Ah, New York City – the melting pot of cultures, skyscrapers and, of course, mouth-watering food.

There’s no denying that one of the greatest riches of the Big Apple is its diverse culinary offerings. So, on a bright and bustling Saturday, we decided to embark on a NYC Jewish food tour across Manhattan. Trust me, this gastronomical journey is something you won’t want to miss.

We hit up four iconic spots: Russ & Daughters, Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery, Economy Candy, and the legendary Katz’s Deli. Buckle up, folks, because this is one delicious ride.First Stop: Russ & Daughters

Our first stop was Russ & Daughters, a Lower East Side institution that’s been serving up some of the city’s best smoked fish since 1914. Walking into this place is like stepping back in time. The black-and-white tile floors, the glass display cases filled with glistening smoked salmon, and the friendly banter of the staff make you feel like you’ve found a little slice of history.

Kim had an Everything Bagel with Pastrami Lox and Scallion Cream Cheese. I’m not much of a smoked fish fan so I opted for an Everything Bagel with Olive Cream Cheese.

The bagel itself is decent and a good carrier for the toppings. The cream cheese was rich and smooth (I loved the Olive variety) and the lox was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The pastrami seasoning took away a lot of the fishy flavor and added great flavor. I took a small bite just to say I tried this famous dish and it was definitely interesting and I didn’t hate it.

We also tried a Black & White Cookie and Chocolate Babka. Both were decent but we’ve had better.

Overall, Russ & Daughters isn’t just a store, it’s an experience, an homage to the Jewish immigrants who helped shape this city.Second Stop: Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery

Next up, we made our way to Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery. If you haven’t experienced a knish, you’re missing out on a quintessential New York treat. Yonah Schimmel has been crafting these delightful pastries since 1910, and their expertise is evident with every bite.

Inside, the atmosphere is charmingly simple, with walls adorned with vintage photos and a menu that focuses on the essentials.

We decided to indulge in the Classic Potato Knish, which was everything we hoped for and more. The fluffy mashed potatoes wrapped in a golden, flaky crust offered pure comfort with every bite. For an added kick, try it with a side of mustard.

We also couldn’t resist one of the daily specials: a Cheddar Jalapeno Knish.

The combination of melty cheese and spicy jalapeno brought a tantalizing twist to the traditional knish, making it a must-try for those seeking a bit of adventure. (I have to admit, the jalapenos were spicy and I did have to remove some. Don’t judge!)Third Stop: Economy Candy

After all those savory delights, we needed something sweet, so we headed over to Economy Candy, a family fav of ours.

This place is a candy lover’s dream, jam-packed with every sweet treat imaginable. It’s been around since 1937, and walking through the aisles is like taking a trip down memory lane.

The sheer variety is overwhelming, from classic Jewish candies like halvah and chocolate-covered matzo to modern favorites. We grabbed a bag of dark chocolate gummy bears and a bunch of other somewhat hard to find sweet treats to share with our little guy.

Fourth Stop: Katz’s Deli

Our final and most anticipated stop was the iconic Katz’s Deli, established in 1888!

You know, the place where Harry met Sally – yep, that Katz’s. This is the kind of place where you walk in and immediately feel the buzz. The air is thick with the aroma of pastrami, and the atmosphere is lively, with everyone from tourists to native New Yorkers enjoying a taste of history.We, of course, went for the classic pastrami on rye. The sandwich was a towering masterpiece, with tender, juicy pastrami piled high between slices of freshly baked rye bread. Each bite was a testament to Katz’s standing as a New York institution.

The Potato Latkes with apple sauce and sour cream are addictivgly delicious and a must-order. To quench your thirst, I highly recommend a refreshing Chocolate Egg Cream, no there aren’t any eggs in the drink.

The only disappointing item was the Matzoh Ball Soup, which on this visit was way too salty for our liking.

The Verdict:

Our Jewish food tour of NYC was nothing short of spectacular. Each stop offered a unique taste of history and culture, highlighting the enduring influence of Jewish cuisine in New York City.

From the perfect bagel and lox at Russ & Daughters to the comforting knishes at Yonah Schimmel, the sweet nostalgia of Economy Candy, and the unrivaled pastrami at Katz’s, we left no crumb unturned.

So, next time you find yourself wandering the streets of Manhattan, hungry for a taste of tradition, remember these spots. They’re not just places to eat; they’re places to experience, to savor, and to celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that make New York City so wonderfully delicious!