by Rachel Brougham

Created on: April 05, 2009   Last Updated: April 27, 2009

New York is a city on the move. And just because you're grabbing a meal on the run doesn't mean you have to give up on taste. With lunch carts and street food on nearly every corner, you'll find more than just hotdogs and pretzels at these grab and go joints in Midtown.

Vegetarians have long cherished Govinda and owner Jerry Abram's healthy fare. From breakfast items such as oatmeal and whole grain pancakes to lunch favorites like veggie burgers and even pasta, this street cart won't reak havoic on your waistline. There are even daily specials. And try the carrot-lemon sauce with the lentil burger, it's what made this place famous. Park Avenue at 52nd street. Open 7am-3:30pm during the week.

Street Meat doesn't have to be scary. At Kwik Meal near Rockefeller Center, this Greek and Middle Eastern street cart serves up some of the best lamb and chicken gyros you'll ever taste. Mohammed Rahman runs this cart, and is a former Russian Tea Room cook. He's known for his lamb, but the falafel is just as tasty. 45th St. near 6th Ave. Open during the week, 11am-9pm.

There's more than just hotdogs in Central Park. Grab a tuna sandwich at the SheepMeadow Cafe during the day, and then return in the evening for a grilled steak or rainbow trout. The small cafe also features seasonal fresh produce and beer and wine. And come back on the weekend for brunch. The SheepMeadow Cafe is located near the park entrance at Central Park West and 69th Street.

For a true hot dog cart experience, look not further than Hallo Berlin. This cart serves up dogs that Oscar Meyer would drool over. From brats to knockwurst and even currywurst, these dogs come with the works cabbage, onions and a special mustard. Hallo Berlin can be found on 5th Ave at 54th Street.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Brougham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.