Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

Join chef and cookbook author Ham El-Waylly on an NYC food tour through the East Village and Lower East Side, where every stop brings back that childhood feeling. From chicken shawarma and fries to a chocolate chip cookie that feels like pure nostalgia, this episode is all about feel-good food. If you’re wondering what to eat in NYC or looking for the best food spots, this guide is packed with comforting flavors and must-try bites that take you back.

00:00 - Introduction
00:20 - Manousheh: Jibneh manousheh with Akawi cheese
02:13 - Hen House: Chicken shawarma with fries & toum
05:30 - Hani’s Bakery: Chocolate chip cookie with warm, fuzzy vibes
09:43 - Outro

Got a story idea for us? Send us an email at pitch [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com 📧

Get exclusive GBS items from our online store 🛒
👉 shop.greatbigstory.com

SUBSCRIBE: buff.ly/41yqVHF
NOTIFICATIONS: Make sure you enable the 🔔 to get notified about our latest video publishes.

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/greatbigstory
Check us out on TikTok: tiktok.com/@greatbigstory
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/greatbigstory
Give us a shout on Twitter: twitter.com/greatbigstory
Sign up to our newsletter: greatbigstory.com/signup