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Street Food City traces the history of the vendors who keep New Yorkers fed on the go.

A First Look at MOFAD's Street Food City

Housed on MOFAD’s second floor inside Empire Stores, Street Food City brings together stories from generations of street vendors—from the tamaleras of Sunset Park to the carts in Midtown feeding thousands each day. Families walk through immersive displays, historic objects, and multimedia features that answer big questions kids naturally ask: Who are the people running these carts? Where do they come from? How do they make it all happen every day?

Families who love interactive experiences can appreciate the exhibit’s mix of visuals, storytelling, and hands-on elements. Expect to see historic installations, early vending carts, and modern tools of the trade, along with great VR experiences, short films, and profiles spotlighting the many cultures that make NYC’s street food so iconic.

Fun For Kids at Street Food City

Kids are often fascinated by anything happening on wheels, and Street Food City plays right into that curiosity. Families can peek inside cart setups, listen to vendors describe a "day in the life," and explore the sounds and behind-the-scenes details that usually stay hidden.

My kids gravitated toward the VR headsets that really bring you inside a cart, the audio headsets with real vendors telling their stories, and the food photographs from around the world. My kids gave a big “whoa” when they saw the timeline of how early a vendor wakes up and how many hours a day they work! Of course, the bite-sized tastings included with admission were the biggest hit!

Get an idea of what it's like to be a food truck purveyor during a visit to Street Food City at MOFAD.

Stories Behind the Carts

Parents and big kids who enjoy learning "how things work" may spend extra time in this area. In addition to learning how to build a food cart, the exhibit explores the history of vending in NYC. It also raises thoughtful questions about labor, policy, entrepreneurship, and how immigrant communities have shaped the flavors we now consider classic New York.

MOFAD worked with historians, scholars, and experts from organizations like the Street Vendor Project, NYU, CUNY, and the Smithsonian to make this section rich with detail. Caregivers who love context find a lot to enjoy.

Know Before You Go to MOFAD's Street Food City

• The exhibit is good for ages 8 and older; elementary-aged kids will get the most out of the storytelling and cart displays.
• MOFAD is open Thursday through Sunday from noon-6pm. Purchase tickets online in advance or upon arrival.
• MOFAD is accessible by taking the A, C trains to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge or taking the F train to the York Street Station
• MOFAD is on the second floor of Empire Stores. If entering from the Water Street entrance, walk past Cha Cha Matcha on your right and Time Out Market on your left, and head toward the glass elevator vestibule, and take the elevator to the second floor. MOFAD is on the right once you exit the elevator. From the Brooklyn Bridge Park/courtyard entrance, access MOFAD by outdoor courtyard stairs or the elevator inside immediately to your right.
• Photo-ops abound nearby. Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Bridge are already a favorite backdrops for family photos, and the exhibit adds new colorful spaces to snap a pic.
• There's a small but fun gift shop at MOFAD that's especially fun for kids who love cookbooks or global snacks.

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All photos courtesy of MOFAD