Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
The Five Best NYC Foods For $1
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Dec 20, 2011
Modified Dec 21, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Dec 20, 2011
Modified Dec 21, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
There's plenty of expensive food in this town, but there's also plenty of cheap eats, if you know where to look. Like, really cheap eats—in the one dollar range, which you should be able to scrounge up with a minimum of desperation determination (friend of Gothamist Josh Bernstein does it all the time!). Inspired by Fork in the Road's recent discovery of Kashmir's Dollar Burger near the Port Authority, we decided to take a look at five other dollar-priced treats around the city. Hungry? Start combing those couch cushions for extra change.
Dumplings: A longstanding favorite amongst cheap eaters, there are several places in all three Chinatowns to get dollar dumplings, but we prefer an old-school favorite: Prosperity Dumpling in Manhattan. Five crispy, greasy, juicy dumplings for a buck, unlimited Sriracha, plastic plates, a handful of stools—what more do you need?
Prosperity Dumpling // 46 Eldridge St // 212-343-0683
Tamales: Another perennial leader of the cheap-eater's pack. Almost all of the corn-husk steamed snacks available from street vendors along Roosevelt Avenue near 74th Street in Jackson Heights are worth trying; but for a more permanent (read: storefront) option, head to Corona for the spicy red chicken flavor Taqueria La Casa Del Idolo.
Taqueria La Casa Del Idolo // 91-07 Corona Avenue, Queens // 718-271-0384
Samosas: Again, there are plenty of one-dollar samosas around town, but for a day-or-night fix, head to the 24-hour Little Pakistan Deli Corp in the East Village, which offers the triangular Indian pastry with chicken and potato-vegetable fillings. The crust isn't always perfectly golden-crisp, but when you're stopping in at 4 a.m., who cares?
Little Pakistan Deli Corp // 200 2nd Avenue // 212-477-7744
Pirozhki: Like many great cheap eats (see: dumplings, samosas), this Russian snack is basically meat wrapped in carbs. Oblong-shaped pirozhki have a bready baked shell typically filled with minced beef, onions, and mushrooms, though sweet versions also exist. A handful of street vendors and marketplaces in Brighton Beach sell them for $.75-$1, but try Russian superstore M & I International's version for guaranteed freshness.
M & I International Foods // 249 Brighton Beach Avenue // 718-615-1011
Pizza: No mention of dollar eats in the city would be complete without mention of the ubiquitous $.99 pizza places in recent years. Here's the deal: really, none of them are that good (what do you expect?), and we think your dollar could be better spent elsewhere (see all of the above). If you simply must have a slice, here's a rundown of all of the dollar pizza in Manhattan. Proceed with caution.
Tagged
cheap eats
dollar food
ethnic eating adventures
Jamie Feldmar
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Published Oct 26, 2026
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .