New York City is the world's melting pot, so it should come as no surprise that the city is home to the world's most extensive and global menus. From grasshopper tacos on Thompson Street to guinea pig in Jackson Heights, the possibilities are endless. If you're looking to experience an immersive foodie travel experience, sample a few cuisines at these popular restaurants.
Grasshopper Tacos at Toloache
Cooked grasshopper has made its way to the Big Apple from Mexico and Central America. Toloache, located on 166 E 82nd St, is a contemporary Mexican eatery with brunch, lunch, dinner and vegetarian options.
The grasshopper taco includes a very small variety of the insect, perfectly seasoned and crisped to add an extra crunch to the soft shell corn tortilla dish. Though it may be uncommon to most Americans, 80 percent of the world’s population consume insects. They're a fantastic source of protein.
Kangaroo Burger at Burke and Wills
If you ever find yourself in the heart of Upper West Side' 79th street, you won't have to travel far to experience life in the outback. Head to Burke and Wills and try their signature and acclaimed Kangaroo burger topped with pickled onions, arugula and tomato chutney.
Sourced directly from fossil farms in Australia, where kangaroos are not raised but rather sustainably and humanely harvested. The gamey meat is extremely high in protein with only 2 percent fat.
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Calf’s Brain Cream at Takashi
There’s almost no restaurant in the West Village as unique as Takashi. The Japanese BBQ spot is famous for its nose-to-tail policy. From the offal to the first stomach, second stomach, fourth stomach, large intestine and cheek, no part of the cow is wasted.
But no item on the menu is as rare as the calf’s brain cream. The treat comes packaged in a toothpaste-like tube and accompanied with 6 servings of blini and black caviar for the perfect dainty sandwich.
The creamy and smooth textured calf brain mousse combines perfectly with the added salty crunch of black caviar to create the perfect taste bud journey.
Guinea Pig at Urubamba
If you’ve ever traveled to Peru, then you’re well aware of the country’s popular delicacy – the guinea pig. If you live in Jackson Heights, Queens you know where to go to experience the South American delicacy.
Family-owned, Urubamba, serves up the best-charbroiled guinea pig in New York City. Served with a side of yucca and salad, the dish brings what has been a staple in the highland Peruvian diet for approximately 5,000 years to the east coast.
It’s best to call before you go. The specialty dish is only on the menu when a batch arrives at the market.
Golden Opulence Sundae at Serendipity 3
If you have the world’s largest (and most expensive) sweet tooth, then a stop at Serendipity 3 is a must. The legendary New York City restaurant / general store has sold the city’s most unique desserts since 1954.
The swanky restaurant has had its fair share of legendary patrons from old Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant to modern stars like Beyonce and Ryan Reynolds.
And why are the glitterati filing in?
It might have to do with the $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae. The sweet treat must be ordered 48 hours in advance and comes with three scoops of Tahitian vanilla ice cream covered in 23-karat gold leaf, golden almonds, caviar and sugar-forged orchid. The dish is served in a $350 Baccarat crystal goblet lined with 23-karat gold leaf and 18- karat gold spoon with a small dish of caviar on the side.
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Ramen Taco at Ichiba Ramen
Ramen and tacos, two of the world’s favorite on-the-go foods. Over the years, countless renditions to the popular dishes have been served. But what happens when you combine the two together?
You get Ichiba Ramen’s classic ramen taco located in the heart of University Place (a college stundent's dream).
Chef Erica Oh takes a unique approach to the creation process – making taco shells out of ramen noodles lined with fresh nori. Inside the deliciously overfilled treat is a mixture of Tonkatsu style pork, extra cooked ramen, kimchee slaw, mozzarella, kewpie, grilled corn, yellowfin tuna, avocado, wasabi mayo and roe.
