New York, New York

This small cafe focusing on serving Malaysian and Singaporean food is one of the most talked-about recent openings in Lower East Side – it even made lists of America's best. Among delights you can savour here are 'nasi lemak', a dish made with coconut rice and fried anchovies, or 'ikan bakar', spicy grilled stingray. You can finish your meal with mochi or their cinnamon cake 'kuhi lapis', together with one of the house's signature milk-based drinks.

Founded in 1927, by Domenico Parisi, the first to introduce Italian cappuccino to America, Caffe Reggio is the oldest and most historic café in New York. You can still see the original machine after you enter from the bright green facade. Pastries like sfogliatelle and cannoli can be coupled with your cup of coffee, while you enjoy the paintings that decorate the walls, one of them made by an artist of the school of Caravaggio.

You can order the popular hot corned beef sandwich, but they say the matzo ball soup at this Kosher deli will cure any and all ailments – there is a reason this soup is nicknamed “Jewish Penicillin.”

Beloved by legends like Al Capone and Franklin Roosevelt, Nathan’s has been serving its beef hot dogs since 1916. Try them at the original Coney Island beachfront location.

This establishment is American diner food at its finest. Many cheesecake fanatics claim Junior’s hand-mixed, kosher recipe is the best – it’s worth ordering a slice (or two) to determine for yourself.

Veniero’s was voted to have the "Best Desserts in New York City" in 2010. It has been an Italian pastry heaven since 1894. With its Italian marble floors and stained glass ceilings, you can enjoy your espresso or cappuccino, homemade biscotti or cannoli and pretend you’re in Rome.

Little Owl is like the name suggests: compact, yet romantic and cozy, and serves excellent meals at a reasonable price. A fun detail: it is located in the famous building featured on the popular TV show “Friends.”

If you are yearning for a great meal of typical American fast food, this is the place to go. Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in 2001, and, after three years of long lines, they opened their first permanent stand. Today, you can find Shake Shack not only at several spots in New York but also in other cities across the US and internationally. Even if they now have more than one stand, be prepared to stand in line – these burgers and hot dogs are still some of the most popular in the city.

Abraço Espresso is renowned for its olive oil cake as well as their bakery offerings, that feature the freshest ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Breakfast begins at 8am, and small plates and prix-fixe items are served around noon. They have as diverse a pastry menu as they do a coffee one, so come and take your pick.

Though much of the area formerly known as Little Italy has been consumed by rapidly expanding Chinatown, the decorative Mulberry Street and Mott Street still offer a variety of authentic Italian fare. Stop to rest your feet in one of the several Italian cafes, while you enjoy a smooth espresso and decadent cannoli.

You haven’t been to New York if you haven’t had a bagel. Be sure to try one with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Murray's Bagels has a very nice location in southern Manhattan.