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

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  • Опубліковано 25 чер 2023
  • 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.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 111

  • @pizzareviewsonthego
    @pizzareviewsonthego 11 місяців тому +19

    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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +1

      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
    @truefalse934 11 місяців тому +9

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +3

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

  • @sofiaromeroyanes6931
    @sofiaromeroyanes6931 11 місяців тому +8

    Always love your videos and your charming personality :)

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

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

  • @shindukess
    @shindukess 11 місяців тому +14

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +8

      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
      @AnchonCat 11 місяців тому +4

      And it's unnecessary packaging and waste

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +2

      @@AnchonCat That's another good point!

    • @jennmegacunttracker3670
      @jennmegacunttracker3670 11 місяців тому +3

      Thanks biden

    • @lancekirkwood7922
      @lancekirkwood7922 9 місяців тому +1

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

  • @DM_your_bootycheeks
    @DM_your_bootycheeks 11 місяців тому +7

    Big fan! Have you ever tried King of Falafel & Shawarma? It’s in Astoria and I think the best halal food in all of NYC. Would love to see your review!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! Yeah, I live in Astoria so I've been to King of Falafel many times and love it! I might make a video of it in the future.

  • @thiscorrosion900
    @thiscorrosion900 11 місяців тому +8

    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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +4

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

    • @thiscorrosion900
      @thiscorrosion900 11 місяців тому +2

      @@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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +1

      @@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
      @thiscorrosion900 11 місяців тому +1

      @@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.

  • @PatriciaRoggero
    @PatriciaRoggero 11 місяців тому +1

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +1

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

  • @cojaysea
    @cojaysea 7 місяців тому +1

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  7 місяців тому +1

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

  • @2Wheels_NYC
    @2Wheels_NYC 11 місяців тому +3

    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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      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
      @thiscorrosion900 11 місяців тому +2

      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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

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

    • @thiscorrosion900
      @thiscorrosion900 11 місяців тому +1

      @@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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      @@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.

  • @s_przybylowicz
    @s_przybylowicz 11 місяців тому +8

    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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +2

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

  • @tomahern8967
    @tomahern8967 11 місяців тому +9

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +4

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

    • @ramencurry6672
      @ramencurry6672 11 місяців тому +3

      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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +2

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

  • @drew4021
    @drew4021 11 місяців тому +3

    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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      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.

  • @iloveweezer69
    @iloveweezer69 11 місяців тому +4

    love ur vids

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      Thank you! I really appreciate it!

  • @MohammadHuzaifa-dz9ts
    @MohammadHuzaifa-dz9ts 2 місяці тому +3

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  2 місяці тому

      It's definitely worth a try!

  • @ImranPangilinan
    @ImranPangilinan 11 місяців тому +2

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +1

      It's definitely worth a visit!

  • @tiffanywitherspoon8722
    @tiffanywitherspoon8722 11 місяців тому +2

    Taking a date here, the food looks great.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      Nice! Enjoy!

  • @swordsoulsam8877
    @swordsoulsam8877 4 місяці тому +1

    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
      @Jamesnu  4 місяці тому

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

  • @MCraigyboy7
    @MCraigyboy7 11 місяців тому +2

    another great video

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      Thank you so much!

  • @WHERESSS
    @WHERESSS 7 місяців тому +1

    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.

  • @Dietghostscp2107
    @Dietghostscp2107 8 місяців тому +1

    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
      @Jamesnu  8 місяців тому

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

  • @user-lr5tr5ey8t
    @user-lr5tr5ey8t 24 дні тому +1

    Where is your zipup hoodie from?

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  24 дні тому

      I think I got that one from Banana Republic.

  • @0530evan
    @0530evan 9 місяців тому +1

    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
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому

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

  • @DA99983
    @DA99983 9 місяців тому +1

    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
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому

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

  • @Ali-kj9zs
    @Ali-kj9zs 11 місяців тому +1

    Very thanks

  • @OnlyGaruda
    @OnlyGaruda 10 місяців тому +1

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      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.

  • @Jerkbeefrow
    @Jerkbeefrow 5 місяців тому +2

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  5 місяців тому +1

      It was pretty tasty!

  • @lindelwanothandongcobo8863
    @lindelwanothandongcobo8863 9 місяців тому +1

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому

      Thank you!

  • @Ali-kj9zs
    @Ali-kj9zs 11 місяців тому +4

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +1

      Indeed! I really want to try Adel's.

  • @nychris2258
    @nychris2258 10 місяців тому +1

    Rafiqi's is a really good halal food truck also

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

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

  • @dkim3202
    @dkim3202 5 місяців тому

    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
      @Jamesnu  5 місяців тому

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

  • @AnchonCat
    @AnchonCat 11 місяців тому +1

    Great vid. Sub'd

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      Thank you! I really appreciate it!

  • @916kev
    @916kev 9 місяців тому +2

    @5:30

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому

      You've got to mix it good!

  • @danielj3010
    @danielj3010 4 місяці тому +1

    Adels in front of radio city.. night cart.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  4 місяці тому

      I definitely still have to try that one.

  • @shahidanusrat6086
    @shahidanusrat6086 10 місяців тому +1

    Awesome love from Pakistan 🙂❤️😀😉😊💕

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Thank you so much!

  • @NoahEats
    @NoahEats 11 місяців тому +2

    Must use a spoon to eat Halal platters!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      Yeah, I know what you mean!

  • @rangewala
    @rangewala 10 місяців тому

    nice

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching!

  • @paulakpacente
    @paulakpacente 7 місяців тому +1

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  7 місяців тому +1

      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
      @paulakpacente 7 місяців тому +1

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

  • @ASH-xt8uh
    @ASH-xt8uh 10 місяців тому +1

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

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +1

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

  • @Ali-kj9zs
    @Ali-kj9zs 11 місяців тому +1

    Hi & health for you.🌎🎄🗽

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      Thank you very much!

  • @anthonygolon9844
    @anthonygolon9844 11 місяців тому +1

    Yeeroo
    Not jyro

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому

      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.

  • @ericramirez6640
    @ericramirez6640 4 місяці тому

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

  • @kichiroushirai
    @kichiroushirai 5 місяців тому

    halal guys isnt good ~.~ lets be real here

  • @TheJrschaefer
    @TheJrschaefer 8 місяців тому

    Ji-row? Lol

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  8 місяців тому

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

  • @choochalah
    @choochalah 11 місяців тому +3

    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
      @Jamesnu  11 місяців тому +1

      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
      @choochalah 11 місяців тому +1

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

  • @kingo904
    @kingo904 6 місяців тому

    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