The Alliance for Downtown New York will host its fifth annual Lunch Box food fair on Wednesday, October 7, bringing ten different boxed meals from Lower Manhattan’s newer dining destinations to Fosun Plaza at 28 Liberty. Running from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the open-air event offers a complete meal featuring a protein and two sides for $10, according to event organizers.
Lineup of Participating Restaurants
This year’s pop-up features a diverse array of culinary options from across the Financial District. Sadie’s is serving crispy fried chicken paired with coleslaw, cornbread, and salted maple butter, while Terravita Downtown offers roasted Lebanese lamb alongside hummus and za’atar naan. Sam Ping’s Chinese BBQ provides a choice of cha siu and pork ribs or Cantonese roast chicken and chicken wings, served with jasmine rice and steamed Napa cabbage.
Additional lunch boxes include lemongrass chicken or caramel pork with rice and cabbage salad from JoJu Vietnamese, and pollo asado or al pastor burritos with rice, beans, cheese, and avocado from Tacos del Barrio. Sammie Thai Hero Sandwiches brings the Basil Chop—a hero loaded with ground beef, provolone, and Thai basil sauce, complemented by papaya slaw and tom yum-spiced macaroni salad. Honeybrains serves chicken paillard, 62 William offers a teriyaki chicken box, and Urban Cove provides a burger slider with bacon-onion jam.
Sweets, Drinks, and Event Operations
Nio’s Shake handles dessert with a protein waffle topped with strawberries, bananas, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, accompanied by a sample-size shake. Good Coconut sells beverages separately, featuring water chestnut coconut boba tea and mango coconut milk. The event is open to the public with free admission, and visitors pay only for the food boxes and drinks they purchase.
“Lunch Box is the best way to sample Lower Manhattan’s newest culinary talent,” said Downtown Alliance president Jessica Lappin. “Join us on Fosun Plaza or grab a box to go; either way, you’re supporting local restaurants and hopefully finding your next go-to spot.” The midday fair operates rain orshine and functions as a zero-waste event, featuring composting and recycling stations set up throughout the plaza.
Did You Know? The open-air food fair at 28 Liberty’s Fosun Plaza marks the fifth annual staging of the Lunch Box pop-up, bringing thousands of food lovers together to sample Lower Manhattan’s newest dining destinations for $10 a box.
Economic Impact on Lower Manhattan Dining
Finding a full midday meal in Manhattan for ten dollars has become increasingly rare in the current economy.
Details on date, pricing, and admission for the Lunch Box food fair
When and where is the Lunch Box food fair taking place?
The event takes place on Wednesday, October 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Fosun Plaza, located at 28 Liberty in Lower Manhattan.
How much do the food boxes cost and what do they include?
Each boxed meal costs $10 and includes a main protein alongside two sides. Drinks are sold separately by participating vendors.
Is there an admission fee to enter the event?
Admission to the open-air food fair is free, and the event operates rain or shine. Attendees pay only for the food boxes and beverages they order.
What is your favorite type of neighborhood food fair dish to try during a quick lunch break?