In modern day Manhattan, Halal carts appear to easily outnumber traditional hot dog carts.
Perhaps New Yorkers taste for spicy food has grown over time, but there has also been an influx of immigrants from both India and the Middle East in the past 35 to 40 years.
The spicy smells emanating from Halal carts are more common than the smell of roasting pretzels these days--but it draws you in all the same.
The chicken and beef at these carts is tender and succulent due to being marinated in oil, vinegar, and more than a dozen spices overnight. These meats seem to cool on the carts’ grills all day long, but never dry out-- seemingly one of the great food mysteries to Gotham's inhabitants.
All that being said, here are 7 reasons why New Yorkers can’t help but pick up a lunch meal or dinner from these beloved Halal carts at least once a week nowadays.
1. Speed
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The guys running these carts put your lunch together in five or minutes or less by pressing down the meat with a metal spatula.
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If you want even juicier meat, ask that the guy not press it. You'll be surprised, as most times it's hot enough just as is!
2. Healthiness
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Halal food is relatively healthy.
There are practically no artificial ingredients used and you can ask for no bread or rice if you are on a low-carb diet.
3. Rice anyone?
The yellow rice used at the Middle Eastern Halal carts and the jasmine rice used at the Indian Halal carts are wonderful and delicious for different reasons.
The yellow rice tastes buttery and hearty, while the jasmine rice is light and florally scented.
4. Sauces
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Two words: White. Sauce.
Scholars have gone crazy about what’s really in this mystery sauce, but it's basically mayo-based with horseradish, black cracked pepper, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, sour cream, ranch dressing, white sugar, salt, and dill.
This sauce just makes the flavor of beef or chicken kebabs come to life, and we are eternally grateful for it.
5. Pita factor
The pita bread tastes like it's freshly-baked, and alone it's good for simply dipping in that white or spicy red sauce.
P.S., the cart guys will give you extra bread for just a buck!
6. Portion size
When you ask for chicken over salad with rice or a gyro, the portion is large enough for two people. Seriously.
There is also roti at some of these street carts, which is quite filling due to the fact that they are oftentimes 8 inches long and filled with delicious beef.
7. Price
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It’s cheap— an entrée like kebab with rice or chicken over salad is around five bucks. And drinks are only a dollar.
But beware of the trucks in the 40s near 6th Avenue, where they add a dollar to pita sandwich prices and entrees (although we must admit, their food is quite tasty).
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Obviously, the most popular of all carts is The Halal Guys, across the street from the Hilton Hotel at 54th and 6th.
They oftentimes have lines several dozen deep during dinner and lunch hour. People say that they're well worth the wait, and well... bottom line is, we couldn't agree more.
No place like home. Check out 5 Most Authentic "Grandma Slices" in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Spoon University]