Is New York–Style Pizza a National Dish In New York City of U.S.A?

Is New York–Style Pizza a National Dish In New York City of U.S.A? 

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Technically, the United States doesn't have one official "national dish," though favorites like apple pie or hamburgers usually take the slot. However, on a local level, pizza is the undisputed cultural icon of the five boroughs.

Why it’s the "National Dish" of NYC
The History: It evolved from Neapolitan pizza brought by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s. Lombardi’s, the first pizzeria in the U.S., opened in Manhattan in 1905. 

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‎a. The "Fold": A true NYC slice is large, thin, and flexible. If you aren't folding it in half to keep the grease from ruining your shirt, you’re doing it wrong.

‎b. The Mythic Water: Locals swear the low mineral content in New York’s tap water is the "secret ingredient" that makes the crust perfectly chewy and crisp. 

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‎c. Accessibility: From the high-end coal-fired ovens to the "dollar slice" shops (which, sadly, often cost $1.50 or $2.00 now), it is the food that fuels the entire city's workforce. 

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‎In short: while not an official "national" dish of the U.S., you cannot separate the identity of New York City from its pizza. It is the city’s culinary soul.