12 Picnic Food Finds You Can Only Get At Local Stores In NYC

A good picnic is only as memorable as the food you bring. And in a city like New York, the options go way beyond chips and sandwiches. Local stores across the boroughs stock some of the most unique and flavorful bites you will not find in national chains.

Whether you are lounging in Central Park or spreading a blanket out by the river, these local favorites are what take your picnic from simple to standout. These are the kinds of snacks and treats that instantly spark conversations and make everyone ask, where did you get that?

Scallion Pancakes From Yun Hai Taiwanese Pantry

Crispy, savory, and perfect at room temperature, these scallion pancakes are a picnic power move. You can find them frozen or fresh at this Brooklyn gem. They pack a ton of flavor without needing any dips or spreads to shine.

Bagel Chips From Shelsky’s Of Brooklyn

These bagel chips are made from real New York bagels and have just the right crunch. Flavors like everything, sesame, and garlic make them way more interesting than store bought crackers. Add a little cheese and you are good to go.

Mini Empanadas From Empanada Mama

Smaller than your average empanada but just as filling, these bites are easy to carry and even easier to eat. Empanada Mama offers several fillings, but the spicy chicken and sweet plantain ones are picnic favorites that taste great warm or cold.

Strawberry Yogurt Pretzels From Sahadi’s

A little sweet, a little salty, and completely addictive, these pink coated pretzels look cute and taste even better. Sahadi’s is known for its bulk section, but these yogurt pretzels always sell out fast for a reason.

Smoked Mozzarella Pasta Salad From Court Street Grocers

This is not your average deli pasta salad. The smoky cheese and roasted red peppers turn a simple dish into something rich and satisfying. It travels well and holds up in the sun without turning bland or soggy.

Japanese Egg Salad Sandwich From Katagiri

This creamy, flavorful egg salad has a cult following. Soft milk bread holds it all together without falling apart. It is not too messy, not too rich, and just the kind of low key indulgence that works on a sunny day outside.

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Avocado Rice Balls From Sunrise Mart

Wrapped in nori and packed with perfectly seasoned rice and avocado, these onigiri are both fresh and filling. You can eat them with one hand, and they do not require any extras. They also hold up well even if you are out for hours.

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Pickled Grapes From Brooklyn Larder

These are not your usual picnic fruits. Slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and totally unique, pickled grapes are great on their own or paired with cheese. They are an easy way to elevate your spread without any extra prep.

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Spicy Chickpeas From Kalustyan’s

These crunchy, seasoned chickpeas bring heat and crunch without needing refrigeration. Kalustyan’s has several versions, but the ones with chili and garlic are always a hit. They are a protein packed snack that keeps people reaching into the bag for more.

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Cheddar Chive Biscuits From Bien Cuit

Flaky, buttery, and loaded with flavor, these biscuits are easy to pack and even easier to love. They make a great base for a sandwich or work on their own. Plus, they are sturdy enough to survive the bottom of your picnic tote.

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Beet Hummus From The Orchard Grocer

This plant based spread is colorful, creamy, and seriously delicious. The beet gives it a slightly sweet edge that plays well with crackers, carrots, or flatbread. It also looks great in photos if you are building a social worthy spread.

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Mango Sticky Rice Squares From Bangkok Center Grocery

Portable, sweet, and unexpectedly satisfying, these mango sticky rice treats are already perfectly portioned for picnics. They are wrapped in banana leaf and make for a light but flavorful end to your outdoor meal. You will not find them in big box stores.

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A New York picnic deserves more than just deli sandwiches and store brand chips. The city’s local markets are filled with under the radar bites that elevate your outdoor experience and make every snack feel intentional. These food finds bring something different to the blanket and make your picnic one to remember.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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While tourists crowd trendy restaurants and overpriced cafes, real New Yorkers know the best meals come wrapped in wax paper, served with a pickle, and handed over the counter by someone who has been slicing pastrami longer than you have been alive. These delis are more than lunch spots. They are institutions. And according to locals, no fancy restaurant even comes close.

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These spots are not just Instagram bait or fan service they are places locals keep going back to for the food, the vibe, and yes, the occasional star sighting. Whether it is comfort food with a twist or upscale dining that delivers, these celebrity-backed restaurants are truly worth the visit.

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