In the 1800s, life in Germany was tough. Political instability and a struggling economy drove thousands of Germans to the US in search of a fresh start. Their impact was enormous; kindergartens, Christmas trees, and even some of the country’s best street food all trace back to that wave of immigration. Especially in New York, where their legacy lives on in every bratwurst cart and soft pretzel stand.

After the Germans came waves of Polish Jewish immigrants, who left their own mark on the street food scene (have you really visited New York if you haven’t had a bagel?). In the early 1900s, Italian newcomers started slinging pizza slices. By the 2000s, the streets of the Big Apple were alive with dosas, falafel, burgers, and kebabs from around the globe.

George Pak | Pexels

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Today, New York is still the street food capital of the US, and the city’s “street food scene [remains] a melting pot of global flavors,” writes .NYC.

If you’re craving something, chances are you’ll find it. A vegan bagel loaded with tofu cream cheese? Check. Pizza slathered in dairy-free mozzarella? Check. A hot dog so overloaded with toppings you can’t even open your mouth wide enough? Also check.

Find out where to score the best plant-based street food in the city.

How to find the best street food in NYC

Finding the best street food in New York is easy—often, a tasty, salty pretzel or a hearty slice of pizza is just a stroll away. But if you want to track down the absolute best, here are a few tips.

First, is there a line? If yes, there’s a good chance the cart, food truck, or stand is worth your time. New Yorkers don’t tend to line up unless the food is genuinely good. You can also stay up to date by following relevant tags on social media and checking reviews on sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and, for plant-based bites, HappyCow.

It’s also a good idea to head outside of typical tourist hotspots. Jackson Heights in Queens and Midtown both have strong reputations for top-notch street food.

Want an even easier way? Check out our curated list of the best plant-based street food spots below.

Where to find plant-based street food in NYC

Don’t miss these plant-based bites on your next trip to New York.

Moshe’s Falafel

1 Moshe’s Falafel

For delicious Middle Eastern street food, don’t miss Moshe’s Falafel in Manhattan. You can go classic with Moshe’s Falafel topped with hot sauce and tahini, or try one of their hearty platters. The hummus platter, for example, is packed with warm falafels, spicy sauce, and fresh pita bread.
Find it there

Vinnie’s Pizzeria

2 Vinnie’s Pizzeria

When pizza cravings strike, head to Vinnie’s on 2nd Avenue. The pizzeria’s extensive menu includes multiple vegan options, including the Spicy Slicey with vegan buffalo chicken and jalapeños and the Mac’s Reprise with vegan mac and cheese, soy ground beef, and hot sauce.
Find it here

Renegade Vegan

3 Renegade Vegan

When we say New York street food has it all, we mean it. This food truck specializes in alkaline vegan dishes that are anything but boring. Don’t miss the fried oyster mushroom bowl or the Rasta Pasta drenched in creamy coconut sauce.
Find it here

Vegan On The Fly

4 Vegan On The Fly

For hearty comfort food, visit Vegan On The Fly’s Midtown restaurant or catch their food truck around the city. Both serve up delicious, satisfying vegan favorites like gyro sandwiches, loaded fries, and Impossible burgers.
Find it here

Bagel Point

5 Bagel Point

A bagel is an absolute must in New York. Head to Bagel Point in Manhattan for a chewy, dense, and delightfully tender bagel generously spread with veggie tofu cream cheese. Prefer a sandwich? This popular spot also offers four different vegan sandwiches packed with ingredients like avocado, baked tomatoes, and hearts of palm.
Find it here

Yeah Dawg

6Yeah Dawg

Brooklyn’s Yeah Dawg caters to everyone. Not only are its hot dogs vegan, but they’re also soy- and gluten-free. The only downside? The mess. Good luck eating one of their signature meaty dogs—like the New York Dawg topped with housemade Cuke-Dill relish or the Bacon Cheeze Dawg with CocoNot Bacon Chips—without leaving a stain. But trust us, it’s totally worth it.
Find it here

CelinaB13 | Happy Cow

7NY Dosas

NY Dosas are a legend in the Big Apple, so be prepared to stand in line. The vegan vendor can usually be found slinging its crispy, fluffy, perfectly seasoned South Indian dosas in Washington Square Park, and they’re totally worth the wait.
Find it here

Jerrell’s Betr Brgr

8Jerrell’s Betr Brgr

Need a late-night burger fix? Jerrell’s Betr Brgr has you covered. This popular Soho spot serves up ultra-tasty loaded Impossible burgers, seasoned waffle fries, and even creamy oat milk soft-serve well into the early hours.
Find it here

Vegitalism | Happy Cow

9 Sam’s Falafel Cart

Another beloved street food cart with a reputation that precedes it, Sam’s Falafel is famous for its perfectly crispy falafel, soft, pillowy pitas, and rich, creamy hummus. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go or settling in for a satisfying meal, it’s the place to go for authentic Middle Eastern flavors that never disappoint.
Find it here

Elizabethisvegan | Zillions

10Zillions Pizza

Another pizza spot that should be on your street food radar is Zillions. Its vegan pizza—loaded with dairy-free mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, and plenty of garlic and olive oil—is an absolute must-try for plant-based food lovers.
Find it here