Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan, New York, is full of delicious food
In this world, if there is a place called "Hell's Kitchen", it is probably not a good place. However, in Manhattan's Midwest Side, there is such a Hell's Kitchen .
Squad science popularization time
Officially known as the Clinton District, New York City's Hell's Kitchen covers nearly the entire Midwest Side of Manhattan, stretching from 34th Street to the south and 59th Street to the north, Eighth Avenue to the east, and the Hudson River to the west. Today, the area borders Central Park and Columbus Circle to the north, and Times Square and the Broadway Theater District to the east, making it a strategically located neighborhood.
However, in the 1970s and 1980s, this area was Manhattan's most famous slum and gang hotspot, and police officers were reluctant to intervene. Even the name "Hell's Kitchen" is said to have originated from a rookie New York police officer who, upon witnessing a riot, exclaimed, "This is hell on earth." A senior officer corrected him, saying, "This is even scarier than hell; it's Hell's Kitchen." While the authenticity of this legend is unknown, it's enough to prove that this area was once feared.
But the Big Apple, a concrete jungle, often manages to turn decay into something magical. The New York City Planning Department began tidying up and planning this area in the 1980s, and over the past three decades, significant changes have taken place.
The current Clinton district has been transformed into the most changed area in Manhattan, and its former appearance no longer exists.
The elimination of gangs, the improvement of public security, and the influx of a large number of new real estate - MiMA, sky, Silver Towers, Mercedes House and other shiny and modern luxury rental apartment buildings have sprung up, attracting more and more young white-collar workers and the middle class to move here - I believe that some of the foodie friends who are reading this article are also temporarily living (drifting) here. The whole area is becoming more and more hipster and youthful, becoming the new darling of New York's real estate business and food industry.
Although Clinton is no longer a hellish place , it is still closely related to the kitchen .
Ninth Avenue, stretching from 42nd Street, is home to some of Manhattan's trendiest and most diverse restaurants. These establishments offer unconventional innovations in both decor and cuisine, making them popular with young people. The influx of trendy cafes and bars has also fueled the area's popularity.
Hell's Kitchen's 46th Street is also known as Restaurant Street. Every year on the third weekend of May, the 9th Avenue International Food Festival is held here, where all kinds of food come together to satisfy your appetite.
This year's Ninth Avenue International Food Festival will be held on the weekend of May 20th to 21st . The food vendors mostly feature acclaimed flavors from Ninth Avenue and Hell's Kitchen. If you like something delicious, you can immediately find the storefronts of the relevant restaurants. In addition, there are also some art stalls that you can take a quick look at.
Ruoruo has been living in the West End on the Hudson River for more than half a year without realizing it. I have long been accustomed to having to cross at least four avenues every day to see the nearest subway entrance (laughing and crying). I have roughly summarized some food introductions in Hell's Kitchen and would like to share with you some of the days and nights , food and love here .
Morning
wake up
Rex
Rex, located at the intersection of 57th Street and Tenth Avenue, is a typical hole-in-the-wall cafe. Although the space is limited, there are not many seats, but it has everything you need, is fresh and artistic, and is perfect for New Yorkers and office workers with fast-paced lives.
There are paintings and photographs by young artists for sale on the walls at affordable prices. On a rainy morning or a snowy winter, you can quickly run into the small shop filled with the aroma of coffee and breakfast sandwiches, shake off the dust, and look up to see the art on the wall. You will often be unexpectedly surprised and touched.
The barista, a slender man wearing a literary hat and glasses, exudes the air of an artist and intellectual. He meticulously prepares every cup of coffee, paying attention to every detail. Even a simple latte or cappuccino boasts thick, smooth foam that's not at all greasy, yet rich in coffee's aroma. It's also warm enough to enjoy right away. Almond milk is also available, adding a uniquely rich flavor that's incredibly delicious.
It is also worth mentioning Rex's various baked goods and sandwiches. As soon as you enter the door, all kinds of croissants, blueberry muffins, muffins and cookies exude an enticing aroma, which is mouth-watering and dazzling, and the taste is even more satisfying.
The most amazing breakfast sandwiches let you choose the ingredients you want. Ruoruo's golden combination is a fluffy fried egg sandwiched between soft French bread , drizzled with rich, shredded cheese , topped with charred bacon or chewy Mexican sausage , and topped with melt-in-your-mouth avocado . Waking up to a breakfast like this is incredibly energizing and satisfying.
864 10th Ave
New York, NY 10019
b/t 57th St & 56th St
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 757-0580
rexcoffeenyc.com
Sullivan Street Bakery
Sullivan Street Bakery is a legend in New York City's baking world. Its founder, Jim Lahey, reportedly traveled to Italy, the birthplace of sculpture, with a passion and dream of becoming a sculptor. There, he discovered a familiar yet unfamiliar medium for expressing emotion: bread . Inspired by the bakers of Tuscany and Rome, he returned to New York with a vision, convinced that the rustic, Italian bread could find a home in the city.
He abandoned the commercial yeast and brought yeast cultivated in Italy and delicious handmade Italian bread to American tables.
He founded Sullivan Street Bakery in New York's Soho in 1994. The main shop opened on West 47th Street in Hell's Kitchen in 2000 and has since gained widespread acclaim, becoming a hub for bread, flavorful Roman-style pizzas, cottage-style Italian pastries, and pastries.
What impressed Ruoruo deeply was the freshly baked olive oil and orange juice muffin . The fluffy cornmeal was filled with the aroma of fresh orange, which was refreshing.
The well-known Bomboloni uses the same method as donuts, but it is even more glutinous and softer than donuts. The filling inside fills your mouth with a bite, and it feels like spring is about to bloom.
533 W 47th St
New York, NY 10036
at 11th Ave
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 265-5580
sullivanstreetbakery.com
Brunch
Friedman’s
The renowned Friedman's has several locations. The Hell's Kitchen location is located at 35th Street and 10th Avenue, bordering Hudson Yards and across from the Javits Center, where it often hosts major exhibitions and events. Last weekend, Ruoruo went to the International Auto Show and had brunch at Friedman's beforehand.
Friedman's often draws long lines for brunch. Being a newer and lesser-known place, you'll still have to wait a while to get a table at the bar. The restaurant's ambiance is very rustic and fresh, with lots of white and wood, and grain and farmhouse decor on the walls, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
The most famous one is the waffle fried chicken, a typical American Southern comfort food, high in calories and very satisfying. Friedman's waffles are different from the usual ones, very soft and sweet, making people very happy. Of course, the portion is also huge.
There are also brunch classics like blueberry pancakes and eggs Benedict, which, while traditional, are satisfying and can't go wrong.
"A weekend brunch without cocktails is just another breakfast." This sentiment is deeply ingrained in our American friends' minds (laughing). The mimosa here is also delicious, with sparkling champagne infused with fresh, sweet orange juice. The slight intoxication makes for lively conversation, and the mood is like the June weather, soaring together.
450 10th Ave
New York, NY 10018
b/t 35th St & 36th St
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 268-1100
friedmansrestaurant.com
Dim Sum Palace
There are delicacies from all over the world in Hell's Kitchen, and the emergence of Dim Sum Palace fills the gap in Cantonese dim sum .
If you’re feeling lazy on the weekend and don’t want to queue up at Tim Ho Wan in Flushing or East Village, Jin Man Ting is also a great place for dine-in.
334 W 46th St
New York, NY 10036
b/t 9th Ave & 8th Ave
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(646) 861-1910
dimsumpalace.com
Lunch
Time's up
Mentoku
Mentoku is located on Ninth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets. A red Japanese-style curtain hangs outside the door . The shop is small but clean and cozy. There are hand-painted ramen paintings on the walls, and an open bar kitchen at the end where you can directly see the Japanese chefs making noodles. This is an authentic and delicious Japanese ramen shop recommended by Japanese friends. It is very low-key and will not have long lines like the famous Birdman Ramen or Ippudo, also in Hell's Kitchen.
Foodies who've been to Japan are no doubt aware that Hakata ramen, a region bordering east and west, is uniquely Japanese. Mentoku, a representative of Hakata ramen , uses fresh pork bones simmered at high temperatures for fifteen hours, resulting in a rich and fragrant broth. The noodles are uniformly thin, straight, and of a medium firmness, offering a firmness that's neither too hard nor too soft, making them ideal for a wide range of palates. The chashu (barbecued pork) is also exceptionally delicious; a gentle bite reveals a delicate balance of fat and lean, complemented by a soft-boiled egg, creating a truly delicious experience.
Of course, in addition to the unmistakable Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, there are many other options, such as Iwanori Ramen and Yuzu Pepper Tonkotsu Ramen .
Foodies who like vegetarian food can try Matcha (cream) ramen or tomato soy milk cheese ramen (believe me, they are not dark dishes). They are dazzling and you only regret that you can't try them all at once.
The appetizers are also highly recommended, including octopus balls with rich sauce and crispy and chewy fried chicken cartilage .
744 9th Ave
New York, NY 10019
b/t 51st St & 50th St
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 956-1784
mentoku-ny.com
Chong Qing Xiao Mian · Chongqing Noodles
Chongqing Noodles is a new addition to Hell's Kitchen, also located on Ninth Avenue. Its simple, self-explanatory pinyin name is evident. The restaurant is decorated with red lanterns, blue and white porcelain plates, and calligraphy and paintings that evoke the flavors of Chongqing. The space isn't large, but it's clean and bright, with spacious seating arranged in a well-organized manner. It instantly feels like stepping back in time.
A bowl of spicy noodles costs $9.75. The beautiful blue and white porcelain bowl is filled with a red oil soup base, topped with white sesame seeds, coriander and braised pork. The spicy aroma rushes into your nose first. Take a bite of the noodles soaked in the soup base, the chewiness is just right, and the aftertaste is strong. After 0.02 seconds, your entire lips and tongue are numb, which is so satisfying.
In addition to the signature Chongqing spicy noodles , there are also mouth-watering spicy dishes such as secret beef noodles, spicy beef offal noodles, secret big meat noodles, roast duck noodles and pork intestine noodles . Of course, there are also some mild foods for foodies who can't tolerate spicy food.
Besides noodles, Chongqing Xiaomian also offers pot stickers, xiaolongbao (small steamed buns), dumplings, and chive boxes . The chive boxes come in two servings, and they're incredibly authentic. The thick, slightly charred dough is golden, fragrant, and springy. The aroma of chives and eggs wafts through the air, captivating your taste buds. Chongqing Xiaomian isn't a big place, but it's perfect for a quiet afternoon spent alone enjoying a bowl of noodles and just daydreaming.
796 9th Ave
New York, NY 10019
b/t 53rd St & 52nd St
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 582-8866
chongqingnoodleny.com
dinner
Time's up!
Pure Thai Cookhouse
There are many Thai restaurants in Hell's Kitchen, but Pure Thai probably has the most positive reviews.
Pure Thai has a modern country style , with a long and narrow storefront, an aisle and waiting area in the middle, and diners sitting on both sides. It is always crowded. One side is a brick wall and the other is made of logs. There are Thai-style posters and posters hanging on the wall. The blackboard when you enter the store lists the special recommended dishes of the day. The waiters are all Southeast Asian girls, all of them are graceful and charming, and quite exotic.
While attractive waiters are certainly important, the restaurant's refined Thai cuisine at affordable prices is even more important. Dinner features a three-course pre-fixe menu for $22, offering excellent value. Appetizers include marinated ribs, chicken dumplings, tom yum soup, and Thai green papaya salad .
For the main course, you can choose from a variety of noodle soups and curry fried rice. The beef egg noodles that Ruoruojiang had were very delicious. In addition to the tender beef, there were also chewy beef balls, plus crispy bean sprouts, tender green kale and lemongrass. The noodles were thin vermicelli noodles, which were both healthy and flavorful, and you could eat a lot without any burden.
Roast duck noodles and curry squid fried rice are also popular dishes. And for dessert, what's a must-try? Mango sticky rice . The Pure Thai version isn't overly sweet, and the rice is not only chewy but also has a wonderfully salty flavor that complements the sweetness, creating a surprisingly delicious and harmonious combination.
The must-order drinks are Thai milk tea, coconut milk and longan ice . The Thai milk tea here is so delicious that you can't stop drinking it. Before Ruoruojiang's meal was even served, she had already finished the drink.
766 9th Ave
New York, NY 10019
b/t 51st St & 52nd St
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 581-0999
Danji
This new Korean restaurant on 52nd Street, which once held a Michelin star, offers a menu that blends traditional and modern cuisine.
Ruoruo strongly recommends Korean fried chicken, squid and scallion pancakes, and Korean white radish and cod.
The highlight of the main course is the kimchi bacon fried rice with scrambled eggs. It's absolutely savory with a hint of spiciness, and paired with the buttery scrambled eggs and fragrant Chinese sausage, it's absolutely delicious. The downside is that it's a bit pricey, so most of the time I just pass by.
346 W 52nd St
New York, NY 10019
b/t 9th Ave & 8th Ave
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 586-2880
danjinyc.com
Taboo
Taboon's dark green restaurant is spacious and bright, with outdoor seating. It specializes in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine , and while the prices aren't cheap, it's been featured in numerous media outlets, including the New York Times and Zagat.
The restaurant's name, which means "dome oven" in Arabic, lives up to its name. It actually has a domed oven, the restaurant's crown jewel, where it bakes fluffy flatbreads. Guests are served warm on a wooden board as soon as they're seated, accompanied by extra virgin olive oil garnished with sage, rosemary, and sea salt. Whether eaten alone or with a yogurt sauce, it's a truly unique experience, unlike any other European restaurant.
Taboon can be regarded as one of the originators of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in New York. Although it is not cheap, the environment, food and service are all satisfactory. You can occasionally come here to taste this unique taste on anniversaries or celebrations.
773 10th Ave
New York, NY 10019
b/t 53rd St & 52nd St
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(347) 349-1015
taboononline.com
Night
gentle
Get up and have fun
Crumb
Briciola may be the most unusual wine bar in New York, but it is full of unique Italian passion.
There is a large and long communal table here, and all the guests are sitting around the table, which is very lively.
First-time visitors will surely be attracted by the elegant and modern interior design, with walls made of wood, wine bottles, wine barrels and lanterns, and very romantic lighting and color schemes - especially after nightfall, looking in from the window, it is simply a vivid social Ukiyo-e , with clinking glasses, laughter and joy, and handsome men and beautiful women full of European style. A literary uncle gently puts his arm around the shoulders and beautiful back next to him, and the air is filled with warm light, the aroma of wine and hormones, but it is full of romance and by no means vulgar.
In addition to a wide variety of wines and cocktails, as well as humorous and chatty bartenders and waiters, Briciola also has many tempting tapas and various Italian delicacies that are not to be missed.
370 W 51st St
New York, NY 10019
b/t 9th Ave & 8th Ave
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(646) 678-5763
briciolawinebar.com
Print · The Press Lounge
The reason for recommending this bar is nothing else but view, view, and view.
This rooftop lounge, called The Press Lounge (at the ink48 hotel), is located on 11th Avenue. It enjoys a prime location in Hell's Kitchen, offering a bird's-eye view of the Hudson River and the vibrant lights of Midtown Manhattan. It's one of Manhattan's most famous rooftop spots.
There is also an open-air paddling pool that flashes neon lights at night, making the night even more charming.
653 11th Ave
New York, NY 10036
b/t 47th St & 48th St
Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 757-2224
printrestaurant.com
Hell's Kitchen is a place of flavor . The people here come from all corners of the world, and the cuisine here is equally captivating. There's so much delicious food here, and this article only scratches the surface. If you're hungry, have a few free moments, live here, or are just passing through, please come take a look, take a look, and taste the food. You'll definitely gain something, something new, and truly experience pure joy.
Text｜Ruoruojiang
Editor | Cathead Captain