Food Drinks Places Parks Museums Concerts Sports Broadway Gallery

Hamza and Madina Halal Food in Hicksville serving delicious halal food

The Best Halal Carts in NYC

The ultimate guide to the city's most beloved street food

Food•April 27, 2025

From the world-famous Halal Guys to hidden gems across the boroughs, discover the most delicious halal carts serving up incredible chicken/combo over rice and gyros in New York City.

The Best Halal Carts in NYC

The Halal Guys→

Editor's ChoiceEditor's Choice

What started at 53rd and 6th in Midtown Manhattan is the original Halal Guys cart—the one that launched a street food empire. Known for its legendary combo platter of chicken and gyro over yellow rice with pita, lettuce, and iconic white sauce, this cart still draws long lines daily. It's the spot to experience the original flavors that made Halal Guys a household name.

Location53rd St & 6th Ave, Midtown Manhattan

SpecialtyCombo platter with white sauce

Price$8-$12

Hours10am-4am daily

Adel's Famous Halal Food→

Parked near Union Square, Adel's stands out for its exceptionally flavorful chicken over rice and homemade sauces. While most carts offer the standard white and hot sauce combo, Adel's has a distinctive green sauce that regulars swear by. The portions are famously generous, often providing enough for two meals.

Location14th St & 4th Ave, Union Square

SpecialtyChicken over rice with green sauce

Price$8-$13

Hours11am-11pm daily

Hamza and Madina→

While currently expanded to many locations across the tristate, the original lies on Hillside Ave where it has been a staple of the neighborhood for over 20 years.

Location83-46 255th St, Glen Oaks, NY 11004

SpecialtyChicken/Combo over Rice

Price$7-$12

HoursEvery day until 4am

Madina Halal→

Located across from the original Hamza and Madina cart, Madina halal has been a friendly rival since both of their inception. Offering a more orange rice, they have a much different taste but similarly delicious.

Location253-11 Hillside Ave

SpecialtyChicken/Combo over rice

Price$7-$10

Royal Grill Halal Food→

Royal Grill Halal Food is a popular street food cart in NYC, located near Times Square at 44th Street and 6th Avenue, known for its flavorful Indian and Middle Eastern halal dishes. Locals and tourists alike flock here for generous portions of chicken tikka, shawarma, biryani, and falafel, all made with fresh ingredients and authentic spices. Open daily until midnight, it’s a go-to spot for a quick, satisfying, and affordable meal on the go.

LocationIntersection of 44th Street and 6th Avenue, near Times Square

More Than Just Fast Food

Halal carts have become an essential part of New York City's culinary identity, serving affordable, flavorful food to everyone from taxi drivers to tourists to late-night revelers. What began as a way to serve the city's Muslim population has evolved into a beloved street food tradition that transcends cultural boundaries.

While our list represents what we believe to be the city's finest halal carts, part of the joy of this cuisine is discovering your own neighborhood favorite. Every New Yorker seems to have their own preferred cart, with fierce loyalty to their particular vendor and specific sauce combination.

This list is based on multiple visits to each establishment, and all meals were paid for by dothings.nyc (we don't accept free food or special treatment). The carts were evaluated based on food quality, consistency, value, and overall experience.