New York City: Affordable Eats List

Shake Shack [Burger $]
If you only eat in one place in NYC, make it Shake Shack. It's the best burger from a (gourmet) fast food chain I've ever had, trumping In-N-Out on the West Coast. Their burgers contain quality patties made from a blend of 100% all natural Angus sirloin, brisket, and short rib; always cooked to medium. Add in a devilish amount of melted cheese and Shack Sauce, and you have the reason why Shack Shack has its legion of fans, even turning vegetarians into meat eaters for the day (true story). Wash it down with a lemonade or one of their signature frozen custard shakes. The original Madison Square Garden branch makes for a lovely outdoor experience (provided you are not queuing in the snow) or you can also choose to experience this magic on Broadway right before catching a show, since there isn't much to eat in Times Square/Broadway area anyway. Check their website for other branches.

Shake Shack (Madison Square Park)
E 23rd St & Madison Ave
+1 (212) 889-6600 
Open daily 11am to 11pm 

http://www.shakeshack.com 

Russ & Daughters [Seafood $]

If you are a seafood lover, particularly of the smoked fish and caviar kind, don't miss this almost a century old Jewish "appetizing" store that serves some seriously delicious smoked salmon and herring. Fun fact: “appetizing” stores are stores that only sell fish and dairy while delicatessens sell cured and pickled meats since Jewish dietary laws dictate that meat and dairy products cannot be eaten or sold together. Order the lox (brined salmon) and cream cheese bagel that comes with capers and pickled onions and devour it on the bench outside for a classic New Yorker experience. Takeaway only.

Russ & Daughters

179 East Houston Street
(between East Houston St & 2nd Ave) 
+1 (212) 475-4880
Open Mon to Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 8am to 7pm, Sun: 8am to 530pm 
http://www.russanddaughters.com 

Fish [Seafood $]
My friend who lives in NYC brought me to this convival seafood restaurant after our first dinner. You know, the kind of dinner when you're only kinda full, and not quite satisfied. At Fish, there's an all day "red white and blue special" where you can enjoy six blue point oysters and a PBR/glass of house wine for a mere 8USD (!!). We are talking really fresh plump oysters here, and no hidden terms or minimum orders required. It's an incredible deal for an expensive city like NYC, and a great place for a pre/post dinner snack, or to get your oyster fix. Apart from the special, Fish also serves up a rather affordable raw bar, and other items like grilled fish, lobster pie and fish and chips. You can thank me now.

Fish
280 Bleecker Street 
(between Jones Street & Commerce Street)
+1 (212) 727-2879
Open Sun to Thu: 12pm to 11pm, Fri & Sat: 12pm to 12am
http://www.fishrestaurantnyc.com

Katz's Delicatessen [Jewish Deli $$]
You have to make a pilgrimage to this iconic Jewish delicatessen that has been in operation at the same location since 1888, and queue for its towering pastrami, brisket and corned beef sandwiches. Even though you may break out in meat sweats halfway and it is a little pricey for a sandwich (having said that, they are huge), the legendary combination of pastrami, rye bread and mustard is unmissable. Film buffs please note: this was also where the iconic "I'll have whatever she's having" scene in Harry & Sally was filmed.

Katz's Delicatessen
205 East Houston Street
(corner of Ludlow Street)
+1 (212) 254-2246
Mon to Wed: 8am to 1045pm, Thu: 8am to 245am, Open from Fri 8am to Sun 1045pm

http://katzsdelicatessen.com 

Caracas Arepa Bar [Venezuelan $$]

This is probably the best Venezuelan food I will ever have since I doubt I will make it to Venezuela. Come for the namesake arepas which are flat round cornmeal cakes stuffed generously with fillings such as meat, cheese, vegetables and beans. The de pabellon arepa, with its shredded beef, black beans, white salty cheese and sweet plantains is a crowd pleaser. For sides, the homemade guasacasa (guacamole) and taro chips were also good. Surprisingly one arepa and a bit more filled me up quite bit, although two should do the trick for most. This place makes for such an inexpensive, exotic, gourmet meal. If you don't want to queue, go early or get takeaway two doors down. Due to its small space space, only parties five pax or less can dine in this location. Check their website for other branches.

Caracas Arepa Bar (West Village)
93 1/2 East 7th Street
+1 (212) 529-2314
Open daily 12pm to 11pm

http://www.caracasarepabar.com 

Cafe Gitane [French Moroccan $$]

I first stumbled upon this shabby chic French-Moroccan cafe randomly while exploring Nolita one night, and was surprised when the food turned out pretty good. After some googling I realised it was one of those places where the fashion and 'it' crowd frequent. Well that explained the model-esque European clientele and cute waitresses. I love the Moroccan influences on menu, which makes it refreshing compared to the usual French cafe food. Don't miss the popular avocado on seven grain toast for all you avo lovers, the couscous with Merguez sausages and interestingly, the chocolate bread pudding. A newer outlet now open at Jane Hotel.

Cafe Gitane (Nolita)
242 Mott Street
(between Houston Street & Prince Street)
+1 (212) 334-9552
Open Mon to Thu, Sun: 9am to 12am, Fri & Sat: 9am to 1230am.
http://www.cafegitanenyc.com 

People's Pops [Ice Pops & Shaved Ices $]

There is nothing more refreshing than enjoying a cool, refreshing popsicle on a hot summer's day. Hence, while you're at The High Line - an abandoned elevated railroad line now transformed into an urban park (which you MUST visit) - try People's Pops' all natural, bursting-with-flavour ice pops made from local, seasonal fruits. They come in all sorts of delicious and creative flavours like Concord grape, roasted red plums, cantaloupe ginger, strawberry and basil. Check out their website for other outlets.

People's Pops x The High Line

Chelsea Market Passage

16th Street & 10th Ave

Open daily 11am to 10pm

http://www.peoplespops.com

Doughnut Plant [Doughnuts $] 
There are doughnuts, and then there are doughnuts. The doughuts at Doughnut Plant are not your stale supermarket types that have been churned out en mass. These are handmade every day without preservatives added, and even the jams and fillings are made in house. Popular choices here are the tres leches (Latin American three milks cake), blackout cake and creme brulee; and other interesting flavours on the menu include Valrhona chocolate yeast, rose doughseed and pistachio cake. Yes, essentially, these are artisan doughnuts. While I'm not a fan of dainty macarons and cupcakes, I think artisan doughnuts might just be my thing. Bonus: the ones here aren't too sweet.

Doughnut Plant (Lower East Side)

379 Grand Street
(between Suffolk Street & Norfolk Street)

+1 (212) 505-3700

Open daily 630am to 8pm

http://doughnutplant.com