Best Halal cart chicken and rice in New York City

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One of the city's original "halal cart chains," recognizable by their red and yellow branding; they are known for offering more vegetable toppings than the standard cart, such as corn and peas. — Multiple Locations

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Quick lunch.

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Founded by a former chef at the high-end Russian Tea Room, Kwik Meal is known for its gourmet approach to street meat; their lamb is real chunks of meat rather than the processed gyro meat found at lesser carts. — Midtown (45th & 6th)

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Lunch.

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A family-run Greek truck that brings a Mediterranean twist to the traditional halal cart format; they are famous for their high-quality souvlaki and their incredible, homemade tzatziki-style white sauce. — Midtown (54th & Park)

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11:30 before the office lunch rush.

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A Lower Manhattan institution known for its incredibly fresh ingredients and the generous "extra" falafel balls the staff often hand out to people waiting in line; it is the premier street-food option for Financial District workers. — Financial District (Zuccotti Park)

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Weekday lunch.

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Currently the city's most hyped Halal cart, Adel's is famous for its exceptionally flavorful rice and high-quality grilled meats; many locals consider it the current gold standard that has surpassed the original legends. — Midtown (49th & 6th)

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Late night (23:00–02:00) to join the local vibe; queues move well but are consistently long.

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A beloved local favorite for students and workers in the Union Square area; it is consistently cited for its generous portions and the high quality of its "green" herb sauce. — Union Square (14th & Irving)

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Late afternoon.

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The cart that started the global revolution; while now a massive international chain, the original 53rd and 6th location remains a rite of passage. Be extremely careful with the red sauce—it is significantly hotter than standard hot sauce. — Midtown (53rd & 6th)

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Any time—they are a high-volume operation that rarely has a true "down" time.

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While it is a brick-and-mortar shop, Mamoun's is the spiritual father of NYC's middle-eastern street food scene; it remains one of the city's best values for a quick, high-quality chicken or falafel pita. — Greenwich Village

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Any time—they are a high-volume, quick-service spot.

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A reliable Midtown West favorite that serves a loyal following of Garment District workers; their rice is particularly well-seasoned with a secret spice blend that sets it apart from neighboring carts. — Midtown West (38th & 7th)

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Lunch.

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A high-quality alternative to the massive lines at Adel's or Halal Guys, offering a very similar flavor profile with significantly shorter wait times; their white sauce is among the best in the area. — Midtown (44th & 6th)

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Lunch.

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A successful brick-and-mortar spinoff that has standardized the Halal cart experience into a clean, efficient chain; they are prized for their consistent quality and large portion sizes. — Multiple (Brooklyn)

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Lunch.

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The top-rated Halal cart in Brooklyn Heights, known for its friendly service and the exceptional seasoning on its chicken; it is the go-to for locals living and working near the Brooklyn waterfront. — Brooklyn Heights (Court & Montague)

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Lunch.

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An upscale food truck that caters to the Madison Avenue crowd; they are famous for using premium ingredients like filet mignon and fresh fish, offering a "luxury" version of the traditional chicken-and-rice platter. — Upper East Side (62nd & Madison)

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Weekday lunch.

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$$

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A multi-Vendy Award winner that serves arguably the city's best falafel—crispy on the outside, vibrant green on the inside. Their shawarma is equally elite, served with a signature array of fresh pickles and sauces. — Astoria (Queens)

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Lunch.

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$

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