Douyin influencers lead the way, updating New Yorker food map_2

Are you still relying on Yelp to uncover new food treasures? It might be time for an upgrade. In New York City, the best way to discover the latest and greatest dishes isn’t through outdated rankings like Zagat, but rather through the viral magic of social media platforms like TikTok, which have given local restaurants a significant boost.

Rachel Brotman, a TikTok user, has been creating quite a stir online with her videos highlighting various food items. She points out how some dishes can go viral overnight, injecting new life into restaurants. Here’s a fresh foodie roadmap that Brotman and others recommend for New Yorkers:

1. **Fedoroff’s Roast Pork**: This Philly-inspired haven in Williamsburg serves delicious cheesesteaks and loaded pork sandwiches, amassing 44.5 million views online. Owners Dave and Stella Fedoroff, both from South Philadelphia, are committed to sharing authentic flavors from their hometown.

2. **Adel’s Famous Halal Food**: If you’re strolling down Sixth Avenue and spot a long line at a food cart, chances are it’s Adel’s. Their to-go boxes are brimming with tender beef, lamb, fried rice, and mouthwatering sauces. Clement Leung from Toronto praised it as a “wonderful combination” after enduring an hour-long wait in the rain.

3. **Ess-a-Bagel**: The poppy seed bagels here have reignited food lovers’ passion for this New York classic. With its generous spice coating and daily morning lines, it’s no wonder the shop is so adored. There are even videos offering tips on how to breeze through those pesky wait times.

4. **Pasta de Pasta**: Known for offering hand-made creamy macaroni for just $9, this East Village gem has drawn countless hungry foodies. Brotman highlights that scoring fresh pasta at such a reasonable price is a rare find.

5. **Ceremonia Bakeshop**: Famous for having the best breakfast burritos in New York, their massive burritos stuffed with sausage and potatoes have received glowing online reviews. The couple behind the shop brings culinary influences from the Dominican Republic and Vietnam.

6. **Fellini Coffee**: Named after the legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, this café chain is one of the coolest coffee joints in New York. Owner Franco Noriega, a former athlete and model from Peru, has crafted signature drinks like tiramisu lattes and protein coffee that keep customers returning.

7. **L’Industrie**: Acknowledged by the esteemed 50 Top Pizza guide as one of the world’s best pizza spots, this place has also captured the hearts of TikTok users. Owner Massimo Laveglia focuses on quality ingredients over social media marketing.

8. **Ariston Coffee Bar**: With a floral décor and delightful coffee aroma, this café and flower shop combo has enchanted TikTok user Kari Dowiak, who called it picture-perfect. Her video has garnered over 100,000 likes and more than 600,000 views.

9. **Thisbowl**: Brotman was surprised to see New Yorkers queuing for hours for a salad, but the Noho location of Fish Bowl, which has over 45 locations in Australia, has made a splash in the city with its focus on fresh, high-protein meals.

10. **Lil Sweet Treat**: Open for less than a month, this tiny shop run by food influencer Elly Ross is already a hit for its colorful Swedish candies. A video by superfan Ella Kahan has racked up 125,000 likes, showcasing its sugary allure.

If you’re keen on exploring the vibrant food scene in New York, these trending spots may just become your new go-to destinations!