Cravings for specific international cuisines and dining experiences continue to shape New York City’s vibrant food scene, as recent inquiries highlight a renewed interest in Egyptian street food, refined French dining, and all-you-can-eat sushi.

One persistent culinary desire comes from Whitney W., who sought out hawawshi, a traditional Egyptian sandwich resembling a spiced meat pocket wrapped in pita. The craving, intensified during pregnancy, prompted a search along Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens — an area known for its diverse immigrant communities. Despite many Egyptian eateries listing hawawshi on their menus, several no longer serve the dish, making it difficult to find. The quest ended at Watany Grill, a food truck stationed outside the Watany Food Market. Here, hawawshi is grilled over a charcoal flame, resulting in a toasted, crispy exterior infused with seasoned beef fat. The sandwich is offered piping hot, accompanied by thick tahini and a side of olives and pickles. This preparation has proven memorable enough to linger in the appetite well beyond the meal itself.

For those seeking a quieter, elegant setting for celebratory dining in Manhattan, a recommendation emerges for Chez Fifi on the Upper East Side. Described as blending the intimate style of classic downtown French restaurants with refined touches, the two-story townhouse venue on East 74th Street offers a subdued atmosphere favored by patrons who prefer understated luxury over louder environments. The menu includes French and Italian dishes, with highlights such as filet au poivre served alongside crisp fries that can be elevated with optional additives like Ostera caviar or foie gras. Desserts are a particular draw, featuring items like a rich chocolate mousse and baba au rhum served with rum for additional drizzling, underscoring the restaurant’s dedication to celebratory yet casual dining experiences.

Meanwhile, the closure of former all-you-can-eat sushi establishments has raised questions about where to find unlimited sushi in the city today. A notable option exists at Tao, a longstanding venue in the Meatpacking District. Since the previous year, Tao has offered a $75 brunch buffet that includes a wide array of elevated dim sum items alongside a sizable selection of sushi and nigiri. Despite the expansive offering—which takes place in a theatrical setting enhanced by dry ice fog—the quality of the sushi remains surprisingly high for a buffet format. The experience has proven popular with diners seeking value and variety, capped off with familiar indulgences like a chocolate fountain for dessert.

Addresses:

- Watany Grill: 25-78 Steinway Street (28th Avenue), Astoria, Queens

- Chez Fifi: 140 East 74th Street (Lexington Avenue), Upper East Side, Manhattan

- Tao: 92 Ninth Avenue (West 17th Street), Meatpacking District, Manhattan