The King of New York Halal Food

Empire State Building, Central Park, and Statue of Liberty are the ones that we often think of when we mention New York. But being a New Yorker, we can not forget about Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center, not because of the history that goes into this landmark, but the overwhelming and intense scent that it forces you to follow.

You may wonder where the intriguing food smell comes from. While being in New York, you can not miss the Halal food truck, which is the unique food scene of this fast-paced metropolis city.

Halal means “permissible” in Arabic, and Halal food is then adherent to the Islamic law, to be eaten under Islamic dietary guidelines: Muslim followers cannot consume several different types of foods, such pork or pork by-products, animals that were dead prior to slaughtering, and animals not slaughtered properly or not slaughtered in the name of Allah. Commonly known as “The Platter”, a Halal plate usually consists of shredded chicken, lamb, or gyro served with rice, flat pita bread, and drenched in special Halal sauce.

Basically, Halal food is to New York as city lights are to Times Square, you can’t really call yourself a New Yorker until you’ve tried this stuff. Thanks to friends and locals, I learned that lesson quickly during my past college days in the Big Apple. But keep in mind, not just any Halal, because you’ll literally find tons of these carts on every street corner, but only the real authentic Halal cart is considered official.

Who is the one that considered the real deal? Meet the all-time favorite food spot for New Yorkers, “The Halal Guys”. It was the first NYC’s halal food truck in 1990 and spread throughout the US. This has led to The Halal Guys being the #1 Most Yelped eatery in NYC and #3 in the entire United States.

This Halal trademark, which is located on 53rd Street and 6th Avenue near Manhattan's Rockefeller Center, has people hooked. The place is ideal for visitors and residents alike, as it is right in the heart of the city and just a short walk from the Rockefeller Center subway station.

If you have trouble finding it, just look for the ‘Minions’. The Halal Guys are known for their bright yellow shirts which make them quite hard to miss. We also need to be aware of the Fake Halal Guys called The Original Guys located next block (52nd Street & 6th Ave).

Don’t get fooled by their size and location, this little organization attracts busy New Yorkers to line up daily for their fast and savory food.

So, what is it about a foil bowl of chicken over rice that is so magical? What sets The Halal Guys apart from the hundreds of other stands on the market?

Maybe it's the white sauce, which goes with everything despite the fact that no one really knows what's in it. Just bear in mind that pouring a lot of it on your plate is a must.

Perhaps it's the generous portions that keep people coming back, or perhaps it's the special yellow rice that only the Halal Guys seem to serve?

Perhaps it will always be a mystery why Halal Guys remain at the top of the list, but there is no doubt that they are worthy of the title of "The Best Meal in the Region," as it is honestly inexpensive, big, and delicious.

When you get a chance to visit NYC, make the trip to The Halal Guys spot and explore why these guys are named as “ The“King of New York Halal Food”, I am sure it will be worth the try.