The Most Popular Food in Brooklyn, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:37
In the bustling borough of Brooklyn, where every corner offers a new culinary delight, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the myriad of dining options. Knowing the most popular food items can help both locals and visitors make informed choices, ensuring they experience the best of what Brooklyn has to offer. This kind of information could steer your next meal towards a crowd-pleaser. By participating in voting, you help create a live snapshot of Brooklyn's food scene, reflecting current trends and old favorites alike. Each vote brings clarity to the gastronomic landscape, guiding others to shared and beloved dishes. With every contribution, you assist in crafting a curated, community-approved menu of Brooklyn's finest.

What Is the Most Popular Food in Brooklyn?

  1. 1
    26
    votes
    Brooklyn is famous for its authentic New York-style pizza, with many pizzerias claiming to have the best slice in the city. From thin-crust to deep-dish, there's no shortage of delicious pizza options in Brooklyn.
    Pizza is a popular Italian dish that has become a staple in American cuisine. It typically consists of a round, flat dough base topped with various ingredients and baked in an oven. The toppings often include tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a savory and satisfying meal enjoyed by people of all ages.
    • Dough: A flattened round dough made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
    • Toppings: A variety of ingredients can be used, including tomato sauce, cheese (often mozzarella), meats (such as pepperoni, sausage, or ham), vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), and herbs (such as basil or oregano).
    • Baking: Typically baked in a hot oven, reaching temperatures around 475°F (245°C), for a short period of time (usually 10-15 minutes).
    • Styles: There are various regional styles of pizza in America, with New York-style and Chicago-style being among the most famous. Each style has its own unique characteristics, such as the thickness of the crust, the proportion of toppings, and the cooking method.
    • Versatility: Pizza can be customized to suit individual preferences, allowing for countless topping combinations and variations. This versatility contributes to its popularity and widespread appeal.
  2. 2
    32
    votes
    Brooklyn has a long-standing tradition of making some of the best bagels in the world. They're crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and come in a variety of flavors and toppings.
    Bagels are a type of bread product that originated in Poland and are widely consumed throughout the world. They are characterized by their dense and chewy texture, as well as their distinctive shape, which is formed by boiling and then baking the dough. Bagels are typically round with a hole in the center, resembling a donut without the sweetness. They have a golden crust on the outside and a soft interior. Bagels are often enjoyed sliced and toasted, and can be topped with various spreads or used to make sandwiches.
    • Shape: Round with a hole in the center
    • Texture: Dense and chewy
    • Crust: Golden brown
    • Interior: Soft
    • Cooking Method: Boiling and baking
  3. 3
    29
    votes
    Brooklyn's iconic Nathan's Famous hot dog stand has been serving up delicious frankfurters since 1916. The annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest draws thousands of spectators to Coney Island every year.
    Hot Dogs are a classic American ballpark food item consisting of a cooked sausage, typically made from a blend of beef, pork, or poultry, served inside a partially sliced bun. The sausage is usually seasoned with various spices and herbs, giving it a distinctive flavor.
    • Sausage type: Blend of beef, pork, or poultry
    • Bun type: Partially sliced and usually soft
    • Cooking method: Grilling, steaming, or boiling
    • Condiments: Mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut, and more
    • Popular variations: Chicago-style, New York-style, Coney Island-style, and more
    Hot Dogs in other rankings
  4. 4
    28
    votes
    Junior's Restaurant has been serving up some of the best cheesecake in Brooklyn since 1950. Their famous New York-style cheesecake is a must-try for any dessert lover.
    Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert made with a crust at the bottom and a smooth, velvety filling made primarily from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. The crust is usually made from crushed graham crackers or biscuit crumbs mixed with melted butter. The filling is then poured over the crust and baked until set. Cheesecake is known for its luscious texture and indulgent taste, with variations that can include fruit, chocolate, or caramel toppings.
    • Crust Base: Graham crackers or biscuit crumbs mixed with melted butter
    • Filling: Cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract
    • Texture: Smooth and velvety
    • Toppings: Variations include fruit, chocolate, or caramel toppings
    • Baking: Baked until set
  5. 5
    24
    votes
    Katz's Delicatessen is a Brooklyn institution that has been serving up some of the best pastrami sandwiches in the city since 1888. Their classic sandwich is a must-try for anyone visiting Brooklyn.
    Pastrami is a popular cold cut that originated in Romania and is now commonly associated with Jewish cuisine. It is made from beef, most often from the navel or shoulder cuts, which is brined, seasoned, and then smoked. The result is a flavorful and tender meat with a distinctive smoky taste. Pastrami is traditionally served in sandwiches, especially on rye bread with mustard. It has gained popularity worldwide due to its delicious flavor and versatility in various dishes.
    • Type of meat: Beef
    • Popular cuts: Navel or shoulder
    • Preparation: Brined, seasoned, and smoked
    • Flavor: Distinctive, smoky
    • Texture: Tender
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    Fried Chicken
    Evan-Amos · CC0

    Fried Chicken

    African American slaves
    Brooklyn is home to some of the best fried chicken in the city, with places like Peaches HotHouse and The Commodore serving up mouth-watering dishes.
    Fried chicken is a popular dish in America consisting of chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned batter or breading and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The chicken is typically seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, which create a flavorful and savory taste. It is a comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
    • Crispiness: The fried chicken should have a crispy and golden brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
    • Flavorful seasoning: The chicken should be seasoned with a combination of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
    • Cooking method: The chicken is deep-fried in oil at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy and crunchy texture.
    • Variations: Fried chicken can be prepared using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, wings, or breasts. It can also be seasoned differently based on regional preferences.
    • Accompaniments: Fried chicken is often served with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread.
    Fried Chicken in other rankings
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Brooklyn is known for its diverse food scene, and that includes a variety of delicious taco spots. From authentic Mexican street tacos to trendy fusion tacos, there's something for everyone.
    Tacos are a popular Mexican dish that has become a beloved food in America. They consist of a tortilla filled with various ingredients, typically including meat, cheese, vegetables, and salsa. The tortilla is folded around the filling, creating a handheld, portable meal. Tacos are known for their delicious combination of flavors and textures.
    • Variety: Tacos can be made with a wide range of fillings, including beef, chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, or even vegetarian options. This versatility allows for countless variations and customization possibilities.
    • Tortilla: Tacos are traditionally made with a corn tortilla, but flour tortillas are also commonly used. The tortilla serves as the base for holding the fillings together.
    • Salsa and Sauces: Tacos are often accompanied by various salsas and sauces, such as salsa verde, pico de gallo, guacamole, or hot sauce. These condiments add a burst of flavor and enhance the overall experience.
    • Toppings: Tacos can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, sour cream, or avocado. These toppings add freshness, crunch, and additional flavors.
    • Regional Variations: Different regions in Mexico and the United States have their own unique variations of tacos. Examples include street-style tacos, Baja fish tacos, al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, and more.
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Brooklyn's ramen scene has exploded in recent years, with popular spots like Chuko and Ichiran serving up delicious bowls of the Japanese noodle dish.
    Ramen is a Japanese dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a savory broth flavored with various seasonings. It is typically topped with a combination of ingredients such as sliced pork, seaweed, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs. Ramen has gained widespread popularity worldwide due to its rich and complex flavors.
    • Noodle Type: Wheat-based, thin and curly
    • Broth Varieties: Shio (salt-based), Shoyu (soy sauce-based), Miso (soybean paste-based), Tonkotsu (pork bone-based)
    • Toppings: Chashu (sliced pork), Menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), Nori (seaweed), Ajitsuke Tamago (marinated soft-boiled egg), Negi (chopped green onions)
    • Flavor Enhancements: Tare (seasoning), Aji-tama (flavored egg), Kaeshi (soy sauce seasoning), Chili oil, Sesame oil
    • Regional Variations: Hakata, Sapporo, Tokyo, Kitakata, Kumamoto, Tsukemen (dipping noodles)
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    A classic Brooklyn breakfast, bagel and lox is a delicious combination of a fresh bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and other toppings. Russ & Daughters is a famous Brooklyn deli that's been serving up the dish since 1914.
    Bagel and Lox is a popular food item in Brooklyn consisting of a sliced bagel served with lox, which is thinly sliced cured salmon. It is typically prepared with cream cheese, thinly sliced red onions, capers, and sometimes tomato slices. The dish combines the chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor of the bagel with the salty and rich taste of the lox, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
    • Bagel type: Traditionally made with a plain, boiled, and then baked bagel.
    • Lox: Thinly sliced cured salmon, typically brined or smoked.
    • Cream cheese: Spread on the bagel, provides a creamy contrast to the salty lox.
    • Red onions: Thinly sliced, adds a mild onion flavor.
    • Capers: Small pickled flower buds, provide a tangy and slightly briny taste.
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    Brooklyn's Red Hook Lobster Pound is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious lobster roll. They serve up fresh, sustainable seafood in a variety of dishes, but their lobster rolls are the star of the show.
    Lobster Rolls are a popular food item in Brooklyn, characterized by a delicious combination of fresh, succulent lobster meat tossed in a light dressing, served within a toasted split-top bun. It is typically enjoyed as a handheld sandwich and is prized for its rich flavor and satisfying texture.
    • Bun: Toasted split-top bun
    • Main Ingredient: Fresh lobster meat
    • Dressing: Light dressing
    • Preparation: Lobster meat tossed in dressing
    • Serving Style: Handheld sandwich

Missing your favorite food?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular food

  1. Popularity among locals and visitors
    Gauge the level of popularity among people who live in Brooklyn as well as those visiting the area. Popular establishments will often have consistently high foot traffic, long queues, and good online reviews.
  2. Cultural significance
    Brooklyn has a diverse population, and its food scene should reflect that. Consider the cultural importance of various foods within the community, such as Caribbean, Italian, or Jewish cuisines.
  3. Quality and taste of the food
    The flavor and quality of the food should be exceptional, leaving a lasting impression on those who taste it.
  4. Online ratings and reviews
    Pay attention to online ratings on platforms such as Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor to get an idea of how popular a specific food or restaurant is within the community.
  5. Media coverage and word of mouth
    Popular foods in Brooklyn may be featured in local and national publications, television shows, or simply through enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations from locals.
  6. Presentation and ambiance
    While the taste of the food is crucial, considering the presentation of the dish and the overall atmosphere of the establishment is also important.
  7. Uniqueness and innovation
    Foods that are unique to Brooklyn or feature innovative flavor combinations are more likely to be popular.
  8. Longevity and consistency
    Finally, consider the staying power of these popular foods – whether they have been popular for years and consistently maintain their following, or whether they are a new and fleeting trend.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Brooklyn. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1864 views
  • 176 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular food in brooklyn

Brooklyn, the most populous borough in New York City, is known for its diverse culture and food scene. With a mix of ethnic neighborhoods and trendy restaurants, Brooklyn offers a wide range of culinary options. From classic New York style pizza to authentic Caribbean cuisine, there's something for everyone. But what is the most popular food in Brooklyn? That's a tough question to answer, as the borough is home to so many different cultures and cuisines. Nevertheless, we've conducted a poll to find out what Brooklynites love to eat the most. Read on to find out the results!

Share this article