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Mama Halal Food
- W 54th St &, 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Halal restaurant, Fast food restaurant ★4.0 (62)·$1–10

W 54th St &, 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

4.0
I’ve been coming to this cart for a while now and have always appreciated the great food and customer service. Unfortunately, today was a very different experience, and I left feeling very disappointed.The gentleman who served me was on his phone the entire time—while I was placing my order, while he was preparing the food, and even while I was paying. He didn’t wear gloves at any point and used the same hand that took my money to pick up the pita bread and place it on the stove, which raised serious hygiene concerns. He also insanely overcooked the lamb and the chicken. It taste burned.When I tried to communicate with him, he barely acknowledged me and continued to focus on his phone. I specifically asked for no salad, but he added it anyway. When I reminded him, he removed it by aggressively slamming it back into the salad container, which felt unnecessarily rude.I also felt overcharged for a can of soda, which was $2. I’m not sure if that’s the standard price here, but it seemed excessive.Overall, this experience was disappointing enough that I’ll likely not return. For reference, the man appeared to be a dark-skinned Bengali individual, likely between 40 and 50 years old. - Im Unaware
Mama Halal Food Overview Intro Vibe Detail Photos Location Reviews
$1–10 per person Reported by 62 people$1–10$10–20$20–30

Mama Halal Food Introduce

In a city defined by its street food culture, few things are as quintessentially New York as a classic halal food cart. Mama Halal Food, located on the corner of West 54th Street and 8th Avenue, is a beloved institution that brings this essential culinary experience to the heart of Midtown. As a classic fast-food establishment, it’s a place where speed and flavor go hand in hand, offering delicious, satisfying meals that are perfect for a quick lunch, a late-night snack, or a fulfilling dinner. The cart, which identifies as Asian-owned, has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike who crave the iconic combination of savory meats, fluffy rice, and the famous white sauce.

The menu at Mama Halal Food is a tribute to the simple perfection of halal street food. The main attractions are the rice platters, where you can choose from perfectly seasoned Chicken over Rice, tender Lamb over Rice, or a classic Combination Rice Platter that gives you the best of both worlds. For a vegetarian option, the Falafel over Rice is a must-try. Beyond the platters, the menu features classic sandwiches like the Chicken Gyro and Lamb Gyro, providing another portable and flavorful option. The grill items, such as the Philly Cheesesteak and Hot Dog, offer even more variety.

The generous portions and affordable prices make Mama Halal Food an incredible value, especially in a neighborhood where dining can be expensive. The signature white sauce and hot sauce are the true heroes of the meal, allowing you to customize your platter to your exact taste. It's a no-frills, all-flavor approach to food that has earned it a loyal following, with one customer enthusiastically stating, "This is the best chicken over rice in the city & I’ve had plenty."


Location and Accessibility

Mama Halal Food is located at the corner of W 54th St & 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA. This is a prime spot in Midtown, easily accessible from major landmarks like Times Square and Broadway theaters, making it a perfect pre-show or post-show dining option. The location is an easy walk from numerous subway lines and bus stops, and for those who choose to drive, paid street parking is available in the vicinity.

As a street vendor, accessibility is straightforward, and the atmosphere is inherently casual. The business is also noted as being welcoming to a diverse crowd, including being LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, which adds to its inclusive and community-oriented feel.


Services Offered

As a fast-food establishment, Mama Halal Food is all about quick and convenient service, with a variety of options to get your food.

  • Takeout: The classic service model for a food cart, where you can order and take your food to go.
  • Delivery & No-contact delivery: The cart offers delivery services, making it easy to enjoy their food without leaving your home or office.
  • Curbside pickup: Order ahead and pick up your meal right from the curb.
  • Dine-in: While it is a food cart, there are often public seating areas nearby where you can sit and enjoy your meal, providing a casual dining option.

Features and Highlights

Mama Halal Food’s appeal lies in its straightforward and reliable approach to street food.

  • Late-night food: The cart is known for staying open late, making it a great option for a satisfying meal after a night out or a long work shift.
  • Authentic Halal Cuisine: The menu focuses on classic, comforting, and authentic halal dishes that have made this type of food a New York favorite.
  • Affordable & Quick Bite: The price point is extremely reasonable, and the food is served quickly, making it an excellent choice for a quick, cheap, and filling meal.
  • Vegetarian Options: The availability of falafel and other vegetarian-friendly dishes ensures there is something for everyone.
  • Family-Friendly: The casual atmosphere and delicious food make it a great spot for the whole family, including children.

Contact Information

For more information or to place an order, you can contact Mama Halal Food using the details below.

  • Address: W 54th St & 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
  • Phone: (929) 919-6035
  • Mobile Phone: +1 929-919-6035

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Mama Halal Food is an embrace of a true New York institution. It's a decision to opt for a delicious and incredibly affordable meal that is a perfect example of what makes the city's food scene so special. While some customer feedback has mentioned isolated issues with service and hygiene, the overwhelming consensus points to the food's quality and taste. The "best chicken over rice in the city" is a bold claim, but it speaks to the high regard many customers have for this cart's signature dish and flavorful sauces.

For a New Yorker looking for a quick, satisfying, and comforting meal, Mama Halal Food is a reliable choice. The efficiency and long hours make it a practical option for any time of day or night. It represents the best of a fast-food experience: simple, flavorful, and a great value. It’s an authentic taste of the city that is a must-try for anyone in the area who wants a classic street food experience.

Mama Halal Food Vibe

  • Rice Platters

  • Chicken over Rice $9.00

    Get ready for a flavor-packed journey! Tender halal grilled chicken on a bed of aromatic rice, crowned with our favorite white, hot, and green sauces

  • Lamb over Rice $9.00

    It's a lamb-tastic delight! Halal grilled lamb on fragrant rice, topped with our signature white, hot, and green sauces.

  • Combination Rice Platter $10.00

    Can't choose? Have both! Halal grilled chicken and flavorful lamb on aromatic rice, topped with our signature sauces.

  • Falalfel over Rice $9.00

    Crispy falafel on aromatic rice, dancing with our signature sauces.

  • Chicken Biryani $10.00

    Spice up your day! Tender halal chicken layered with fragrant basmati rice, delivering tantalizing aromas and flavors.

  • Chicken Tikka Rice $10.00

    An exquisite burst of flavor! Tender halal chicken marinated in aromatic tikka masala spices, grilled to perfection on fragrant rice.

  • Fish over Rice $10.00

    Dive into a delightful taste sensation! Tender, flaky fish on aromatic rice, accompanied by our signature sauces.

  • Shrimp over Rice $9.00

    Dive into a delightful taste sensation! Tender, flaky fish on aromatic rice, accompanied by our signature sauces.

  • Sandwiches

  • Chicken Gyro $7.00

    Get ready for a taste sensation! Tender, seasoned halal chicken wrapped in a warm pita with crisp lettuces, juicy tomato, and sautéed onions, all drizzled with our special sauce.

  • Lamb Gyro $7.00

    Savor the classic! Succulent, seasoned halal lamb snug in a fluffy pita with fresh lettuces, ripe tomato, and sautéed onions, all embraced by our signature sauce.

  • Combination Gyro $7.00

    Why choose? Enjoy a blend of seasoned halal chicken and halal lamb wrapped in a pita with crisp lettuces, juicy tomato, and sautéed onions, all kissed by our special sauce.

  • Falafel Sandwich $7.00

    Crispy falafel patties nestled in a soft pita with fresh lettuces, and ripe tomato, all harmonized with our signature sauce.

  • Philly Cheesesteak $8.00

    A mouthwatering combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all cradled in a soft roll.

  • From the Grill

  • Cheeseburger $7.00

    Indulge in a classic! Our Cheeseburger features a juicy beef patty, perfectly grilled, topped with melted cheese, and nestled in a soft bun.

  • Chicken Kebab $6.00

    Savor the skewered delight! Our Chicken Kebab brings you tender, marinated halal chicken, grilled to perfection.

  • Italian Sausage $7.00

    Taste the Italian flare! Our Italian Sausage is grilled to perfection, delivering a burst of savory flavors.

  • Hot Dog $3.00

    A timeless favorite! Our Hot Dog is a classic, grilled to perfection and served in a soft bun.

  • Hot Sausage $4.00

    Add a kick to your meal! Our Hot Sausage, grilled to perfection, offers a spicy twist.

  • Kati Roll $5.00

    Wrap up the goodness! Our Kati Roll features a flavorful mix of ingredients rolled in a soft paratha.

  • Beverages

  • Soda Can $1.50

    Quench your thirst with a refreshing Soda Can. Choose from our selection of classic sodas.

  • Soda Bottle $2.00

    Upgrade to a larger serving! Enjoy your favorite soda from our Soda Bottle collection

  • Small Water Bottle $1.00

    Stay hydrated with our Small Water Bottle - a convenient way to refresh

  • Gatorade $2.50

    Power up with Gatorade! Replenish and revitalize with your choice of Gatorade flavors.

  • Snapple $2.50

    Indulge in the fruity goodness of Snapple! Grab a bottle for a burst of flavor

Mama Halal Food Details

  • From the business

  • Identifies as Asian-owned
  • Service options

  • Curbside pickup
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Offerings

  • Comfort food
  • Halal food
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safespace
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Parking

  • Paid street parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed

Mama Halal Food Photos

Mama Halal Food Picture 1Mama Halal Food Picture 2Mama Halal Food Picture 3Mama Halal Food Picture 4Mama Halal Food Picture 5Mama Halal Food Picture 6Mama Halal Food Picture 7Mama Halal Food Picture 8Mama Halal Food Picture 9Mama Halal Food Picture 10

Mama Halal Food Location

Mama Halal Food

W 54th St &, 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

Mama Halal Food Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 137 user reviews.

pricelambhalal carthot saucefood truckgyrochicken biryanikati rollwhite saucepita

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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