With thousands of hot dog carts, halal food carts, and ice cream trucks, New York City dwellers have gotten used to eating on-the-go. Street carts have been banned and revived. They have been serving hot dogs and pretzels to hungry and hurrying New Yorkers for centuries, even before this city was called New York. It’s nothing new.

 

Street carts are a strong visual representation of the cultural diversity and hybridity of New York City. Food carts can be found on countless blocks of the city. Classic hot dog pushcart on the sidewalk, capped with the red-and-yellow umbrella, have become one of the most iconic scenes of New York City. Nowadays, carts not only sell hot dogs and pretzel, but also other various dishes that immigrants have brought to the street. A new trend of street vending is to add unconventional ingredients to street food.

 

Coexistence is the most New York concept of all. Street vending breaks the hierarchy of street life. This public activity attracts both locals and tourists, mixes social classes, and changes the pattern of urban life. All kinds of people would line up for a platter or to grab a roll at the park.

 

Food carts have created a striking image in the city landscape. Although the carts are not nicely designed, the bizarre way they are constructed in is almost a modern art form.