From Go Knicks to Go Harlem: Harlem Shake’s annual contest returns!

During this championship run, I have replaced all salutations — “hello” and “goodbye” — and expressions of gratitude — “thank you” and “appreciate you” — with a simple “Go Knicks!” Every time it was returned, often with a fist pump. So, Go Knicks and congratulations to the 2026 NBA Champions — thee New York Knicks — to New York City, and to Knicks fans everywhere. Yes, it took more than half a century to return to this moment, but we are here now.

Now that the championship is in the bag, it is time for the 13th season of Harlem Shake’s Miss/Mr. Harlem Shake Contest. The winner will receive fame, feast, and fortune in the form of Harlem Shake ambassadorship, one year of free burgers, $1,000 in prize money, and an additional $500 for a Harlem-based charity of their choice.

Want to get in on the voting action? Visit Harlem Shake’s website (www.harlemshake.com/meet-the-contestants) to learn more about the contestants. Then, customers can cast their vote exclusively at the Harlem location (100 West 124th Street) with a purchase of $5 or more. Voting began on June 8 and runs through July 6. The Golden Cup will be presented on Sunday, July 12, from 4-7 p.m.

I stopped in last Sunday to meet some of the contestants and to try out some of their summer menu items. It was raucous in there, mostly because of the Knicks, but also because the food is good and consistent.

As soon as I arrived, I spotted Miss Harlem Shake 2025, Tanasia Smith, chatting up a contestant while more contestants in green sashes moved through the crowd with fun, grace, and style. What I enjoy most about this competition is that each contestant shines a light on a Harlem organization and the work it does in the community.

While at Harlem Shake, I sampled two summer menu items: the Sonoran dog and the creamsicle shake. The hot dog is wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with relish and special sauce. The creamsicle shake is a thick orange-and-cream treat finished with whipped cream and candied orange. I also couldn’t leave without my requisite Harlem Shake classic: the fried chicken sando with housemade pickles and slaw.

Get to Harlem Shake, eat some good food, and vote for your favorite contestant. Good luck to all. May the best contestant win!

Go Knicks! Thanks for reading and happy eating!

Kysha Harris is a chef, culinary producer, and food editor for the NY Amsterdam News. As a consultant and owner of SCHOP!, a personalized food service in NYC for over 23 years, she remains on the hunt for the city’s next great bite. Follow her on Instagram and on Facebook, @SCHOPnyc.

Questions, comments, requests, feedback, invitations! [Email us](mailto:AmNewsFOOD@SCHOPnyc.com?subject=While%20I%20was%20reading%20AmNewsFOOD…) at AmNewsFOOD@SCHOPnyc.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @NYAmNewsFOOD.