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Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats
Banh Mi Saigon is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

1. Banh Mi Saigon

8.8
198 Grand St (btwn Mulberry & Mott St), New York, NY
Sandwich Spot · Little Italy · 197 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Saigon Banh Mi specialized in hero, making its own perfect baguettes having some rice flour mixed in with the wheat, and dressing them with fillings that ran from pâté to barbecued pork to chicken. Read more.

Mamoun's Falafel is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

2. Mamoun's Falafel

8.5
119 Macdougal St (btwn Minetta Ln & W 3rd St), New York, NY
Falafel Restaurant · Greenwich Village · 336 tips and reviews

EaterEater: With its luxuriance of fried chickpea fritters, nutty tasting tahini, and fresh greens, onions, and tomatoes, Mamoun's falafel redefined a quick bite for New Yorkers. Read more.

Gray's Papaya is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

3. Gray's Papaya

8.3
2090 Broadway (at W 72nd St), New York, NY
Hot Dog Joint · 246 tips and reviews

EaterEater: It comes closest to fulfilling the hot dog principles that originated on the Coney Island Boardwalk: plainish, popping-skinned franks topped with a meager choice of ingredients. Read more.

Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

4. Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano

8.0
1524 Neptune Ave (W 15th & W 16th St.), Brooklyn, NY
Pizzeria · Coney Island · 108 tips and reviews

EaterEater: This century-old Coney Island pizzeria is one of New York's great cultural institutions. As Robert Sietsema notes: "This place is simply the best pizzeria in the world." Read more.

Sapporo is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

5. Sapporo

152 W 49th St (btwn 6th & 7th Ave), New York, NY
Noodle Restaurant · Theater District · 186 tips and reviews

EaterEater: With temperatures plummeting to the 40s at night, ramen season is upon us. Get the curry ramen, for a steaming hot bowl of noodles. Read more.

Taco Mix is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

6. Taco Mix

8.6
234 E 116th St (btwn 2nd and 3rd Ave.), New York, NY
Taco Restaurant · East Harlem · 73 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Made with tiny corn tortillas doubled up and stuffed with more meat than they can easily contain, then sprinkled with fresh onions and cilantro, the tacos made therefrom are some of the best in town. Read more.

7. Superiority Burger

430 E 9th St (btwn 1st Ave & Ave A), New York, NY
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant · East Village · 145 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Headley and his crew turn seasonal vegetables into delectable salads and riffs on American comfort food favorites. The specials menu changes daily, and the rest of the menu is constantly evolving. Read more.

Kings Kitchen 金煌煲煲好 is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

8. Kings Kitchen 金煌煲煲好

7.4
92 E Broadway, New York, NY
Cantonese Restaurant · Chinatown · 15 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Kings Kitchen offers bargain priced dumplings, congees, charcuterie, noodles, and, casseroles of eel, duck, and other creatures steamed over rice with sweet soy sauce and scallions. Read more.

Food Gallery 32 is one of Sietsema’s 10 Quintessential NYC Cheap Eats.

9. Food Gallery 32

7.6
11 W 32nd St (btwn Broadway & 5th Ave), New York, NY
Food Court · Koreatown · 165 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Pick from among seven fast food counters that furnish Korean standards such as bibimbop and bulgogi, but also provide a Korean take on sushi, ramen, and other Korean-Japanese and Korean-Chinese food. Read more.