Over the past three years approximately, New York city has been one of my favorite destinations.
Sharing a photo dating back to 29th of June, my very first trip to the big apple.
The reason being is because, although the maximum layover time is around 32-hours (starting the moment we land so minus the disembarkation and passing passport control then taking the bus all the way JFK airport to the center of New York; you get what I mean), I still am able to go around, visit attractions like the one you can see below, I've mentioned few with my recent being the Vessel.
Would you be shocked if I told that most of the time those places were visited by walking? Well yes, it's true given that almost everything is at a walking distance from the famous Times Square.
Nice story but where are we heading with a blog titled breakfast?
Got all hungry I know. Don't scroll further on empty stomach!
Back to the topic's purpose, I've noticed that I and many fellow travelers, whether traveling for work or leisure, short or long stay, struggle with finding good food; good food = healthy, not too fatty, high in protein and fibers, balanced! What adds to that, if you travel a lot you will understand what I'm about to say, the person gets fed up with restaurants and hotels' food. Fast food and pre-prepared meals are all nice and yummy but at a certain extent.
In addition, I can't describe to you the amount of time I've wasted on google and maps trying to browse hundreds of menus to pick one good place.
To spare you the effort, I put together a list of places I've visited and tried their food, along with a short opinion on the taste and atmosphere.
Sip+co
Capacity of the place: maybe a max of 7-10 people
Food: In NYC, and I don't know if you noticed (to those who have been), the price jumps up high the minute avocado is included in any item on the menu... despite that avocadoes are really a good source of good and natural fat which makes me full while eating healthy therefore avocado toast was and is most of the time my go-to choice if not certain of other options. The portion is big and given the price I would say it's fair but maybe not your cheapest healthy option. The garnish was amazing and I paired the toast with...
Drink: a cup of warm perfectly made matcha. Not sweet, the way I like it!
Story: I took my order away with me on that day as my plan was to visit Roosevelt island, eat and drink while overlooking the skyline of NYC.
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Dunkin’ Donuts
A very known branch by probably most of you, if not all.
Capacity: Most Dunkin' stores are designed for grab-and-go orders, and the one I often pass by doesn't even have chairs or tables or space hehe. It can't accommodate more than five people standing. Imagine that!
Story: I rarely eat at Dunkin' honestly and the only thing I once ate was the ham and cheese sandwich. Warm and nice along my matcha. It’s the main place I get to grab my matcha before heading to the Central Park due to its convenient location between where I stay and the park.
Cha Cha Matcha
Story: Once upon a layover, we've landed in Newark city's airport, and I had one of my best friends spending a period of time in NYC back then. Could I have missed meeting him in a foreign country where we might never be able to fly together to? Definitely NOT!
Where CHA CHA Matcha falls in this story... we've took a cab, my colleagues and I, to visit NYC and the plan was to go skate at the ice rink at Central Park, my very first ice skating experience.
Lots of falling, bumping, sliding but I survived. On our way there, I've spotted this cute little shop, just around the corner facing the famous public library, after driving past Bryant Park. This is when I knew; I've got to try it! The photos that you can see below are my first time trying it, been there with this gorgeous soul!
Capacity: And since then, my matcha to-go is grabbed from this small shop, that barely fits 5 people sitting but is the cutest, perfect taste of the matcha and many options.
Spotted one branch last time I visited the big apple, very close to the Flatiron.
I'm pretty sure you will find many branches across NYC.
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Fresh from hell
Story: Honestly? My intention was to go to another breakfast spot on that day but since it was closed I had to pick a nearby shop and this is when my search led to Fresh From Hell. It was a bit confusing to locate it from the maps, yet once you reach the pin and look around you instead of the screen you'll see it immediately.
Capacity: Another small breakie place which I believe fits 3-5 people at top.
It was not crowded and not far from Times Square. Affordable and fast service; yet it all depends on the time and orders; so that applies to my case at that time.
The taste is delightful, and the portion is very fulfilling. I chose the Nutty&Nice açaí bowl, but they also have oatmeal, smoothies, juices, and toasted bagels available.
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In common NYC
Story: on that day, and if I remember correctly, I went to In Common NYC around 10-11 a.m. and Oh the huge line I saw!! It was crowded and had hard time getting a table inside so I settled outside with a matcha cup in one hand (7/10) and an avocado toast in the other.
Capacity: It was spacious with tables inside and outside accommodating at least 15 people.
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Pret A Manger
Story: Seen a lot, never tried... until I had five minutes to reach the hotel and answer my wake up call! I was coming back from a fresh jog in Central Park to notice that I've got few minutes before my wake up call, the call we receive to alert us of the start of our duty preparation. The only option open that I stumbled upon was Pret A Manger. I tried their turkey and cheese sandwich and fell in love with the sauce or spread they put in it.
Location: anywhere everywhere
Playa Bowls
My very first breakfast in NYC! The reason is being a huge fan of açaí at that time and having tried this place in Boston was a plus. Can't recall what I ordered back then but maybe the photo will help us to guess somehow what's in that bowl.
Capacity: 5-10 people I would say. You can find many Playa Bowls shops here and there.
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I hope this blog helped you discover some must-try breakfast spots in New York City! Whether you’re planning a visit soon or reminiscing about a past trip, I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share your favorite NYC breakfast place (or one you’re excited to try) in the comments. And if you’re not heading to the city anytime soon, consider this your digital food tour—or a little inspiration for recreating a New York-style breakfast at home!
