These TikTok Stars Are Trying Food from Every Country in the World Without Ever Leaving N.Y.C. (and Making Us Cry in the Process)

**Exploring Global Flavours: Dillon Davis and Nichols Neff’s Culinary Journey through NYC**

Dillon Davis and Nichols Neff, affectionately known as “Tall Guy” and “Hat Guy” respectively on TikTok, have captured the attention of food enthusiasts across New York City with their innovative series on global cuisines. Launching their TikTok account, @tastebuds_nyc, they set out to experience the diverse culinary offerings from every country represented within the city, effectively taking viewers on a world tour without leaving the five boroughs.

The duo’s culinary adventure began in November 2025 when they decided to spin a “wheel” to choose their first cuisine, which landed on Armenia. Their experience at the Little Armenia Cafe, where they engaged with the owner, Ararat El-Rawi, for an authentic Armenian experience, set a precedent for the series ahead. By sharing a bottle of wine with El-Rawi, they underscored their mission to forge connections while exploring authentic ethnic dishes.

In their videos, Davis and Neff employ a consistent format, requesting the most representative dishes from each country’s cuisine featured. They often take this a step further, learning to say “thank you” in the respective language. Their approach not only focuses on the food but also on forming meaningful relationships with restaurant owners and their families. Over time, they have invited these individuals to join them for various outings, including basketball games and dinners, further fostering connections within the community.

The impact of Davis and Neff’s series has extended beyond mere entertainment. Many restaurant owners featured in their videos have reported increased business, along with greater community engagement. A Venezuelan restaurant owner reflected on the experience as “a revolution of friendship from different countries,” highlighting the shared cultural connections that the series promotes.

In an interview, Davis elaborated on the inspiration behind their project. He noted that while living together, they spent considerable time scrolling through food content online, leading Neff to highlight the lack of focus on lesser-known culinary establishments. Davis had long harboured the idea of trying food from every country, and as New York City boasts a plethora of global cuisines, the framework for their TikTok series was established.

A standout moment for Davis occurred during the season two finale, where they brought together numerous restaurant owners they had met throughout the series. The event celebrated the diverse cultures and communities that the series showcased. It provided a rare opportunity for these busy restaurant proprietors, who often devote their lives to caring for others, to unwind and connect on a personal level. Davis described it as “a celebration of the people who have made the channel what it is.”

For newcomers to their series, Davis suggested the episode featuring Bhutan as an ideal starting point. This particular instalment reflects their mission beautifully, illustrating how the initial visit to enjoy a unique cuisine grew into a deeper friendship, as they found themselves celebrating New Year’s Eve with the restaurant owners after just a few days.

When it comes to sampling the extensive range of dishes available, Davis remarked on their strategy of arriving at filming locations famished, ensuring they can fully appreciate the array of flavours presented to them. Both he and Neff, being quite active in sports, have healthy appetites, allowing them to try as many dishes as possible during their visits.

Beyond the camera, many of their most cherished memories come from genuine interactions that didn’t make the final cut of their videos. Davis shared that their friendship with Kinley, a restaurant owner from Bhutan, has blossomed into a close bond, with plans for future travels together. Such connections, he noted, reinforce the show’s underlying theme of building relationships through shared culinary experiences.

The series not only showcases diverse cuisines but also demonstrates how food can bridge cultural gaps. An illustrative moment in their finale featured conversations between restaurant owners from Somali and Yemeni backgrounds, who discovered culinary similarities. This small exchange of ideas led to plans for a unique fusion dish, exemplifying the collaborative spirit that Davis and Neff aim to foster through their platform.

Davis acknowledged the difficulty of selecting a standout dish from their numerous encounters, emphasising that they approach their mission not as food critics but rather as cultural explorers. One memorable culinary highlight for him was the chicken bastilla at a Moroccan restaurant, a delightful sweet-and-savory dish that left a lasting impression on both men.

In this pursuit of friendship and flavour, Davis and Neff continue to thrive as ambassadors for the rich tapestry of global cuisines represented in New York City. Their journey, as showcased through @tastebuds_nyc, not only celebrates the diversity of food but also reinforces the importance of connection across cultural divides, inviting viewers on a shared exploration of taste and camaraderie.