Adel's Famous Halal Food

A Flavor-Packed Night at Adel’s Famous Halal in NYC

New York City is home to countless street food vendors, but few have the kind of cult following that Adel’s Famous Halal has earned. Tucked into a bustling corner near Times Square, this food cart doesn’t look like much at first glance – a simple setup, warm lights, the unmistakable smell of sizzling meat wafting through the air. But once you’ve tasted their food, you’ll understand why people line up for blocks. And yes – my boyfriend and I joined that legendary line one Friday night, and it was absolutely worth the wait.

Let me take you through our experience, what makes Adel’s so special, and why this small food cart stands as one of NYC’s most iconic halal food destinations.

Adel's Halal Cart

Adel's Famous Halal cart

long waiting line for the food

Finding Adel’s: The Pre-Feast Hype

It was a cool spring evening when we decided to visit Adel’s Famous Halal. We were in Midtown Manhattan and both of us were craving something hearty, flavorful, and ideally spicy. I had read about Adel’s online and seen rave reviews on social media, so we decided to finally see what all the fuss was about.

When we got to the cart – located near the corner of West 49th Street and 6th Avenue – there was already a line of around 40 people. But that didn’t deter us. In fact, it made us even more excited. After all, the best food in New York often comes with a wait. The line only got longer after we received our food, which tells you everything you need to know about its popularity. People were flocking here even at 10 PM.

people waiting for the food late night

people waiting for the food after dinner time

The Star of the Show: Spicy Rice!

Halal food with spicy rice

The signature at Adel’s is something they call Spicy Rice – a bold, deep-red rice that’s unlike anything you’ll find at your average halal cart. It’s the foundation of most of their platters, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.

Unlike the usual yellow rice that many halal vendors use, Adel’s Spicy Rice is infused with seasoning, oil, and heat. You can tell they’ve perfected the balance of spices – it’s got just enough kick to satisfy spice lovers without overpowering the other ingredients. The rice alone could be a meal in itself.

What made the dish even more fun was the option to top your platter with French fries. Yes, French fries on top of spicy rice. It might sound over-the-top, but it works. The crispiness of the fries adds texture, and when it soaks up the white sauce and hot sauce? Pure comfort food magic.

What We Ordered: Chicken & Lamb Combo with Everything On It

Chicken and Lamb Combo over rice

Between the two of us, we ordered the chicken and lamb combo platter with spicy rice, lettuce, tomato, white sauce, hot sauce, and yes – those golden French fries.

The meats were juicy, well-marinated, and perfectly seared on the flat-top grill. The lamb had a rich, slightly smoky flavor, and the chicken was tender and flavorful, not dry at all. Everything was chopped fresh right in front of us and served in a foil tray, piping hot.

The white sauce was creamy and cooling, a necessary counterbalance to the heat of the hot sauce and spicy rice. Speaking of which – Adel’s hot sauce is no joke. A few squirts had my eyes watering, but I kept going back for more. The balance of creamy, spicy, savory, and crispy in every bite was nothing short of addictive.

Adel’s vs. The Halal Guys: How Do They Compare?

If you’ve been in New York long enough, you’ve definitely heard of (or eaten at) The Halal Guys – arguably the most famous halal cart in the city, and now a national chain. So how does Adel’s stack up?

Flavor: Adel’s packs a punch with their spicy rice and bold seasoning. Halal Guys has a milder profile overall, especially their rice, which is that familiar yellow pilaf. If you’re a spice lover, Adel’s wins here.
Sauce Game: Both spots serve a signature white sauce and a red hot sauce. Halal Guys’ hot sauce is notorious for its fiery heat, but Adel’s isn’t far behind – theirs is spicier and more flavorful. The white sauce at Adel’s is also creamier and feels more balanced.
Toppings: Fries on top? That’s an Adel’s original touch. It adds a playful, indulgent twist that you won’t find at Halal Guys.
Portions: Both are generous, but Adel’s feels more like a full-on feast. The portion of meat and fries piled onto the spicy rice really makes it feel like you’re getting something special. Also, Halal Guys meat seems more chopped compare to Adel’s halal.
Vibe: Halal Guys is iconic, no doubt – especially their original cart on 53rd & 6th. But Adel’s feels like the cooler, underground favorite. It has that word-of-mouth energy, where you feel like you’ve discovered something real.

In short? Halal Guys might be the gateway into NYC street halal, but we preferred Adel’s more. (Personal opinion haha)

Where to Sit

Now, Adel’s doesn’t have seating of its own, but that didn’t stop anyone from digging in immediately. There’s a public bench nearby on the sidewalk, and that became the unofficial dining spot for most people, including us. It actually added to the charm – the casual vibe, the New York City backdrop, and the community feel of people eating together on the street.

Everyone around us was doing the same thing: sitting down, opening their trays, and getting lost in the deliciousness. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love NYC – the best meals often come with no frills, no reservations, and no tables.

Adel's famous halal plastic bag

people eating outdoor

We agreed that this was one of the most satisfying meals we’ve had in the city. Not just for the taste, but the whole experience. There’s something magical about late-night halal in Manhattan. It’s comforting, unpretentious, and full of flavor.

We even joked that this would be our new go-to dinner spot after movie nights or long walks in the city. And honestly? I’d gladly stand in that line again, because the food is just that good.

We’ve tried a fair share of halal vendors in New York, and Adel’s really does stand out. Here’s why:

Signature Spicy Rice: Not many carts offer this. Most go with plain yellow rice, but Adel’s brings boldness with flavor-packed spicy rice.
Fries on Top: It’s indulgent and fun. You can’t be mad at a halal platter topped with fries.
Generous Portions: One platter can easily be shared between two if you’re not starving.
Incredible Value: For about $10–12, you get a huge, satisfying meal.
Community Buzz: Everyone in line is excited. You can feel the hype and the love.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Street Food

Adel’s Famous Halal isn’t just another food cart – it’s a late-night pilgrimage, a reminder that some of the best meals don’t come with fine china or wine pairings. They come with plastic forks, foil trays, and the buzz of New York City all around you.

I love that we stumbled upon it together. It’s now a shared memory, one of those little things that makes living (and loving) in this city so special.

If you’re visiting NYC, or if you live here and somehow haven’t tried it yet – go to Adel’s. Stand in the line. Order the spicy rice with fries. Find a bench. And dig in.

You won’t regret it. Worth it.

For local people, I would say… nearest Halal food cart is the best option hahaha

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