29 August 2024 в 21:21

How to Eat Cheaper in New York

How to Eat Cheaper in New York: this city is known for its expensive dining options, but there’s a clever way to enjoy great food at a fraction of the price while helping to reduce food waste: the Too Good To Go (TGTG) app.

This app connects users with local restaurants, cafes, and stores that have surplus food at the end of the day, offering it at significantly discounted prices.

Here’s how you can eat cheaper in NYC using the Too Good To Go app.

How to Eat Cheaper in New York: What is Too Good To Go?

Too Good To Go is a food waste reduction app that partners with eateries to sell unsold food at the end of their business hours.

You buy a “surprise bag” through the app, which can contain anything from pastries to full meals, depending on the restaurant.

The best part? You’re paying a fraction of the original price, usually between $4 and $8 per meal, with savings that can easily exceed 50%.

How Does Too Good To Go Work?

Open the app and browse available surprise bags from participating eateries near you.
Each listing shows the restaurant’s name, a brief description of what might be in the bag, the price, and a pick-up time window.
Pay through the app, head to the location, and pick up your meal. Remember, it’s not a delivery service—pick-up is required.

Why Use Too Good To Go in New York City?

1. Save Money on Quality Food

Dining in New York can be pricey, but with TGTG, you can snag meals at steep discounts. For example:

Breakfast pastries and coffee from a popular cafe for $4 instead of $12.
A full dinner of pasta, salad, and bread from a high-end Italian restaurant for just $5 (retail price: $20)

These savings quickly add up, especially if you’re eating out frequently.

2. Discover Hidden Food Gems

Too Good To Go allows you to explore new spots you might not have visited otherwise. You might find yourself enjoying sushi from a trendy spot in the Lower East Side or bagels from a renowned bakery in Brooklyn, all at a fraction of the cost.

3. Reduce Food Waste and Help the Environment

Food waste is a significant problem, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions when it ends up in landfills.

By rescuing surplus food, you’re not just saving money but also helping the planet.

For every meal you save, you reduce your carbon footprint by preventing that food from going to waste.

Tips for Maximizing Your Experience with Too Good To Go

1. Plan Your Pickups

Pick-up times can vary widely, often falling outside regular meal times. Plan your day around these times if you can, or be flexible with when you eat.

2. Check Reviews and Ratings

Some users leave reviews about the quality of the surprise bags. This can help you choose the best spots for your pickups and avoid any disappointments.

3. Be Open to Surprises

Since you won’t know exactly what’s in your bag until you pick it up, it’s best to have an open mind. This is part of the fun and often leads to trying new foods you wouldn’t normally order.

4. Avoid Peak Times

Bags tend to sell out quickly during peak times, such as lunch or dinner hours. To increase your chances of securing a good deal, check the app early in the day and be ready to reserve your bag as soon as it becomes available.

Success Stories: Eating Well on a Budget in NYC

Here are some real examples of how New Yorkers are eating cheap and delicious food using Too Good To Go:

A $5 surprise bag from a Manhattan bakery contained a loaf of artisanal bread, three pastries, and a sandwich—worth over $20.
For just $6, a user got a meal from a popular sushi restaurant that included two rolls, miso soup, and a seaweed salad, normally priced at $25.
A local pizzeria offered a bag with four slices of pizza, garlic knots, and a dessert for $4, compared to its regular $15 cost.