I went to Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg about a month ago. It was my first time actually going to Brooklyn, and I was not disappointed. For starters, I had heard of the gentrification of Brooklyn as a result of the high cost of living in Manhattan. I was ecstatic to visit until I got there and had to find parking­–I thought I’d never be able to get out of the car and explore Brooklyn!

So, my first tip would definitely be to take some mode of public transportation.

Once I got out of the car, all I could notice was the lack of towering buildings. Instead, beautiful brownstones and lush trees replaced them. As you follow the crowd, you eventually get to the Smorgasburg.

Second tip: the Smorgasburg has a different location on Saturday versus Sunday, so make sure to look up the address. I went on a Sunday, so it was right on the water, more specifically Brooklyn Bridge Park. I am not sure what the view is like from the market on Saturday, but while noshing on delicious food, I was able to see all of downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Via Megan Valdes

Now, the best part: the food! If you are a fickle person, or just love having a huge array of options for food, then this is definitely the spot for you. They fit over 100 different food vendors, ranging from lobster rolls to fried cheese curds to Jamaican beef patties to even ramen noodle burgers. When I went, I made a beeline for BEP, a vendor of Vietnamese food. Two reasons: first and most importantly, I love Vietnamese food, and secondly, it had a short line, which for Smorgasburg, is nearly impossible. For $8, I got two Bo la lot rolls in one of those paper nacho containers, which utilized a wide rice noodle as the wrapping. The filling had marinated beef, cucumbers, bean sprouts, peanuts, Sriracha, mint leaves and other herbs.

I am making myself so hungry right now. Just make it a point to stop here, and you will not regret it. Also, I tried some of the fried fish from Handsome Hank’s fish hut, and it was really great, since you could tell that it was fresh.

Third tip, do a full walk-around of the Smorgasburg, and check out all of the food options! Also, try to get there early because I saw some places closing as soon as they sold out.

via miminguyen.com

For every excellent salty food at Smorgasburg, there is an equally excellent sweet vendor. Here you can get homemade ice cream sandwiches, fruit-based pops (for you dairy-free folks!), and my personal favorite: doughnuts. I cannot make a trip to New York without stopping at Dough.

Quick anecdote: I am no fan of doughnuts. I’ve tried bakery doughnuts and even Dunkin’ Donuts, and I either feel sick after or I just don’t finish the doughnut because they are always so dense.

Anyway, imagine my surprise when I found Dough at Smorgasburg! I had come with friends, and I insisted they try it. I waited in the 20-minute line and bought six doughnuts. When you try one, they are very airy, and big enough to share (or not!). They come in traditional flavors, but if you’re feeling more exotic, try passion fruit, hibiscus, dulce de leche or mocha almond crunch. My favorites (shown below) include passion fruit (top right) or hibiscus (bottom right), but I am a sucker for their Nutella stuffed doughnut (bottom left).

via Megan Valdes

So for my last tip, even though it may be crowded and hot, just enjoy yourself, because how often can you eat awesome Vietnamese food and eat a killer doughnut while looking at the Manhattan skyline?

Visit www.smorgasburg.com for more information!