"The platter that built a global brand — come to the original 53rd-and-6th cart for New York's most famous chicken-and-gyro plate and white sauce."
About The Halal Guys
The Halal Guys began in 1990 as a hot-dog cart on the corner of West 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue, started by Egyptian-American founders Mohamed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka and Abdelbaset Elsayed before they switched to halal platters for Midtown's cabbies and office workers. Today the brand has carts and storefronts worldwide, but the original yellow cart still works the same corner, opening around 10am and running into the early hours.
It is a New York institution rather than a sit-down restaurant. For the city's wider table, browse the full New York dining guide, or compare the modern-Indian Baar Baar and Adda for a sit-down version of bold, spice-led cooking.
The Kitchen
The order is the combo platter: chopped chicken and gyro meat over yellow rice, topped with lettuce, tomato and pita, then finished at the cart with the famous creamy white sauce and a fierce, optional red hot sauce. A gyro or chicken sandwich is the lighter alternative. There is no menu beyond that — the whole appeal is one dish done at volume, fast, and cheap.
It is some of the best value in Midtown: a combo platter runs roughly $10 to 12 and feeds you well. Ask for white sauce generously and go easy on the red unless you mean it.
The Room
There is no room — this is a street cart, and the experience is the queue. A line snakes down the block most evenings, the griddle scrapes, foil cartons are filled in seconds and you eat standing on the sidewalk or carry it away. It is loud, quick and unmistakably New York. Two competing carts work the same intersection, so look for the original Halal Guys signage and the longest line.
Best for a fast, iconic late-night street meal in Midtown
The Halal Guys suits a fast, no-fuss meal — it is a perfect solo bite, an easy grab for a team lunch run, and a only-in-New-York stop on a casual first date walking through Midtown. For sit-down options nearby, browse the full New York dining guide.
Not for
Not for a sit-down dinner, a date that needs a table, or anyone after a quiet meal — this is a sidewalk cart with a long line and nowhere to sit.
Frequently Asked
What is The Halal Guys known for?
Its chicken-and-gyro combo platter over yellow rice, finished with the secret creamy white sauce and a fiery red sauce, served from the original yellow cart on 53rd and 6th in Midtown.
What should I order at The Halal Guys?
The combo platter — mixed chicken and gyro over rice with white sauce — is the signature; the gyro or chicken sandwich is the lighter option. Go heavy on white sauce, light on red.
How much does The Halal Guys cost?
It is excellent value: a combo platter runs roughly $10 to 12 and a sandwich a little less, paid by cash or card at the cart.
Where is the original Halal Guys cart?
On the southwest corner of West 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan; look for the original signage, as a competing cart works the same intersection.
Does The Halal Guys take reservations?
No — it is a street cart with no seating. Walk up, join the line, and eat standing or take your platter away.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at The Halal Guys
Cash and card; the original cart opens around 10am and serves late, with the longest lines on weekend nights.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressSW corner of W 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY
NeighbourhoodOn the southwest corner of West 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue, Midtown
CuisineMiddle Eastern
PriceCash-and-card street cart; a combo platter runs roughly $10–12, a sandwich a little less
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingStreet cart; no seating — eat standing or take away
ReservationNo reservations — walk up and join the line
