New Yorkers love their iconic hot dogs. Traditionally made of ground beef, pork or both, they’re often flavored with mustard, nutmeg and garlic before being encased, smoked, cured and cooked up. Head to Brooklyn to pay a visit to Nathan’s Famous (1310 Surf Ave., Brooklyn), a restaurant opened in 1915 by a German baker who created the hot dog while he was pulling a pie cart along the Coney Island Boardwalk.

NYC is famous for its thin crust topped with a sweet marinara sauce and a heavy dose of mozzarella and oregano. You’ll find plenty of pizza locations dotted all around the city, but everyone will tell you to dine at Lombardi’s in Little Italy—America’s first pizzeria.

NYC bagels are a top pick for a grab-and-go breakfast. You’ll fit in with the locals when you order one of these famous rolls. Urban legends credit NYC tap water for that distinctively delicious bagel taste. When you’re ready for lunch, try a hand-carved pastrami stacked a mile-high and served hot on rye. The best delis in New York City, such as Katz’s Delicatessen, go with a pastrami beef brisket that is preserved in brine then seasoned with black pepper, garlic and coriander, making it a sandwich you won’t want to miss.

New York-style cheesecake is best known for its simple recipe: eggs, cream, cream cheese and sugar. Restaurants throughout the city serve up ultra-creamy slices, but one of the most beloved recipes is found at Junior’s Cheesecake—either at the original location (386 Flatbush Ave. Ext., Brooklyn) or the new Manhattan restaurant (1515 Broadway, New York)

Craving cookies? Go on, have some! Indulge your sweet tooth with NYC’s iconic black-and-white cookies. Originally from upstate New York, these half-white, half-black biscuits were the result of leftover cake batter, combined with just a little extra flour to hold the shape. Trek to a local bakery during your trip and try one of these freshly made delights.