Adel’s Halal Food

This is definitely on my list of best halal food carts in Manhattan. The guys in the cart are extremely friendly, and their meat, rice, sauce, and veggies are basically perfect. I got the spicy rice, and it was delicious, yet not too spicy. What a surprise to find something so delicious in FiDi.

super friendly guys and I came right in time before the rush came… and I came a little later too, about 12:30pm! So glad I finally got to try this spot out– the guy was telling me to come every day to eat it haha… I wish, If I did that I would be hugggggge hah
I got the spicy rice which was so flavorful, combo with lamb and chicken — with spicy and white sauce… I told them to make it spicy because I love spice! I got back to my desk and was sad that it was not spicy like I thought it would be. Next time I will tell them to drench on the spice — but otherwise the meats were delicious. I find halal guys chicken on the dry side and this was perfect… the lamb had a different flavor to it but was also very good! This place is great… and I will be coming back!

As far as halal carts go, this place is TOP NOTCH. I’ve come here so many times in the past few months after deciding they were my favorite street meat cart in Fidi.
Something to note – they use a type of lamb meat that is ground up. I personally like chunks of lamb better, but the way they prepare it is pretty good so I’m not one to complain. I always get the lamb so I can’t say much about the other dishes, but it all looks good and everything I’ve had tastes pretty good.
Additionally, this place ALWAYS uses the plastic and aluminum takeout boxes, not styrofoam, so it feels like you’re getting way more bang for your buck than other carts.

These folk are absolute IDOITS. Orders lb got chicken and the guy had the nerves to try and argue with me. I thew the meal down and walked away. It’s my way of never ordering from these IDOITS again.

This food truck is on the corner of Maiden Lane and Front Street, very close to the water. The line gets a bit long, but it’s never TOO bad. Overall I think I prefer the taste of Sam’s to this, but Adel’s is quite good. Plus, the guys in the truck crack jokes, it’s hilarious. They asked me if I was dining in or taking out… of their outdoor food truck. They’re so nice. I’ll be back!

First time trying Falafel and so glad I tried it here first, we came here on a food tour and it did not disappoint, the guys were really nice a day the Falafel was freshly fried, no microwave in sight. Excellent and Delicious!

Honest no-​frills affordable food. Stopped by because i was curious why there is ALWAYS a line in front of this cart, no matter what the time. The menu isn’t much different from a hundred other «Halal» carts around town, but it really does taste quite a bit better than the other guys (can’t quite say why) but it’s also only $ 5 on average, and there’s 3 guys working in there so you get served quickly. And the line means the food’s not sitting around for a while. It’s simple honest affordable lunch for the office workers in the area who don’t feel like paying double at the upscale food trucks round the corner on Old Slip who would be lucky to get a fraction of the customers this place gets. For a generous serving of hot tasty food for just a few bucks, this is where you go.

Pretty good halal truck. Get the spicy brown rice. $ 5 for a good portion lunch and a complementary falafel. Seasoned well so good is good even without the sauces. The long line goes quickly so it’s worth the short wait.

Let’s see, meal for $ 5 in Financial District? Next to impossible. Granted there are other street carts around, but this place sets the bar. Props for the free Falafel ball, that earned you an extra star. Spicy sauce is okay, slightly more spicy than other carts but pales in comparison to Halal Guy’s level of spice. which is good. I do have a ridiculous tolerance to spice, so don’t take my word for it.
Like other reviewers have said, servings are smaller than others, but grab some fruit at a nearby fruit cart for a dollar and you’ll be set. I think they use less oil, and provide some veggies if you get over rice. If you go during lunch time, be prepared for a line.

Adel’s cart is parked at the corner of Murray and West without fail every weekday starting from around 11.
It looks like Adel himself has moved on from his cart because it’s been cycling through other guys putting together my combo over rice (yellow rice, no salad, white and green sauce) for the past few weeks. Maybe it’s just because Adel was the man, but previously if you got there earlier for lunch, you would get a piece of falafel with your meal. Now it’s just what you ordered (which makes sense too, but hey, a guy can hope for his free falafel).
Unfortunately, I’ve got to say that the quality of the prep has gone down since Adel went away. While you’re not exactly looking for the highest quality of food for a 5 buck combo over rice (with a free can of soda), the it has been more hit and miss recently. Thankfully, if you put enough white and green sauce on it, you’ll hardly notice the difference.

This cart literally is steps from the entrance to my office. Its always already there at 9:30 when I arrive at work and I can smell the wonderful aromas of them beginning to prepare the food. Its usually then when I decide that I’ll be eating there that particular day!
I almost always get chicken/​lamb combo over spicy rice. The rice here is far better than any other carts in the city (including the famous ones). It has a great flavor and spice, and always perfectly cooked. They add some brocolli, carrots and probably some other veggies in as well which are big enough to be actually noticed. The lamb and chicken are marinated perfectly and and taste amazing. They also include a falafel ball with the platter — but you can get them to throw three more for only $ 1 extra. Well worth it if you’re extra hungry. The falafel balls actually are good enough here to be the main event — nice and crisp outside without being dry inside. Vegetarians will enjoy getting falafel over rice instead of meat.
The hot sauce here won’t make you tear up from being overly spicy like other carts, but the key here is that it actually tastes good. The white sauce seems thinner, but I always ask for very little since that is what really makes these things into calorie/​fat bombs. A little goes a long way.
The portions here are smaller than other places, but they make up for it in quality. Platters are only $ 5 ($ 6 with extra felafel). There are times I wish there was a bit more meat vs rice on the plate, but its always plenty for lunch without giving you a food coma.
Finally, be prepared for a long line between 12 – 1:30 — especially if it is nice outside.

One of very few places that still sell a chicken over rice for $ 5. The guys working at the cart are usually very nice as well and welcoming. The food here is slightly different from most other halal carts, but it’s definitely good.

This falafel can’t be beat. Crispy, moist, perfectly salty and lemony and everything good. It’s always fresh — especially during lunch. You can tell by the line that this place is good. For $ 5, this is my go-​to lunch on those days that I want to feel full for cheap. They are really good about making sure it’s not too spicy or sauce-​laden for me.

Had the combo (chicken and lamb) over spicy rice with white and spicy sauce; it’s actually much better than the ones I’ve tried in the Tribeca area. However, their $ 5 does not include a free soda/​water, but instead, there’s a free falafel that comes with the meal, lol. Overall, friendly guys, quick service, good spot for a grab-​n-​go.

I was actually looking for Sam’s falafel or Biryani house but my phone decided to stop receiving 3g. I walked by here and when I saw a line form decided to give it a try (though it smelled so great I may have tried it without the line)
When I got my order I looked back and there was a much longer line so I was sure I went to a popular place. This was around 1pm or so.
Went back to my hotel room and tried it and my god this was the bomb. This is my very first food truck experience and it definitely won’t be the last!
Oh and lastly, I think they stopped using tin. Again I’m pretty sure this is Adel’s as the food was delish and just $ 4.99 with a drink.

I had my first Adel’s experience the other day + after trying various other street halal carts around the area as well as in various places in the city, I think it’s safe to say that this cart is the best in the area.
Adel’s serves their food in a tin container, not in a Styrofoam one. The only down part of this is they serve you less food than the other carts. But who cares about portions when the food is this good. I got the chicken/​lamb combo platter served with yellow rice, veggies, one falafel, and tons of white sauce. The chicken and lamb here is so fresh and looks/​tastes better than the meat at other carts. I’ve noticed that other halal carts like to give you questionable chicken bits.
There’s really not much more to say about this cart other than it’s good, if you’re in the area and it’s lunch time and you have $ 5 to spare, try Adel’s. It’s better than wasting your money at some mediocre food cart.

The spicy rice was a-​ok. Not too special and it wasn’t that spicy.
The lamb meat was a bit dry so that wasn’t too good.
The portion size was smaller than normal carts. They put the rice in a metal tin instead of the styrofoam container. I guess it’s good since they’re more environmentally-​conscious.
Price is cheaper than most places at $ 5. Most places are at $ 6.
Due to the quality of the meat, I am Not a fan of this place. Sorry.

I am not the biggest fan of street meat. However, the lines that formed outside this cart every day made the cart hard to resist.
Chicken, falafel and rice combo plate was great!

What non-​cart food can you get in FiDi for $ 5? Weighed buffet (spoon out stepchild vegetables and sauce!) or MSG wonton soup at sketchy Chinese. Guanabana batido at Sophie’s (BYOLunch that day but remember to jack the green sauce.) Coffee and a pastry at Financier.
Or, yes, cart food: chicken over spicy rice with white sauce: flavorful, big chunks of chicken, I think I love the spicy rice. Good white sauce, a bit lighter than 53^rd Street. (My coworker asked me, «What’s the white sauce? Is it yogurt based?» And I was like… «Ummm it’s LOVE.» Don’t ask, don’t tell.) Random carrots, bell peppers, and onions layered in between with lettuce to the side. Bonus falafel was dry, but since I didn’t expect it, it’s still better than a kick in the face. Cart looked clean, guys were friendly; no line at around 1:30 PM.

I have tried various halal carts in NY and I have to say this is one of my favorite ones in downtown NY. I have ordered the chicken and lamb combo, lamb with spicy rice and also the falafal with yellow rice on multiple occasions and I absolutely loved it! During lunch time on weekdays, there tends to be a decent size line here but it goes pretty quick. The serving size isn’t massive, but it’s certainly filling enough for anyone. If you’re into mountain size boxes then this probably isn’t the cart for you as they serve a medium size box that just hits the spot.
They give about 3 large scoops of rice plus a good amount of meat. You have a choice of basmati, spicy or yellow rice and I would just like to say there are not many carts that offer these choices. In addition, the spicy rice is spectacular! I used to order yellow rice, but recently I’ve been going with the spicy rice. It’s so flavorful with spices and it’s not overwhelmingly spicy to the point you’re sweating your you know what off. I have yet to try the basmati rice though.
The chicken and lamb were very tender and quite juicy. Unfortunately, I’ve never tried falafal at any other carts, but they give you about 6 – 7 pieces of it when you order it and I have to say I really liked it from here. The falafal is a bit harder than I imagined, but I’m under the assumption it is the way it is supposed to be from any other truck, however TBD. If you ask for white and hot sauce, they will give a good amount of white sauce, but not overflowing. They usually dabble a bit of hot sauce only since their hot sauce is quite hot. You can always ask for more as I’ve seen people ask for it to be very hot.
This is definitely my cart of choice in the area, although I still have a few trucks to try out.