It’s not the 2010s anymore. We’re not standing outside in the ice cold letting the liquor be the only thing that warms our way. We’re starting 2026 with good food, new experiences, and not taking any chances on our luck, money, longevity, and “full circles.” We can decide to stretch our legs, see new spots, and start the year off feeling fed (not foul).
Why These Foods Matter Most
Before we hit the streets, here’s the history rundown:
• Black‑eyed peas (and lentils) are eaten for coins and prosperity. This American Southern tradition traces back through West African food culture and early U.S. history where peas symbolize money because of their shape.*
• Greens like collards or cabbage signify money and financial fortune.*
• Pork represents progress for the year ahead because pigs root forward.
• Ring‑shaped foods stand for coming full circle through the year, a lucky motif in many cultures.
• Long noodles symbolize longevity in East Asian New Year traditions.**
Now that you know, let’s plan your “go far” crawl.
CHINATOWN / LES CRAWL (The Walkable, Obvious Choice)
1. Pork Start: Taiwan Pork Chop House
This pork’s got a thick, crackling crust. Just how you like it. Salty in a way that wakes you up, not leaves you parched.
2. Ring Energy: Carol's Bun
Golden on the bottom, soft and steamy on top, so crisp where the dough hits the pan. You bite through the chewy exterior into warm, savory filling.
3. Life (is) Long Noodles: Xi'an Famous Foods
These noodles are wide, chewy, slick with chili oil and vinegar, and they pull the heat all the way down your throat. You slurp them carefully because breaking them feels wrong (it is).
4. Prosperity Greens: Spicy Village
These greens come glossy with oil and garlic, punched up with chili heat that lingers long enough to keep you warm on the walk home. It’s savory, spicy, grounding. The greens for money… but also for your body’s wellness after this winter’s whips.
NOTE: Most Chinatown spots are cash-only. Bring paper bills. Expect to spend around $25–$35 per person to bite all the above bites.
OTHER BOROUGHS — ONE-STOP SHOPS FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
If you want all the luck in one go (or aren’t so close to Chinatown):
Cornbread Brooklyn (in Crown Heights): Southern classics for coins, dollars, and progress. One plate, one simple decision: win.
Jacob's Pickles (in Midtown, Upper West Side, and Dumbo): Pork, peas, greens. It’s everything you need, no matter where you hang your hat.
This crawl and this year is about doing right by yourself. Real, homemade, intentional (and international) food that fills you up and sets your tone.
Insanity is doing the same thing again and again while expecting a different result. Don’t be insane. Replace this year’s bar crawl with the NYEH New Year Food Crawl. If you don’t you’ll regret it (yet again).
Happy eating + Happy New Year!
Like this? Explore more from:
