Eating at The Halal Guys. The Most Famous Halal Street Cart in NYC

I eat at and review the original Halal Guys street cart on 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan of New York City. The Halal Guys helped popularize halal food to the masses. These days people line up and wait as much as an hour to eat dishes like chicken over rice and beef gyros from The Halal Guys. After eating, I watch the sunset for a beautiful Manhattanhenge.
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About Me: I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

I had both Adel's and Halal Guys. I think Adel's takes the win for me and I'd wait another 45 minutes on line to order it again. Their meat is seasoned well and you get a really nice portion. That being said, I still think Halal Guys' white sauce is the best in the game. But their dishes rely on their sauces because their meat is so bland without it. When you have Adel's, you could skip the sauces and still find it tasty because of their excellent dry rub. But man, that Halal Guys hot sauce is fire, didn't know it was so high on the scoville scale!

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, hopefully next time I'll get to Adel's. It sounds amazing! Indeed, the Halal Guys have great sauces, their food isn't complete without them. I did try a little of their hot sauce on its own and it burns. Even though they've expanded so much and seem a bit corporate, I'm glad they haven't tempered down their hot sauce to suit a wider audience.

[@truefalse934]

Your videos bring me such joy! Love it as always!!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! That really makes me happy to hear!

[@sofiaromeroyanes6931]

Always love your videos and your charming personality :)

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! :)

[@2Wheels_NYC]

As a retired NYC Paramedic, I can say this... You want to know where to eat street food? Look for the ambulance! We live on it! There was one up by Columbia-Presbyterian that we didn't even have to order from, the gentleman saw us and just made our platters. Not that we cut the line, but he knew the nature of our job, and always took care of us. I lived out on Long Island for a few years, and just before I moved back to The City, Halal Guys opened a brick & mortar near me, but never had the chance to go. As for the white sauce, it's classic. And,I don't mind the packets. There's a million copycat recipes on the web, I've tried a bunch. Gotten close, but no cigar. Now that I'm off on Tuesdays, I think I'll be having my local halal cart for lunch today! Thanks for another great video!

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks always for watching! Yeah, that's a great tip and it makes so much sense. I know, their white sauce is something special and I'm surprised that no one has really been able to replicate it accurately. I also appreciate how even though The Halal Guys have expanded so much that they've never tempered down the heat on their hot sauce. I think it's tough for any restaurant to expand widely and still keep the essence of why it got popular in the first place.

[@thiscorrosion900]

I worked in midtown 45th and 5th Ave. for a few years in the late 90s, these places were essential working there, because there's not much affordable food in that area. Times Square which I once worked at a bit later at the Viacom Building, is even worse. So affordable food trucks are a must. I loved the Halal and Biryani carts on 44th and 46th and 6th Ave. or so. Used to cost me maybe $6-8 for a platter for lunch and a drink. Now the prices have gone up, of course.

[@Jamesnu]

@@thiscorrosion900 Yeah, Midtown has never been the most exciting place for good and affordable food, making the Halal carts such a welcome relief.

[@thiscorrosion900]

@@Jamesnu True. The only other stuff I liked in midtown for years are some of the pubs near Penn Station, etc., those are mainly pretty good and not absurdly expensive. Our fave though closed two years ago, O'Reilly's on W. 31st St. Sad stuff. Been going there since the later 80s.

[@Jamesnu]

@@thiscorrosion900 Yeah, there are good places in Midtown, but they're often so scattered and not as nice as other neighborhoods in the city. That's definitely a bummer to lose such a long-standing establishment.

[@shindukess]

the problem with the packets now is that you can't drown your plate like you used to. They're saving costs.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, that's another point. I guess you could always ask for more sauce packets, but nothing can compare to the sauce coming out of a squeeze bottle.

[@AnchonCat]

And it's unnecessary packaging and waste

[@Jamesnu]

@@AnchonCat That's another good point!

[@jennmegacunttracker3670]

Thanks biden

[@lancekirkwood7922]

​@@Jamesnuespecially if it's homemade and not factory made packets.

[@thiscorrosion900]

You might want to review the two Biryani carts in midtown, the one at 44th and 6th, and the 46th St. one too. Both were mainstays for me when I worked at 45th and 5th in the late 90s. I looked them up last night, both are still there! Both still good, too. Problem is I don't come into NYC much anymore, or I'd go right now.

[@Jamesnu]

I'll check them out when I have a chance. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@thiscorrosion900]

@@Jamesnu I was a frequent customer of the 44th St. one when I worked over there, so great. I would get the same chicken biryani platter they would put like some hot peppers in it or something, and it was just hair-raising, but so delicious. I would sit out there on lunch break at a park in front of one of the office buildings and chill and have my meal. Working later in the Viacom Building was cool because the VH1 cafeteria in there is really good. Times Square is horrendous for food, unless you're a rich tourist. I spent a lot more years working downtown in Chelsea, and later TriBeCa, and I preferred both. And the East Village I would spend years hanging out in, and the food there is always good.

[@Jamesnu]

@@thiscorrosion900 I'll remember that when I get to try it. Yeah, I try to steer clear of Times Square when it comes to food, but some of the steakhouses surrounding it seem worth visiting, but are definitely not cheap. Indeed, the East Village is one of my favorite spots in NYC for food. There's just such an amazing variety there.

[@thiscorrosion900]

@@Jamesnu I never was big into the food there, so many tourist traps. I worked nights for a while in Union Square and that area has tons of amazing restaurants. I would sometimes splurge and order Thai or Jap. food delivered to my floor, sit there on my security desk detail (! a joke) and eat some good Thai peanut sauce chicken and rice or a plate of tempura rolls etc. Never a bad meal.

[@cojaysea]

I love those places . I use to eat at Moshes falafel at 46 th street and 6 th avenue . Best ever .

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! Yeah, these are great spots to get some quick, delicious, and affordable food.

[@remylewis8721]

Love this you giving the history of halal guys but the gyros pronunciation was killing me

[@Jamesnu]

@@remylewis8721 Haha! Thanks for watching!

[@MohammadHuzaifa-dz9ts]

Watching from india,if I visited US someday,i will surely try this

[@Jamesnu]

It's definitely worth a try!

[@handfuloflight]

Inshallah ta'Ala

[@PatriciaRoggero]

Great review so sorry you did not get to Adels looking forward to your upcoming trip thank you

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, it was a bummer about Adel's, but it still turned out to be a nice evening.

[@s_przybylowicz]

It's too bad that Adele's decided to play hide and seek that day, but at least you ended up with good food!

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, that was a bummer, but it's a mission for another day!

[@mrpurple33]

I think that they don't add the sauce so that your food won't get sogged down by it if it needs to travel a bit.

[@Jamesnu]

@@mrpurple33 That's a good point.

[@WHERESSS]

halal guys isn't the same as before it was commercialized. the gyro used to be lamb, finely chopped. The sauce used to be yogurt based rather than mayo based. the portions were about HUGE, about 50% more than the current large plate (one size back in the day) and the price was 6 bucks. the meat has changed, portion has changed, price has changed, sauce has changed. There were no add on veggies either. Its no longer the best cart in the city, not by a long shot.

[@handfuloflight]

whos the best

[@tomahern8967]

Great review. Damn! that looks delicious and the portions are big for the price! It’s a definite must try!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, one really gets their money's worth at The Halal Guys.

[@ramencurry6672]

If you live in the USA you should be able to find a Halal Guys location. Even if it’s not in your city, they should be found within a one hour airplane flight for most Americans

[@Jamesnu]

@@ramencurry6672 Yeah, they've really been expanding!

[@ChefGMoney43]

We got one over here! Food is bustin

[@Jamesnu]

Nice!

[@drew4021]

I also follow another food reviewer but he did not have such a good experience . I guess bottom line is I need to eat at both in order to make up my own mind. When I worked in Manhattan I ate at several of these food carts and loved it immensely. I am so looking forward to this experience again.

[@Jamesnu]

I know what you mean, that kind of food is just so satisfying! Yeah, everyone has different experiences and everyone's opinion has merit. But one of the best things about these Halal street carts is that even if you didn't enjoy the food, at least you didn't have to spend a lot of money.

[@ImranPangilinan]

If I will visit NYC in the future I should try all Halal foods hehe

[@Jamesnu]

It's definitely worth a visit!

[@kaushiksharma1327]

is it true that in halal they spit while marinating the meat correct me if i am wrong.

[@swordsoulsam8877]

Nice video. Adels is good and better in my opinion but if u in queens try king of falafel! Really good,cheers happy adventures

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, I still have to go to Adel's, but I've been to King of Falafel and have really enjoyed it!

[@Dietghostscp2107]

As a native. I can confirm. It's good, but with some work you can find a cart that slaps as hard. There's just so many. Ya just gotta ask around. Respect to them being OGs tho.

[@Jamesnu]

Absolutely! It might be the most famous cart in NYC, but there are a lot of other great ones.

[@davehugstrees]

The nice thing about the sauce packets is you can put on as much as you like. I only like a little sauce, you like a lot, but with sauce packets we're both happy.

[@Jamesnu]

Absolutely!

[@handfuloflight]

I drown in hot sauce.

[@tiffanywitherspoon8722]

Taking a date here, the food looks great.

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@Jerkbeefrow]

I bet that was really good, basmati rice is the best rice .

[@Jamesnu]

It was pretty tasty!

[@0530evan]

never tried them....but NOW differently will.......thanks....this is a good idea to try before heading for the theatre...... bye the way....i still like SARDI'S and CARMINES....in the theatre district.....for something after the theatre......

[@Jamesnu]

It's definitely worth a try. I haven't been to Sardi's and Carmines yet, but hope to in the future.

[@MCraigyboy7]

another great video

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@non-t2d]

Where is your zipup hoodie from?

[@Jamesnu]

I think I got that one from Banana Republic.

[@OnlyGaruda]

Food looks great. Just an FYI: Gyros is pronounced Yeeros

[@Jamesnu]

It was a great platter. Absolutely! I'm used to pronouncing it that way as well, but the guys at the cart were pronouncing like I did in the video so that's why I said it like I did. I know the pronunciation can differ from place to place.

[@Ali-kj9zs]

Hi.halal guy's is good,but Adel's halal is very good,please taste it.thanks

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! I really want to try Adel's.

[@Ali-kj9zs]

Very thanks

[@lindelwanothandongcobo8863]

You’re so cute watching from South Africa 🇿🇦 ❤

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@DA99983]

The first great middle eastern place was on 6th and 55th NW corner which was where my office was. They made Falafals mainly. There would be a line of 20 people no matter the weather . One day at lunch a Limo pulls up and Arnold Scassi jumps out and get 2 falafels to go. Clebe sighting. That and the Soup Guy ( soup nazi) on 56th near 8th ave was excellent, esp the Senegalese Chicken soup with peanuts. I left the city in 2010 after 35 years of excellent dining!

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! Indeed, NYC is an incredible place for all sorts of food.

[@nychris2258]

Rafiqi's is a really good halal food truck also

[@Jamesnu]

I haven't been there yet, but thanks for the recommendation!

[@shahidanusrat6086]

Awesome love from Pakistan 🙂❤️😀😉😊💕

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much!

[@paulakpacente]

I'm sorry to correct you, but Gyros is pronounced: Geeros.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! That's how I say it to, but the guys at the cart pronounced it the other way so I went with that pronunciation for the video.

[@paulakpacente]

@@Jamesnu- I learned the pronunciation from Greek folks in Chicago---so who knows?

[@tracylongacre8403]

You are not pronouncing Gyro correctly, the g is pronounced e so it’s Eyro

[@dkim3202]

Anybody who says the Halal Guys are good never had it 20 years ago. Huge portions, moist chicken, having the guys drown the platter with white sauce, $6-$7 price.

[@Jamesnu]

I definitely would've loved to have tried it back then.

[@NoahEats]

Must use a spoon to eat Halal platters!

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I know what you mean!

[@916kev]

@5:30

[@Jamesnu]

You've got to mix it good!

[@danielj3010]

Adels in front of radio city.. night cart.

[@Jamesnu]

I definitely still have to try that one.

[@Oulaqi]

You have no idea what you missing for skipping Adel's for halal guys.....

[@Jamesnu]

It wasn't even open. I would've gone there over the Halal Guys for sure.

[@AnchonCat]

Great vid. Sub'd

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@ASH-xt8uh]

I’m Malaysian, I’ve never eat halal guys

[@Jamesnu]

I hope that you get to try it sometime. It's good food!

[@rajsembhi2750]

I don't like halal guy's be there is allot more vender and are best than him because you guys never try it there yet so my opinion halal gays are nothing until you guys test ohther vendors foods and these guys not the best; there are so many

[@Jamesnu]

There's definitely a lot of great halal food carts in NYC.

[@sabir038]

@@rajsembhi2750 lol this guy has some beef with halal guys haha. GET A LIFE manhh!!

[@rangewala]

nice

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@rajsembhi2750]

Over charged and wait for food in the fuckiing long line at like 50 minutes no no no it's not worth it

[@anthonygolon9844]

Yeeroo Not jyro

[@Jamesnu]

You're right! I pronounced it the more American way since that's how the guys at the cart referred to it as. But yeah, yeeroo is definitely a proper pronunciation.

[@kichiroushirai]

halal guys isnt good ~.~ lets be real here

[@ericramirez6640]

overrated had the chicken over rice it was gross chicken was so dry 🤑

[@kase182]

I live across the street from where they store the halah carts and the things I see….🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮no Halah carts for me

[@rajsembhi2750]

I don't like the food

[@Ali-kj9zs]

Hi & health for you.🌎🎄🗽

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you very much!

[@TheJrschaefer]

Ji-row? Lol

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I went with the pronunciation the guys at the cart had.

[@kingo904]

The most overrated food in NY they used be great, but unfortunately when they started opening up more & more trucks & locations it went to shit

[@handfuloflight]

Naw

[@choochalah]

I like that there is the cheap eats angle on your reviews. This definitely is a fun review. Looking forward to more of these....like an under 20$ food review. .🧀👀🥧🧁

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, good food can be found at a variety of price points. Plus, sometimes I just want something quick and delicious without all of the fuss of fine dining. I'll definitely have more cheap eats videos in the future.

[@choochalah]

@@Jamesnu good show...looking forward to the fun content!