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Adel’s Famous Halal Cart is easily one of the best halal carts I’ve ever tried. I’ve had halal food in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and several spots around Midtown NYC, but this one truly stands out. I finally understand the hype! We visited during the holiday season and got there around 5:30 PM — the line started forming even as the truck was still being moved into place. Despite the crowd, the service was quick, and the portion sizes were amazing for the price. I got two chicken‑over‑rice plates for $24.36, which felt like a great deal. They do offer an order‑ahead option, though the price is slightly higher. If you’re visiting NYC, you absolutely have to try this cart — or order ahead if you want to skip the line. The white sauce they serve with the fries is the real star… incredibly tasty! Make sure to get in line early and enjoy the food!

Manahil Syeda

I made a huge mistake. According to my New York itinerary, I was supposed to bring my parents here on our third day of the trip. Because of schedule changes, I ended up bring them here on our first. After that, my parents were absolutely unwilling to eat anything UNLESS it was Adel's Famous Halal Food. I'm so serious - we ate here like three times, and even picked up extra boxes to eat at the airport on our way back. 3 full boxes of incredibly addicting, flavorful food for $33, to feed a family of four and STILL have leftovers. If this isn't an immediate 5 stars, I don't know what would be. As for other notes, the lines are always very long, even more so closer to midnight interestingly (as they should be), but the food carts is incredible efficient and you will be out of there with your food in like 30ish min. There is seating area around. Also recommendation to pay with cash as its preferred by them but also cheaper from our side. Ask for the fries and all the sauces - all are very very good. And that garlic sauce is to die for. Their owner also has scary good memory. Also note the cart timings, they open closer to evening (around 6pm) and close early in the morning. Please ignore the crusty table in the pictures, the food was bussin TLDR: Overall: Forget everything, and come straight here if you're in Manhattan. I dream of this place. My Order: For four people, we always got three boxes. One chicken platter on the spicy rice, one mixed combo (chicken, gryo, etc) on spicy rice (this one is my favorite), and one mixed combo on yellow rice. Fries on top of all, and all three sauces on all (green, red, white). Price Breakdown: $33 for three boxes. Portions: Thoroughly filling and so addicting. They really stuff those boxes. Halal/Vegetarian Friendly: All halal! Would get again: This is not even a question, I would go back to NY just for this.

Ali D

This massive delicious plate of food only costs $10 bucks and is absolutely worth the hype. Was not a fan of the long lineup in the cold but I would say it was worth it in the end. I tried both the spicy rice and yellow rice and both were amazing. I would say that I preferred the lamb over the chicken, as it had a more unique flavour. I would recommend you double up on the white sauce because it's truly delicious. The fries on top I would probably skip though, you get so little that it's not worth the added cost.

Excellent middle eastern halal food. I can see what the hype is all about and why there are long lines. The food is spectacular and the price is right. Customer service is friendly and they give good advice if you're unsure what to get. We got a mixed plate (lamb and chicken) over spicy rice, a lamb gyros, and a ginger ale. Open late night makes it a perfect destination after a Broadway show and/or if you're in Times Square. The vibe is very friendly and the vibe is welcoming. 5 stars and two thumbs up! Assalamualaikum and thank you!

+1

We patiently queued for about 30 minutes in –10°C weather just for Adel’s Famous Halal Food — and yes, it was worth it. Ordered the lamb over rice (yellow & spicy). Super flavorful, perfectly spiced, and very satisfying. We tried it because of all the positive reviews, and it’s proven — this spot lives up to the hype. Must try when you’re in Manhattan. Cold hands, happy stomach 😄

Fryad Omar

When I was in New York, I visited Adil’s famous Halal food spot, which serves authentic Middle Eastern halal dishes. Located right on a bustling street, I found myself waiting in line for about 15 minutes, but it was absolutely worth it. Once it was my turn, I ordered a delicious combo of chicken and lamb over rice, and the flavor was phenomenal. The food was not only tasty but also affordable, and the atmosphere was really welcoming. The staff were friendly and made the experience even better. Overall, it was a fantastic visit!

+3

Stuck Omits

I usually avoid trendy food spots with long lines, but this one completely changed my mind. The flavors were rich, bold, and absolutely unforgettable. The garlic and spicy sauces took everything to the next level—creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. The serving size was massive; easily enough for two people to share without feeling shortchanged. Every bite tasted freshly made and full of authentic spices. You can tell they take pride in quality and consistency. The staff were friendly, the line moved fast, and the food was worth every minute of waiting. I’m already planning my next visit for another plate!

+4

Tanner Leavitt

My wife was skeptical when I told here we were going to try a Halal cart. Once she tasted the food though she was sold! We got the chicken and lamb combo on spicy rice and added fries on top. Very flavorful and perfectly seasoned. The combination with the fries and sauce just works together. We did have to wait in line for about 15-20 min, but it was worth the wait. I would recommend and will be back next time I am in NYC.

+6

Jashan Singh Gill

Absolutely amazing!! Must try if you’re in nyc. Got the Adels famous chicken over spicy rice bowl and again, it was phenomenal. It was very flavorful and fulfilling. Do not forget the spicy sauce on the side! Absolutely worth the approximately 30 minute wait in line. Do not let the wait scare you away. It’s definitely worth it! It’s hard to find seating nearby and no parking space nearby.

+2

For a seasoned traveler in New York, the debate between the big names and the local favorites is always a highlight, and Adel’s Famous Halal Food definitely lives up to the hype. While there is almost always a substantial queue—expect to wait at least 20 to 30 minutes—the experience is a testament to why some street food is worth the patience. The energy of the crowd and the efficiency of the staff make the wait feel like part of the authentic Midtown experience. ​We opted for two platters, the mixed and the chicken, and both were absolutely amazing. In a city full of halal options, these were easily some of the best we’ve had; the seasoning was vibrant, the meat was perfectly tender, and the overall flavor profile felt a step above the standard street cart. It is a masterclass in how simple, well-executed comfort food should taste, and it’s clear why the line never seems to disappear. ​Despite the prime location and the massive popularity, the price remains very reasonable. You get a hearty, high-quality meal that offers incredible value for Manhattan. It’s a high-turnover, fast-paced operation that manages to maintain its soul and quality even under pressure. For anyone navigating New York and looking for a top-tier, reliable meal that represents the best of the city's food culture, Adel’s is a mandatory stop. I’ll definitely be joining that queue again on my next visit.

Victoria Tong

The best food I had on my trip! I will definitely get it again. the wait was worth it as soon as I tasted it. There wasn't a lot of places to sit after we got our food, but it was a really busy night.

Rahatul Islam

⸻ I finally made it to Adel’s Famous Halal Food after hearing about it for months from friends, social media, and all the hype around the city, and my feelings about the experience ended up being pretty mixed—there were definite highs and some frustrating downsides. Let’s start with the good: the food itself is flavorful and satisfying. The classic combo over rice with chicken and lamb is hearty and well-seasoned, and the portions feel generous for what you pay. The tangy white sauce and spicy hot sauce are what make the platter truly memorable—the balance between creamy and fiery is a big part of why people line up in the first place. Many reviewers rave about how filling and delicious the meat and sauces are, and I can see why: it’s an iconic NYC street-food flavor profile that delivers on boldness and richness.  However, that’s where my enthusiasm starts to get tempered. The line and wait time are frequently long—seriously long. During my visit, I ended up waiting well over 30 minutes just to place my order, and then more waiting for the food to be ready. Many locals and visitors alike report that sometimes the queue can stretch 45 minutes to an hour or more, especially during peak evening and late-night hours.  For a food cart that’s essentially fast casual street food, that felt excessive and a bit tiring, especially if you’re just hungry and on the go. Another thing that didn’t wow me was the rice. While the spicy rice is often touted as a differentiator compared to other carts, I found it good but not particularly outstanding. Some friends thought it was flavorful, but others have said the rice can be a bit bland or overly salty, and I tended to agree more with that camp.  In terms of value, the price is reasonable for Midtown Manhattan street food, and you definitely get a filling meal. But between the long crowd and the fact that there are other halal carts and vendors in the city with similar food and shorter lines (like The Halal Guys or Mido’s Halal Food or even local hidden gems around Midtown), I struggled to justify the time investment every visit.  The staff I encountered were friendly and efficient once you got to the front, and the food is undeniably a classic NYC halal cart experience. That said, the hype almost overshadows the reality—there’s something to be said for trying a viral spot at least once, but I’m not sure this is someplace I’d regularly go back to unless I was with friends or already nearby. In summary, Adel’s is worth trying once if you love classic New York halal food and want to see what all the buzz is about—but temper your expectations. The food is tasty and hearty, but the long waits, inconsistent rice experience, and overall crowd scene make it a “good, not great” experience in my book. If you’re short on time or patience, you might find other nearby carts just as satisfying with much less waiting involved.

+4

Don't get me wrong, the food is very good and every bite was great! However, I don't think I'd get it again and it's a nice "one and done" kind of experience. Got there right before they opened and waited around 40 minutes for the food. While it was tasty, it really wasn't much better than platters I've gotten at my local spots. The rice has a nice color from the spices and the hot sauce is a lot spicier than I expected (coming from someone that's used to eating spicy food). Definitely give it a try if you're around the area and have the time but make sure to temper your expectations.

Avais Sherani

This is the newest talk of the town halal cart in Mid Town Manhattan on 6th Avenue. The Food is really good, the menu is simple and straightforward, they have beef, lamb, and chicken in meat, and falafel in vegetarian option. The most famous part about this place is the wait, it takes minimum of 25 minutes waiting in the queue, while on weekend nights it easily reaches up to one hour. Please be prepared to order as they are in a rush to take order, but amazingly they always get your order right. Both cash and card (contactless) payments are accepted, though paying by cash is cheaper. The order taker and server can be nice or rude depending on their mood and your style of ordering. Both are efficient nonetheless. They charge additional money for extra sauces. The only downside is that the base of rice bowl is layered up with Pita that means lesser rice, though quantity of meat is decent. Plenty of outdoor seating option available around the area. Paid street parking by is available on both adjoining streets as well as 6th Avenue after 6 PM Daily and all day Sunday.

+4

I got the mixed plater with spicy rice and hot sauce white sauce pita bread fries and salad. I got in the line in 5.52 pm and got my food an hr later. It was great above average but not the nost ultimate plsyter you might get. But it is definitely an experience. People do definitely place multiple orders at once that clogs the line. But the cooks work as hard as they can. Could be .ore spicy tho

+1

Mind Thamaratanasiri

We ordered the mix platter that came with a mix of chicken and lamb. You can also top the platter with French fries. The meats are so moist and tender. They gave you plenty of meats so it definitely worths the price. It was super tasty goes well with the white and spicy sauce. I would definitely go back to have it again. Unfortunately, the queue is very long every single day regardless if it’s weekend or weekday. Even we went there at 9pm almost 10pm, we waited for over 50 mins. So be prepared for the waiting.

I waited 40 minutes in line, with the food taking ~10 minutes to be prepared and packed. Service can be so much better and professional but I realize this is not optimal as it is a street food truck with a high food output serving an extremely long line of customers, on which they deliver very well. Although one thing that the company can do better is making a separate section for customers who are waiting for their orders. Having us around their kitchen and ordering counter can be confusing and inconvenient for everyone; it makes everybody an obstacle and uncomfortable. I had the mix platter with fries, chicken platter, both with spicy rice, and falafel (6 pieces). They tasted great but I do not think I will join the line again, unless I am visiting with some company.

Tried Adel’s Famous Halal Food for the first time. I rate it 3 stars because of the lack of organizing.The long line looks weird, but after nearly 50 minutes of waiting, it became clear the queue is less about demand and more about poor (or intentional) mismanagement to create hype. The food is average at best, no better than countless other food trucks in NYC. Cheap, yes. Worth standing in the cold and rain for almost an hour? Absolutely not. This is a one-time experience for me. Long lines don’t equal quality, and customer experience clearly isn’t a priority here. sincerely hope the owner rethinks how the business is managed, and if guidance is needed on improving operations and customer experience, I would be more than happy to help, free of charge.

+6

Edna G

Wednesday late evening, the Adel's food stand line was still long but it goes by fast. Quick meal on the go. Had to try their halal as it's always on social media. Very simple menu and price. The halal meat was tender and flavorful as well as the sauce. We got chicken and beef combo. When you get this to go, I feel like they cheat on the ingredients with their price. I found as I was eating, there were so many pita or Nan breads underneath making it look like a big pile of food. I was thinking we were lucky. They packed a lot in this to-go but now that I think of it, this is definitely not for sharing. You have to get your own. Flavors are good. The red sauce to me was not too spicy. Good to try. Plenty of spaces to eat i]near the food stand.

+1

HUSSAIN BAJWA

I finally tried Adel’s Famous Halal after hearing so much about it, and while the food was decent, it didn’t completely live up to the hype. The flavors were good and everything was cooked well enough, but nothing really stood out in the way I expected based on all the buzz. The portions were fair and the seasoning was solid, but the overall experience felt more “okay” than exceptional. It wasn’t bad by any means—just not the unforgettable meal it’s often made out to be. For a place with such a big reputation, I expected more depth in the flavor and a bit more freshness in the overall presentation. Service was quick and the staff were friendly, which definitely added to the positive side of the visit. If you’re nearby and craving halal, it’s a decent option. But is it worth going out of your way for or calling it “famous” level? Not really, at least based on my experience. In short, good food, but definitely overhyped.

+3

Mohid Shaikh

Finally tried Adel’s. But what a colossal letdown. Taste is good, no complaints on that. But is this how you treat your customers who are standing in line for an hour? The person at the counter doesn’t even bother asking about customization options, what sauces we want. You get the default plate handed to you, where as, online ordering you can customize. On top of that, the person at the counter has the gall to tell us “come next time” (if you want the extras). Enjoy the success, but all great things come down eventually. I honestly would recommend Shawarma Bay.

All I know is I stood in the freezing cold for 30 mins at midnight. When I got to the front there were a ton of angry people not getting their orders correct. I tried not to think too much about it. I told them very clearly one of mine was chicken and rice with no sauce. (My husband cannot have dairy or eggs). The told me that has the order ready. I asked about the sauce and they said I was good. I walk back to the hotel and sure enough they both have sauce. Overall it was just greasy, disappointing, and I ended up buying one that we could not eat.