A Flavor-Fueled Night at Taste of Times Square 2025

A Flavor-Fueled Night at Taste of Times Square 2025

  When the Times Square Alliance invited me to cover the legendary Taste of Times Square festival this year, I knew I was in for a culinary adventure. Held on September 8th, this one-night-only celebration transformed the Crossroads of the World into a global food haven, with over 30 restaurants offering $10 bites and live entertainment that kept the energy pulsing from 43rd to 48th Street.

First Stop: Lagos TSQ 

I kicked off my tasting tour with a bold and soulful plate from Lagos TSQ, a West African fusion hotspot nestled right in the heart of Times Square. Their jollof rice was everything I hoped for—smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying, with a rich tomato base and hints of ginger and garlic. Paired with their jerk chicken, which was slow-smoked and drenched in a fiery jerk sauce, this dish packed a punch and set the tone for the night. Lagos TSQ didn’t just serve food—they served culture, rhythm, and warmth on a plate.  

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Taste of Times Square is one of New York City’s longest-running outdoor food festivals, held right in the heart of Manhattan. Over 30 restaurants from the district serve up global flavors tasteoftimessquare, TasteTSq, TimesSquareEats, LagosTSQ, #thingstodoinnyc

♬ Good Life – OneRepublic

Second Stop: Dalla Dalla Indian Cuisine 

Next, I wandered over to the Indian food stall, where I discovered a dish that was both comforting and refreshing: natrag dhalla—crispy fried lentil beans served in a cool, tangy yogurt sauce. The contrast of textures and flavors was brilliant: crunchy lentils softened by creamy yogurt, spiced just enough to awaken the palate. It was a beautiful reminder of how Indian cuisine balances heat, texture, and depth with finesse.

@beautywithinmagazine

At Taste of Times Square, Dilli Dilli stood out with its bold flavors and vibrant presentation. This Indian gem brought the essence of Old and New Delhi to NYC. tasteoftimessquare, dellidelli, TasteTSq, TSqFoodFest, #indianfood

♬ भारतीय थीम संगीत – Kley Kley

Among the culinary standouts at Taste of Times Square, two bites stole the spotlight: the Guinness Wagyu sliders from The Long Room, and the legendary cheesecake from Junior’s. 🔥 The Long Room’s sliders were rich, juicy, and layered with flavor—premium wagyu beef kissed with Guinness, served on pillowy buns that melted in your mouth. It was a bold, indulgent nod to Irish gastropub flair right in the heart of Midtown. 🍰 Then came Junior’s. Their cheesecake? Iconic. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a buttery crust. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just passing through, Junior’s is a rite of passage—and this slice was pure nostalgia. Together, they captured the spirit of Times Square: bold, diverse, and unforgettable.

Final Thoughts 

As the sun dipped behind the skyscrapers and Times Square lit up in its usual electric glow, Taste of Times Square reminded us why this city is more than just a place—it’s a rhythm, a recipe, a reunion. From 43rd to 48th Street, over 30 restaurants served up more than food—they offered connection. Whether it was the smoky comfort of Virgil’s BBQ, the tropical flair of Havana Central, or the bold spice of Lagos TSQ, every dish carried a piece of someone’s story. And in that four-hour window, New York didn’t just feed us—it embraced us. One bite, one beat, one block at a time If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next September. Your taste buds will thank you.