8,000-square-foot high-end food hall is already winning the hearts of New Yorkers. Look forward to a plethora of gourmet offerings such as meat-centric sandwiches, gluten-free fare and even vegan dishes!

2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York
NY 10121, USA
Tel: +1 917-475-1830
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: 34 Street – Herald Sq

Source: Gowaterside

#8 THE PLAZA FOOD HALL

Located on the concourse level of The Plaza Hotel is a luxurious food hall. Walk around and you will find Lady M Confections, Luke’s Lobster and several other vendors. There is even a caviar boutique where you can indulge in premium fish roe.

1 W 59th St, New York
NY 10019, USA
Tel: +1 212-986-9260
Mon to Sat: 8am – 9.30pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: 5 Avenue

For more recommendations, read our New York’s food & travel guides.

Famous New York eatery Momofuku Ko—one of celebrated restaurateur David Chang’s successful business ventures—has appointed its new chef de cuisine and he is none other than 31-year-old Singaporean Max Ng.

It is important to note that this prestigious appointment is far, far away from an overnight success; Ng worked his way up and accumulated culinary experiences over the past decade.

Source: Zack DeZon

Ng’s relationship with the Momofuku empire started a couple of years ago in Momofuku’s Ssäm Bar, where he commenced his internship. But this opportunity did not just miraculously land on his laps. Ng was a go-getter who embraces the possibility of failures; he showed up at Momofuku Ssäm Bar and asked for a trial. “Even if I was rejected, at least I’d know,” he said.

Scoring a reservation at the 40-seater restaurant is a pretty tough mission due to its overwhelming popularity. Chang’s philosophy is to never forget one’s heritage and diners can look forward to scrumptious Asian-inspired American cuisine.

Ng’s fascination for cooking was sparked during his adolescent days, where he undertook Home Economics lessons for half a year at Temasek Secondary School.

Ng then went on to pursue his cooking aspirations at the Singapore Hotel And Tourism Education Centre (Shatec) and subsequently attended The Culinary Institute of America in The City of Dreams.

Source: Gabriele Stabile

Should the opportunity arise, Ng will not hesitate to introduce kaya to Momofuku Ko’s new menu. The sweet coconut jam is considered a staple in Singapore and Malaysia, but its existence remains relatively unknown in Western metropolis such as New York City.

Will Ng eventually return home and establish his own F&B empire? Maybe. But for now, Ng remains committed to Momofuku Ko and maintaining its consistent top-notch standards. Ng’s hard work has certainly paid off, but we believe this is not the pinnacle of his career because the best is yet to come.

Nevertheless, congratulations Ng! Chasing after one’s ambition is not an easy feat but his remarkable passion and perseverance are indeed commendable and one that Singaporeans should take a leaf from.

Dreams do come true if you believe, and work hard enough.

Momofuku Ko
8 Extra Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
Tel: +1 212-203-8095
Closed on Mondays and Sundays
Tue and Wed: 6pm – 12am
Thu to Sat: 12.30pm – 12am
Nearest Station: 2nd Avenue

Read: 9 Best Lobster Rolls You Must Try in New York.

When we were planning for our trip to the Big Apple, we told ourselves that we would go on a hunt for New York City’s Best Ice Cream and Gelato. For some reason, we look out for ice cream at every city we travel to. It is like an instant mood-lifter, and it makes every trip complete. And we are starting to sound like kids.

But you see, we don’t love ice cream because it is good or right or healthy. We love it precisely because it is not. And with ice cream, there is no such thing as moderation or enough; we just go on and one, one cone after another.

Being at New York City means having access to so many great ice cream and gelato options – from the simplest to the craziest flavours, nothing is gonna stop the New Yorkers from enjoying their cones. And you can too, with our guide to New York City’s Best Ice Cream and Gelato.

#1 BIG GAY ICE CREAM

It is definitely not deliberate that we list Big Gay Ice Cream as the first. Because it might just be the first on our must-eat list when we are at The Big Apple. Big Gay Ice Cream has enjoyed their popularity for years now, but everyone still seems very fascinated with their huge cones. Long queues are an everyday thing at every outlet, but your wait will be paid off with an insane treat.

The highlight at Big Gay Ice Cream is pretty much their huge cones. With a base of vanilla soft serve, the smooth creaminess is complemented with toppings of nuts, marshmallow, cookie crumbs, sea salt, chocolate dips and whatever you fancy. There are prefixed creations for you to pick from, or you can build your own. Whichever way you end up with, that will be your road to happiness.

61 Grove St, New York
NY 10014, United States
Tel: +1 212 414 0222
Sun to Wed: 12pm – 10pm
Thu to Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Christopher St/Sheridan Sq

#2 GROM

Grom should be no stranger if you frequent Italy. The renown brand is top-of-mind for many when gelato is concerned. The stores offers a range of exquisite flavours, from the most basic to elegant creations. And now, Grom has anchored themselves in New York City too. Sitting on Bleecker Street and Broadway, you can find your way to the two outlets for creamy scoops made with the finest ingredients.

233 Bleecker St, New York
NY 10014, United States
Tel: +1 212-206-1738
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 12midnight
Fri & Sat: 11am – 1am
Nearest Station: W 4 St – Washington Sq

#3 MOMOFUKU MILK BAR

Synonymous with the famed Cereal Milk Soft Serve (USD 5 for 4 oz. cup, USD 10 for a pint), Momofuku Milk Bar opened its first humble store in East Village seven years ago and had since amassed a legion following of loyal fans. Today, Momofuku Milk Bar has six stores across New York City.

The Cereal Milk Soft Serve is a soft serve ice cream made with milk, brown sugar, cereal and a sprinkle of salt. Even those without a sweet tooth found themselves irresistibly hooked!

Momofuku Milk Bar
251 E 13th St, New York
Tel: +1 347 577 9504
Daily: 9am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: 3 Av

#4 MORGENSTERN’S FINEST ICE CREAM

It is easy to miss the inconspicuous outlet if you are not paying attention, but look out for their signature blue signage and you are on your way to ice cream heaven. Morgenstern’s is a new American ice cream parlour that are dedicated to serving ice cream in small batches to ensure the texture is precise. The owner insists on staying away from addictives and processed stabilizers; this promises you nothing the freshest scoops.

At USD 4.50 per cup/ cone of single scoop of USD 6.50 for two scoops, the flavours are exciting no less. The Burnt Honey Vanilla was so amazing, but the Salted Pretzel Caramel really left us speechless. Other interesting flavours to look out for include Szechuan Peppercorn Chocolate, Cardamon Lemon Jam and Durian Banana.

2 Rivington St
New York, NY 10002
United States
Tel: +1 212 209 7684
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am to 12midnight
Nearest Station: Bowery

#5 ODDFELLOWS ICE CREAM CO.

OddFello Ice Cream Co. is a humble ice cream shop from Brooklyn which makes small batches of ice cream from scratch. At its East Village shop, there are eight flavours available at one time, and they rotate regularly so that there is always something to look out for.

Some of the exotic flavours include Miso Cherry, Blackpepper Strawberry, Toasted Coconut Milk Chocolate, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

75 E 4th St
New York, NY 10003
United States
Tel: +1 917 475 1812
Mon to Thu: 1pm – 11pm
Fri: 1pm – 12midnight
Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: 2nd Ave

#6 POPBAR

Popbar is everything a hipster popsicle bar should be. We fell head over heels in love with the place, and to simply stare at all the popsicles in the display got us all cheery and excited. So how it works is simple – you pick your desired flavour, then choose to have it naked or dipped. We say naked is not always the best, because the dips at Popbar are aplenty and there are so many ways to dress your popsicle up!

We enjoyed ours with a dip of chocolate, but you can go all out with the crushed nuts too. The combinations are endless, and we could totally see ourselves returning for more on our next trip back to The Big Apple.

5 Carmine St
New York, NY 10014
United States
Tel: +1 212 255 4874
Sun to Wed: 12pm – 11pm
Thu: 12pm – 12midnight
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: W 4 St – Washington Sq

#7 SUNDAES AND CONES

It is evident from the flavours that this place is run by Asians. You see, Thai Milk Tea and Azuki are such atypical Asian flavours, but that does not mean they are any less enticing. Sundaes And Cones live to serve comforting ice cream in familiar flavours; the Asians residing in New York City love the place, and so does the locals. And so do we.

The scoops are generously huge, and we took a while before deciding on the flavours. Strange enough, we actually enjoyed the Lavender the most; it is probably the least typical of Asian flavours. That said, we highly recommend the Black Sesame one too. Don’t forget to go for the peanut-coated cones for an extra kick!

95 E 10th St
New York, NY 10003
United States
Tel: +1 212 979 9398
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Astor Pl

#8 VAN LEEUWEN ARTISAN ICE CREAM

This might just be the most popular ice cream truck in The Big Apple. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream’s trucks are a common sight in the city, and they are on rotational basis. But if you do not fancy the uncertainty and regular changes, visit its brick-and-mortar shop at East Village.

The ice cream here are lighter in texture, and is ideal for people who do not prefer dense ice cream. Flavours include Espresso, Ginger, Strawberry and Mint Chip. The last one is our pick.

48 E 7th St
New York, NY 10003
United States
Tel: +1 718 715 0758
Mon to Fri: 8am – 12midnight
Sat & Sun: 9am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Astor Pl

For more recommendations, read our food & travel guides to New York City.

Momofuku Milk Bar is renowned for their unique desserts, namely cereal milk soft serve, compost cookies and crack pies. Momofuku Milk Bar opened its first humble store in East Village seven years ago and had since amassed a legion following of loyal fans. Today, Momofuku Milk Bar has six stores across New York City and one store in Toronto, Canada.

Expect to see the unexpected at Momofuku Milk Bar. From corn cookies to birthday cake truffles, the interesting menu never fails to excite its customers. The impressive mouthwatering creations are the brainchild of celebrity pastry chef Christina Tosi. You may find her familiar – she is now a judge on Master Chef starring alongside Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot.

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Best-selling confections include Crack Pie (USD 5.50 per slice, USD 44 for entire pie) and Cereal Milk Soft Serve (USD 5 for 4 oz. cup, USD 10 for a pint). The former is a gooey butter cake with toasted oat crust, while the latter is a soft serve ice cream made with milk, brown sugar, cereal and a sprinkle of salt.

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The winning formula of their addictive treats is simple yet genius – salt. Tosi’s personal preference of integrating contrasting flavours for a balance has unintentionally transformed New Yorkers’ notions of confectionary forever. Even those without a sweet tooth found themselves irresistibly hooked!

From Martha Stewart Weddings magazine to even The Tonight Show, Momofuku Milk Bar has made an appearance on almost every press possible. Over the years, word of Momofuku Milk Bar has crossed continents and became a must-eat destination for foodies worldwide. We were not disappointed – Tosi’s marvelous desserts were indeed worthy of its hype!

Momofuku Milk Bar
251 E 13th St, New York
Tel: (347) 577 9504
Daily: 9am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: 3 Av

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc.

Much ado about Lobster Rolls.

Life at The Big Apple revolved largely around the crustacean, and we stuffed ourselves silly with the endless lobster options. While the co-relation between New York City and lobsters is debatable, we would like to think no trip to NYC is complete without having a lobster roll or two. Or three. Or how about every day?

So we did lots of research, asked for recommendations, and spent our weeks trying lobster rolls from every corner of Manhattan. Not quite sick of them yet, and instead, we wished we were residents of NYC so that we could party with lobster rolls more often.

Where do you find New York City’s Best Lobster Rolls, and what are your favourites? Here’s our guide on 9 of the Best Lobster Rolls in New York City.

#1 BURGER & LOBSTER

Fans of Burger & Lobster – the famous Brit restaurant which only serves three items on the menu: Burger, Whole Lobster and Lobster Roll – will be thrilled to know that it has opened its first restaurant in United States. Like its restaurants in U.K., the three items are all served at US$20 each, and even after adding in taxes and tipping, it actually works out to be a lot cheaper than what you would have to pay for in the U.K. (as compared to £20 each).

The beef for the burger is from Nebraska, while the lobsters come from Nova Scotia. At US$20, Burger & Lobster’s Lobster Roll is extremely value-for-money and worth every cent, especially when you compare it to other lobster rolls in New York.

w 10011, 39 W 19th Street
Tel: (646) 833 7532
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: 14 St/East 23St – Broadway

#2 ED’S LOBSTER BAR

Lobster Roll, Lobster Pot Pie, Lobster Ravioli, Steamed Lobster, Grilled Lobster, Broiled Lobster, and Lobster Burger – you name it, Ed’s Lobster Bar has it. It is a lobster heaven. The Grilled Lobster is decent, but the must-try is the Lobster Roll (US$30, varies with market price).

Filled with chunks of lobster flesh, the Lobster Roll is easily the best we’ve had at New York City. Fresh, red meat lightly tossed in mayo and lemon juice, pillowed in a toasted, buttered brioche; the end result is a Lobster Roll so heavenly, it got us slightly obsessed.

222 Lafayette Street, New York
Tel: (212) 343 3236
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Spring St

#3 LUKE’S LOBSTER

There are tons of restaurants that sell lobster rolls in New York City, but Luke’s Lobster has made a name for itself by bringing the best of the Maine Coast to New York City with fresh Maine lobster, crab and shrimp rolls at unbeatable prices.

The Shrimp Roll starts at just US$8, while the Crab Roll is US$13. Unlike most seafood restaurants in the Big Apple which charge over US$30 for a Lobster Roll, Luke’s is selling its Lobster Roll at a jaw-dropping price of only US$16!

93 East 7th Street
Tel: (212) 387 8487
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Astor Place/2 Av

#4 LURE FISHBAR

Said to be a place that celebrities and famous connoisseurs patronize, Lure Fishbar at SoHo indeed has one of the best lobster rolls in New York City. But first, let us warn you about the staff and their snobbish attitude. It is honestly not the nicest place to hang out at – the vibe is so pretentious, with glum-looking staff who are not the most polite.

If you are look beyond that, Lure Fishbar has Lobster Rolls at US$30 per serving that we wolfed down within five minutes. The bread’s nicely toasted and warm on the inside, and the overflowing chunks of lobster flesh are evenly coated with the homemade sauce.

93 E 7th Street, New York
Tel: (212) 387 8487
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Astor Pl

#5 RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND

Just to be clear, Red Hook Lobster Pound is not exactly a hidden secret. If any, it is a popular Brooklyn seafood chain with an outlet in Manhattan, as well as a food truck. Cool, yes?

Its Manhattan outlet is tucked in a small alley off East 1st Street. There are five lobster rolls on the menu – Maine Style (US$16), Tuscan Style (US$16), Connecticut Style (US$16), Lobster BLT (US$18), Bikini Style (US$16) – and every lobster roll comes with 1/4 lb fresh-picked Maine lobster on a grilled, top-split hotdog bun with a Brooklyn Brine Pickle.

Pick the Connecticut Style lobster roll – hot, buttery and very robust. We couldn’t get enough of that one there.

16 Extra Place, New York
Tel: (212) 777-7225
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Broadway – Lafayette St/2 Av

#6 THE LOBSTER PLACE (CULL & PISTOL)

At US$16.95, the Lobster Roll from The Lobster Place at Chelsea Market represents superb value. Sure, it is not the fanciest, but it works great as a fuss-free meal and if you need to grab a lunch on the go. This is for takeaway, but you can sit at the few tables at the entrance of The Lobster Place.

For a proper sit-down meal, you can head next door to Cull & Pistol which shares the same kitchen. The Maine Style Lobster Roll (US$25) and Connecticut Style Lobster Roll (US$25) are served with fries on the side.

The Lobster Place opens from 9.30am, but the lobster roll kiosk only starts operating from 11am onwards.

Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave
New York
Tel: (212) 255-5672
Mon to Sat: 9.30am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: 14 St

#7 MARY’S FISH CAMP

This tiny seafood restaurant in West Village is always packed for a reason – it dishes out well-cooked New England fish shack-style seafood. The much-lauded Lobster Roll (US$32, varies with Market Price), with huge chunks of lobster meat served in a delicious roll, also lived up to the hype.

The serving is not exactly the most generous, but we would say you are paying for the supreme quality. Here, you get an honest roll that is as simple as it can get – the freshness of the crustacean flaunts its natural sweetness, and the brioche is soft and warm. We wish it was slightly more buttered, though.

64 Charles Street, New York
Tel: (646) 486 2185
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Christopher St – Sheridan Sq

#8 PEARL OYSTER BAR

Sitting within West Village, Pearl Lobster Bar is a beautiful outlet with a minimalist interior. The menu is concise, with a large emphasis on oysters. They are also widely recognized for their Lobster Roll (US$29).

Sure, the serving is a generous one, and the shoestring fries are goddamn awesome. But we thought the lobster’s sweetness was overpowered by the mayo. It is still a pretty decent lobster roll, though. The bun’s alright, but we would prefer them go easy on the sauce to let the lobster’s freshness shine on its own.

18 Cornelia Street, New York
Tel: (212) 691 8211
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: W 4 St

#9 URBAN LOBSTER SHACK

Urban Lobster Shack is red and iconic, and is very much welcomed by executives and people who want a fuss-free lunch to go. It is not hard to love them – lobster rolls are pleasantly affordable at US$13 for the classic serving, and you have the option of topping up for soup and chips and other combos.

There are also several lobster options, like the BLT sandwich and grilled lobster. But we stood at Wall Street to observe, and everyone in the long queue simply went for the classic Lobster Roll. So, Lobster Roll it shall be for you too.

15 Stone St # 1, New York
(Location changes every day)
Tel: (212) 809 2626
Nearest Station: Whitehall St

We’ve been on a mission to try the best lobster rolls in New York City over the past week, and our latest discovery is Red Hook Lobster Pound. Just to be clear, Red Hook Lobster Pound is not exactly a hidden secret. If any, it is a popular Brooklyn seafood chain with an outlet in Manhattan, as well as a food truck. Cool, yes?

Its Manhattan outlet is tucked in a small alley off East 1st Street. There are five lobster rolls on the menu – Maine Style (US$16), Tuscan Style (US$16), Connecticut Style (US$16), Lobster BLT (US$18), Bikini Style (US$16) – and every lobster roll comes with 1/4 lb fresh-picked Maine lobster on a grilled, top-split hotdog bun with a Brooklyn Brine Pickle.

The Maine Style Lobster Roll was lightly tossed with homemade mayo, but we preferred the hot and buttery Connecticut Style Lobster Roll, which was served warm with butter and lemon.

Lobster rolls aside, you can also find other lobster dishes such as Lobster Mac & Cheese (US$12), Lobster Caprese Salad (US$13), Lobster Elote (US$13).

If you go to its original store in Brooklyn, you can enjoy a full lobster dinner menu with more options, and that includes Lobster Cheese Fries (US$15), Lobster Rolls (S$20), Steamed 1lb Lobster (market price).

And the ultimate question – Luke’s Lobster or Red Hook Lobster Pound? We love that Luke’s Lobster is very focused and serves only three different rolls on the menu. Red Hook Lobster Pound, on the other hand, is somewhat like a more affordable version of Ed’s Lobster Bar, offering a variety of lobster dishes.

Either way, New Yorkers are very lucky to have both Luke’s Lobster and Red Hook Lobster Pound in the city. If we were living in the Big Apple, we’d be frequenting both outlets every week.

Red Hook Lobster Pound
16 Extra Place, New York
Sun: 12pm – 8pm
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 9pm
Sat: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: 2 Av

Morning walks in SoHo, Manhattan saw us combing the streets to feed our perpetual hunger for beautiful cafes and coffee places, and one of those finds include this gem of a place called Maman.

Slightly off the beaten tracks of SoHo, Maman is a coffee, bakery and lunch outlet – or what we would like to think of as one of our favourite finds in Mahattan.

There is something about florals and French jazz that gets our hearts. This rustic bakery is every bit visually arresting. The space is lavishly filled with fresh blooms in whites and purples, like a garden that Audrey Hepburn would be seen having cakes at.

The aroma of fresh bake perfumes the place daily, and French jazz tracks are on the loop. Bakers are hard at work, and diners start their days with gorgeous house bakes and coffee; Maman is an artisanal breakfast spot, indeed.

But actually, we would say to ditch the coffee and go for the Lavender Hot Chocolate (US$4 for small, US$4.90 for large). Infused with fresh lavender, this sweet drink is brilliantly fragrant and completely addictive. It was the best that we ever had, and we couldn’t help but to get a second helping.

Maman bakes lovely pound cakes, and the one to try is most definitely the Lavender Blueberry Pound Cake (US$3.50). Lightly sweet and as au naturel as it can get, this had us change our minds about pound cakes being dry and boring.

There is also a range of quiches daily, and they are US$6.53 for a huge slice. You can have your regular croissants (US$3.50) too. If you need something more wholesome, why not pick the Egg Salad Sandwich (US$6)? We love how it is not just your typical egg mayo sandwich, but one with avocado and dill.

Did we also mention that Maman has a merchandise corner where you can pick up healthy chips, preserves and baking needs too?

Maman
239 Centre Street, New York
Tel: +01 (212) 226 0770
Mon to Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat: 8am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Canal Street/Spring Street

If you’re planning a trip to The Big Apple and you’re strapped for time, here are our top five neighborhoods in Manhattan, New York City worth your time of day, as well as a list of hotspots you won’t want to miss.

C H E L S E A

A lesser-known neighborhood (to the naked eye), Chelsea has one of the most vibrant gay scenes in Manhattan, albeit more commercialized over the years. Despite that, there are still noteworthy restaurants and watering holes, and sprawling flea markets where one can score antiques and vintage pieces.

A premier contemporary art district, Chelsea showcases some of the most edgy yet increasingly blue chip galleries like David Zwirner, Gargosian Gallery, Gladstone Gallery, Haunch of Venison, Petzel Gallery, as well as the recent addition of the High Line—a resurrected green space that offers walkers a bird’s eye view of the bustling neighborhood (one of Manhattan’s most popular destinations).

One of the best pizzerias in New York City is Grimaldi’s (it’s even got the thumbs up by Zagat) at Limelight Marketplace. The best part is its 24/7 call ahead for pick up that eliminates waiting in line. For something a little more opulent, head over to The Nomad for decadent classics like foie gras torchon, and roast chicken (stuffed with foie gras and black truffle).

E A S T  V I L L A G E

The East Village is best known for two things: drinking, and shopping—vintage shopping, to be more precise. One of the best neighborhoods to score some pretty great buys—we’re talking good-as-new Salvatore Ferragamo belts from as low as US$90—the East Village is a paradise for vintage lovers. Our favorite stores for high-end and luxury brands include Amarcord Vintage Fashion (of which said belts were purchased), Buffalo Exchange, Eleven Consignment Boutique, Screaming Mimis and Tokio 7.

Now that we’ve gotten shopping out of the way, let’s get on the alcohol wagon. Home to the highest number of bars in the city (if not in the world), this ‘hood boasts three cocktail bars that made it to The World’s 50 Best Bars 2013: PDT (Please Don’t Tell; #13), Death & Co. (#21), and Pouring Ribbons (#44).

Top of our list cocktails at PDT include an old-fashioned made from bacon-infused bourbon and maple syrup, as well as an aptly named Sazerac: Staggerac, of 140-proof bourbon and absinthe. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out Yellow King at Pouring Ribbons—a gin and mezcal cocktail that includes yellow pepper thyme syrup.

S O H O

Named after the South of Houston Street in London, SoHo back in the 20th century used to be a neglected slum of manufacturers and wholesalers, followed by galleries (due to the widespread availability of artists’ lofts and architectural buildings)—eventually turning it into the new headquarters for the New York art scene that attracted the chic art crowd.

Today, the trendy and eclectic neighborhood has taken it a notch up with restaurants, shops and unique boutiques like Evolution: a taxidermied animal greets you at the door, and a plethora of anatomy merchandise like skulls and animal teeth awaits—‘nuff said.

Here is a guide to 5 of New York City’s best restaurants & most talked about eateries. From a small bar-concept Japanese diner to 3 stars Michelin French restaurant, there is bound to be one that you will like.

Popular contemporary art galleries include Museum of Modern Art (MoMA); one of New York City’s high-profile museums, and SOHO Gallery for Digital Art that will wow tourists with contemporary digital art and events—admission is free. While small, the Guggenheim Museum SoHo (don’t mistake this for the famed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on 5th Avenue) showcases modern art that lures curious minds back with its permanent exhibit of Andy Warhol’s series of paintings, The Last Supper.

W E S T  V I L L A G E

The L.A. of New York City, the West Village (located fairly near Chelsea) played a crucial role in the gay-rights movement. While the scene has since died down, shops, bars and restaurants in the West Village (along Christopher Street) still remain loud and proud.

Despite its rich and famous demographic, the small neighborhood still manages to remain cozy and picturesque with spunky joints like RedFarm—a modern Chinese-inspired farm-to-table concept that features inventive dishes like manila clams with Lousiana crawfish and lemongrass lobster broth served as a shooter, and pac man shrimp dumplings (each ‘pac man’ comes in a different flavor).

Unless you’re made of cash, a holiday in this ‘concrete jungle’ will easily set you back by the thousands. Read our guide on how to travel to New York City on a budget.

Famous for their chargrilled burger is Spotted Pig, a couple doors down from RedFarm. Accompanied by Roquetfort cheese and incredibly addictive shoestring fries, this juicy burger is a mouthful of perfectly grilled meat. If you’re up for a drink, don’t miss Employees Only that bagged the #12 spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2013. Head bartender Steve Schneider whips up spanking bespoke cocktails that never fail to deliver.

U P P E R  E A S T  S I D E

Best known for filming hit American television series Sex and The City (1998) by HBO, and recent teen drama series Gossip Girl (2007) by The CW, the Upper East Side is one of the most famously affluent neighborhoods in the Manhattan borough. Luxury departmental stores that stock high-end brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, Prada, and Valentino amongst others, line the street along Fifth Avenue; Bendels, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Apart from high fashion shopping, don’t miss famed noteworthy spots Lady M; the freshest and finest cakes and confectionary delights—some of our favorites include green tea mille crepes, strawberry mille feuille, and strawberry shortcake—worth every calorie; Momofuku Milk Bar for some pretty epic cookies; Ladurée, the famed Parisian patisserie for the much-lauded macarons; and Dylan’s Candy Bar—their flagship store in New York City showcases a full-fledged candy bar and café that serves Instagram-worthy candy cocktails.

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia, Catalog Magazine and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.

The Big Apple: concrete jungle where dreams are made of. Unless you’re made of cash, a holiday in this ‘concrete jungle’ will easily set you back by the thousands. So if you’re looking to tour New York city on a budget, here’s a guide on how to have your cake and eat it.

How to Get There

While there may be numerous flight comparison websites these days, we reckon your best bet would be cheapoair.com and tripadvisor.com. Needless to say, if you’re planning a trip to The Big Apple on a budget, book your trip in advance.

The general rule of thumb is the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper they’ll cost you. Booking a year in advance may even save you up to SGD900. Tip: a flight to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) tends to cost less than one to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), a mere 15-minute drive apart—a distance small enough to justify the discrepancy in airfare.

Where to Stay in New York

Accommodation in New York City doesn’t come cheap. One way to overcome exorbitant accommodation is through Airbnb—a great way to experience the city the way the locals do, make new friends, and save some cash while you’re at it.

A decent private room starts from USD30 a night for places out of the city (Queens, Bronx and Brooklyn) and USD40 for within (Manhattan). If you’re looking to experience New York City in a Sex And The City way, the Upper East Side (Manhattan) is where the magic happens. A comfortable private room will set you back an estimated USD85.

How to Get Around in New York

If you’re traveling around without a local, the best way to get around (without losing your way) is by the Metro (train). Single fares start from USD2.50 per trip, taking you as far as Manhattan to Brooklyn. If you’re planning to stay for more than four days, be sure to get the seven-day pass (USD30) that gives you unlimited rides on the Met.

As train exits may be confusing for newcomers, trust us when we say, an unlimited pass would end up costing you less than paying single-trip fares. Tip: download the free MTA Weekender app that will alert you of real time disruptions or train breakdowns—you’ll thank us for it later.

Iconic Attractions to Visit in New York

If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know that museums and parks are a must-see in New York City. That however, can mean spending a hefty wad of cash tickets.

So here’s the lowdown on how to avoid entry fees: Bronx Zoo (pay as you wish on Wednesdays—a.k.a free if you’re gutsy enough), Brooklyn Botanic Garden (free on Tuesdays, 10am to noon on Saturdays and weekdays in winter; November to February), Brooklyn Museum (free every first Saturday of the month), Museum of Modern Art (free 4pm to 8pm on Fridays), New York Aquarium (pay as you wish from 3pm on Fridays; 4pm in summer), and New York Botanical Garden (free on Wednesdays, 9am to 10am on Saturdays). Other all-day free icons attractions include Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and Times Square.

Where to Eat in New York

A plethora of good food awaits—whatever your budget. Most gastropubs offer value-for-money lunch deals with incredibly generous portions—we’re talking to share (in terms of Asian portions). Lillie’s is such. A three-course lunch set starts from $12 (valid 11am to 2pm on weekdays) and even comes with a beer! Opt for the Lillie’s seasonal—a dark full-bodied beer with a refreshingly hoppy finish.

Not to be missed is the iconic burger joint Shake Shack. For a full Shake Shack experience, visit their original location at Madison Square Park. Queues form as early as noon (even during the winter!) so be sure to head down early. Stuffed with 100% all-natural Angus beef on a soft burger bun, you’ll be hooked at the first bite. An original ShackBurger with homemade ShackSauce costs USD4.75, or make it a double (USD7.35)—it’s just too good to share.

Where to Shop in New York

Now that we’ve settled accommodation and getting around, it’s time to get down to the fun part—where to shop. For designer goods at a fraction of the price, vintage is the way to go. One of the best places in the world for vintage designer goods, flea markets and vintage stores are abound in New York City—you just need to know where to look.

One of the most well-known ones is the Brooklyn Flea with up to eight different locations (depending on the season). Expect to find vintage designer goods—we nabbed ourselves a leather Coach bag (USD70) and an old school Dooney & Bourke leather satchel (USD90). Also available are artisan food products, handmade jewelry, antique furniture and more. There’s even a food section where you can sample delicacies by gourmet purveyors. Showcasing almost 200 vendors, set aside a full afternoon for this flea—it’s time well spent.

About the writer
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine nightlife writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features have been published in Appetite Asia and Catalog Magazine. For on-the-go food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure.

Earlier this year, I had the chance to travel to New York to visit Dean & Deluca, and I had the time of my life. During that week, I ate, and ate, and ate some more. New York is a destination for every food lover, and I was simply blown away by the dining scene.

Here’s my New York City Dining Guide. I’ve included my favourite restaurants, cheap eats, bakeries and desserts, which will make you want to buy a ticket and fly off to NYC immediately.

Where to eat in New York City? Read on and find out more!

Restaurants

Imperial No. 9 (first picture of this post) is my dream restaurant. I fell in love with it at first sight. You must go there for brunch when you are in New York.

I will jump straight to one of my favourite places in New York. Prune (54 E 1st Street First Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 677 6221) – a tiny restaurant on the fringe of East Village which has an almost cult-like following – does not take reservations for brunch on weekend, so I was there early to queue up for a spot. I was not disappointed. The food is unpretentious and delicious. I’d highly recommend going there for a meal when you are in NYC.

On W Houston Street, you have Burger and Barrel (25 West Houston Street New York Tel: +01 212 334 7320) – a gastrobar restaurant that serves simple comfort food like burgers and sandwiches. It has a terrific atmosphere, making it the perfect place to have a nice dinner with a glass of wine or beer.

Ippudo (51 4th Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 388v0088) in NYC was quite an experience. Cool music, trendy vibe, and good ramen. There’s only one word to describe it: wow. Remember to have the pork buns for appetisers when you are there.

Momofuku Noodle Bar (171 1st Avenue New York; between 10th and 11th street Tel: +01 212 777 7773) has often been compared with Ippudo, so I had to make a trip there to find out. Dining at Momofuku Noodle Bar is a casual affair and I enjoyed my meal there. While Ippudo has better ramen than Momofuku, the latter wins in terms of the famous pork buns.

Another David Chang’s restaurant, Momofuku Ssam Bar (207 2nd Avenue New York; corner of 13th street and 2nd Avenue Tel: +01 212 254 3500) is a place which serves pretty good food in a cool setting.

At $28, the Prix Fix menu ($28) offered excellent value. The signature tripe pork – an ideal dish to start the meal – was spicy and refreshing. I also had a duck sandwich which was very good, and I ended the meal with a grapefruit tart. I am a fan of David Chang, so don’t take my word for it. Try out his restaurants when you are in NYC.

The Korean Fried Chicken trend took New York City by storm a few years ago, and Bonchon Restaurant (957 2nd Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 308 8810) was, and still is, one of the most popular Korean Restaurants in town.

We shared a medium platter which had a mix of wings and drumsticks in soy garlic and spicy flavours. They were finger licking good (for a lack of a better term), but I have to say that there are equally good Korean fried chicken in Singapore. If you are planning to go on a hunt for the best Korean Fried Chicken in NYC, you should also check out Kyochon (350 5th Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 725 9292).

Eatalty (200 5th Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 229 2560) by Celebrity Chef Mario Batali is a gigantic food emporium with everything – from cured meats and cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, fresh fish, handmade pasta, desserts and baked goods – under one roof. Definitely worth a visit.

Balthazar Restaurant (80 Spring Street New York Tel: +01 212 965 1414) is also a must-visit. Stepping inside Balthazar, it felt as though we were transported to Paris. It’s hard to explain but I was definitely enchanted here in a way I haven’t been in quite some time.

I had a fantastic meal at Saxon and Parole (316 Bowery New York Tel: +01 212 254 0350). Everything that we had was good, and prices are actually very reasonable for the quality of food. Try the Bone Narrow, Chicken Liver for appetisers ($11-15); Roasted Pork Belly and New York Strip for main courses (USD$20-30 for mains, and USD$28-98 for steaks).

ABC Kitchen (35 East 18th Street New York, NY 10003, United States 212 475 5829) by Jean-Georges is a very cool restaurant that focuses on offering the freshest organic and local ingredients. We tried wood oven roasted maine lobster ($57), tuna sashimi marinated with ginger and mint ($16), and roasted kabocha squash toast ($10); with the exception of the wagyu burger ($22) which was too dry, the other dishes were well-done.

The Mercer’s Kitchen (99 Prince Street New York Tel: +01 212 966 5454), another restaurant opened by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, also emphasizes pure, locally produced ingredients. A good place to grab lunch if you are shopping in the SoHo area.

We had breakfast at The Standard Grill (848 Washington Street New York Tel: +01 212 645 4100) – a steak house with an old world charm that’s really nice for all day dining. We tried almost everything on the brunch menu, and my Steak & Eggs was excellent. Definitely a place that I can see myself returning to have steaks for dinner.

Cheap Eats

Ben’s Pizza at SOHO (177 Spring Street New York Tel: +01 212 966 4494) – a place where locals go for a quick fix – offers the classic New York slice. If this is your first time in the Big Apple, you must get a slice of the famous pizza here.

Shake Shack (11 Madison Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 889 6600), arguably one of the most well-known burger places, is one of the must-eats for folks who are visiting the city for the first time. I thought that the burgers were good, but did not live up to the hype. That said, I don’t mind having it if someone is willing to wait in line to get it.

You like fried chicken? You will love Mama fried chicken (2158 8th Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 531 4595). This is the place to get American fried chicken. For less than USD$10, you can have a meal with three pieces of finger-licking good fried chicken. They are, without exaggerating, the best fried chicken I’ve had in my life.

Katz’s Delicatessen (205 East Houston Street New York Tel: +01 212 254 2246) has the best pastrami sandwich (USD$15). I repeat: Best. Pastrami. Sandwich. Make a trip there, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

On the same street, you have Russ and Daughters (179 East Houston Street New York Tel: +01 212 475 4880) – an institution in New York. Everyone goes there for its smoke-salmon bagels.

S’mac (345 East 12th Street New York Tel: +01 212 358 7912) You like Mac & Cheese? You will like S’mac. This is a Mac & Cheese specialty restaurant – they offer Mac & Cheese with interesting flavours like four cheese, cheeseburger, cajun, and masala. The Mac & Cheese comes in different portions, with the small starting at USD$4.75, medium at USD$7.75, and big at USD$13.5.

You mustn’t miss out on trying Lobster Roll when you are in New York City, and you can find the best at Luke’s Lobster (93 East 7th Street Tel: +01 212 387 8487). They use fresh lobster, and each roll comes with a generous portion of lobster meat. Besides lobster roll (USD$15), they also have crab roll ($11) and Shrimp Roll ($8). I’d go so far as to say that this is one of the things that you must eat in New York.

East Village is a foodie paradise, and just a few steps down from Luke’s Lobster, you have Porchetta (110 E 7th Street 1st Avenue Tel: +01 212 777 2151) – a small little joint that is known for their Prochetta Sandwiches (USD$10).

If you are familiar with the New York food scene, you would have probably heard of Big Gay ice cream truck, which combines traditional soft-serve ice cream with imaginative toppings such as wasabi pea dust, Nilla Wafers, Dulce de Leche, olive oil and sea salt. Big Gay ice cream shop (125 East 7th Street; between 1st Avenue & Avenue A) is the owners’ first brick and mortar store, and they offer the full menu to satisfy your ice cream cravings.

For those of you who want a quick meal, Yakitori Taisho (5 St Marks Place between 3rd Ave and Astor Place Tel:+01 212 228 5086) – a popular izakaya in East Village – has decent yakitori at affordable prices.

For other cheap eats in New York, you need to get your hands on hotdogs. I was told by friends that Gray’s Papaya (2090 Broadway New York Tel: +01 212 799 0243) has a pretty decent hotdog. Chipotle (various outlets) – a popular Mexican fast food restaurant – has surprisingy good taco and burrito. And of course, there are plenty of food trucks around New York City, while not all of them are good, there are some really special ones like Kimchi Tacos, Greek Souviaki, and Wafels and Dinges. Fresh, cheap, and amazing street food.

Bakeries and Desserts

How can anyone visit New York without having the red velvet cupcake from the world famous Magnolia Bakery (401 Bleecker Street New York Tel: +01 212 462 2572)? While there are some people who feel that Magnolia Bakery is over-rated, I beg to differ – the cupcakes are surprisingly good, albeit a little too sweet.

Ceci Cela Patisserie (55 Spring Street New York Tel: +01 212 274 9179), a humble French pastry shop – came highly recommended. They have excellent desserts, remember to drop by when you are shopping in the SoHo area.

Another cafe that you should check out in SoHo is Vive La Crepe (51 Spring Street New York Tel: +01 646 484 6897) – just two shops away from Ceci Cela, – which offers delicious savory and sweet crepes.

Pinkberry (41 Spring Street New York Tel+01 888 757 2331) is probably the best froyo in the States. If you have not tried it before, you must get it!

Dominque Ansel (189 Spring Street New York Tel:+01 212 219 2773) is not your usual neighbourhood bakery. It is opened by Dominique Ansel, who was the pastry chef at Daniel for six years. Besides the usual croissants, macarons and éclairs, something that you absolutely can’t miss, is the DKA pastry.

For organic pastries, go to Bird Bath Bakery (169 Prince Street New York Tel: +01 646 722 6565). Trust me, there’s no way you are going to leave the shop empty-handed. There’s also Ivy’s Bakery (138 W Houston Street New York Tel: +01 347 598 3452), a small and cosy cafe that serves different pies and cupcakes.

If you are looking to get gifts for your friends, drop by Xocolatti (172 Prince Street New York Tel: +01 212 256 0332) – one of the most popular chocolate shops – where you can find handcrafted chocolate and exotic truffles. I am not kidding about the exotic flavours. Expect ingredients like Indian cardamom, Iranian pistachios and Spanish saffron.

Junior Cheesecake (Grand Central Terminal New York Tel: +01 212 692 9800) has often been mentioned as one of the best, if not the best cheesecake in New York, and indeed, it did not disappoint. It was so good that I hand-carried three whole cakes back to Singapore.

For something more refined, Chikalicious Dessert Bar (204 E. 10th St, between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave, 212 475 0929) has a dessert prix fix menu where you get an amuse bouche, dessert and petit four. Across the street, their sister cafe, Chikalicious offers simpler but equally delicious desserts like chocolate pudding, cupcakes, and chocolate lava cake. We had a Chocolate Eclair – which was wonderful, and Sloppy Dough – a deep fried donut filled with vanilla cream custard.

Fans of Laduree will be delighted to know that they have a store in New York. Enough said.

One of my favourite cupcake places is Georgetown cupcakes (111 Mercer Street New York Tel: +01 212 431 4504). This is definitely a place you can’t miss if you are going on a quest to find the best cupcakes in New York.

If you like Japanese desserts, you must check out Kyotofu (705 9th Avenue New York Tel: +01 212 974 6012) – New York’s award-winning Japanese Dessert Bar & Bakery. Since opening, Kyotofu has quickly become New Yorkers’ favourite hangout place.

Amy’s Bread (250 Bleecker Street New York Tel: +01 212 675 7802) is a cosy bakery cafe where locals go for breakfast, lunch and desserts. We tried their Red Velvet Cake, and I’m happy to say that it was one of the better ones that I’ve had.