For Muslim travellers and local foodies alike, the city offers a wide array of halal eateries, from classic street food to high-end dining experiences. Whether you’re craving traditional Middle Eastern dishes, South Asian specialities, or American comfort food prepared the halal way, NYC has something to satisfy every palate. Travelaire brings you the ultimate guide to exploring the best halal food spots in the Big Apple.
A Halal Food Lover’s Paradise: Where to Start
New York City’s halal food scene is as diverse as its residents, with halal-friendly restaurants and street food vendors found in every borough. Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, in particular, are hotspots for some of the city’s most exciting halal dining experiences.
Iconic Halal Street Food: A Must-Try Experience
No halal food guide to NYC would be complete without mentioning its legendary halal street carts. One of the most famous is The Halal Guys, which started as a single food cart in Midtown Manhattan and has now expanded worldwide. Their signature platters of chicken and gyro over rice, topped with their famous white and hot sauces, are a must-try for any visitor.
Other notable street food vendors include:
- Adel’s Famous Halal Food – Known for its perfectly seasoned meats and generous portions, this cart in Midtown is a favourite among food lovers.
- King of Falafel & Shawarma – A Queens-based gem serving up authentic falafel, shawarma, and kebabs, with a cult-like following.
- NYC Halal Eats – This cart offers a variety of options, from lamb and beef over rice to fresh falafel and delicious wraps.
Best Halal Burgers and American Comfort Food
For those craving classic American flavours with a halal twist, NYC boasts some of the best halal burger joints and diners.
- BurgerIM – A gourmet halal burger chain with customisable patties, offering a mix of beef, lamb, and even falafel burgers.
- Jerrell’s BETR BRGR – Located in Soho, this spot serves halal-certified plant-based burgers, perfect for vegan and vegetarian foodies.
- Shake Shack (Halal Chicken Options) – While not fully halal, Shake Shack’s chicken sandwiches at select locations are halal-certified, making it a great option for those seeking a mix of options.
- Milk & Cream Cereal Bar – If you have a sweet tooth, this dessert spot allows you to create custom ice cream treats using halal-certified ingredients.
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Halal Dining
New York’s thriving Middle Eastern food scene ensures that you can find top-notch halal shawarma, kebabs, and mezze dishes.
- Balade – A Lebanese eatery in the East Village offering authentic dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and mixed grill platters.
- Mamoun’s Falafel – One of NYC’s oldest falafel joints, serving delicious, freshly made falafel sandwiches and platters.
- Omar’s Mediterranean Cuisine – A popular choice for halal Mediterranean dishes, offering everything from shawarma wraps to lamb kebabs.
- Manousheh NYC – If you’re looking for a quick yet delicious Lebanese breakfast, this spot serves freshly baked manakish with halal toppings.
South Asian Flavours: Halal Pakistani and Indian Cuisine
New York City’s South Asian community has established an impressive range of halal Pakistani and Indian eateries, making it easy to indulge in authentic curries, biryanis, and tandoori specialities.
- Junoon – A Michelin-starred Indian restaurant with an entirely halal menu, offering a fine dining experience with dishes like butter chicken and lamb korma.
- Desi Galli – Known for its kathi rolls and chaat, this casual eatery offers delicious street food-style Indian dishes.
- Shadman – A Pakistani restaurant serving homestyle biryanis, curries, and kebabs in a cosy setting.
- Kabab King – Located in Queens, this spot is a favourite for late-night eats, offering a mix of Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine.
Fine Dining: Halal High-End Experiences
For those seeking a more refined dining experience, several high-end restaurants in NYC offer halal-certified gourmet meals.
- Reserve Cut – One of NYC’s most renowned halal steakhouses, serving premium cuts of meat in an elegant setting.
- Rasa – A Malaysian fine-dining restaurant with a full halal menu, offering rich flavours and aromatic spices in every dish.
- STK Downtown (Halal Menu Available) – This upscale steakhouse offers halal steak options upon request, making it perfect for a special night out.
- Almayass – A Lebanese-Armenian restaurant known for its exquisite mezze platters and grilled meats, all prepared the halal way.
Halal-Friendly Desserts and Cafés
No food journey is complete without dessert, and NYC has plenty of halal-friendly spots for sweet treats and coffee breaks.
- Sweet Tooth NYC – A halal-certified dessert shop offering cakes, pastries, and traditional Middle Eastern sweets.
- Spot Dessert Bar – While not entirely halal, many of their signature desserts, such as the famous chocolate lava cake, are halal-friendly.
- Mochi Dolci – This café serves halal-certified mochi donuts, bubble tea, and other Asian-inspired desserts.
- Cafe 28 – A halal-friendly café offering fresh juices, sandwiches, and artisanal coffee for those looking for a quick pick-me-up.
Exploring Halal Food Beyond Manhattan
While Manhattan is packed with halal food spots, venturing into Queens and Brooklyn will introduce you to an even broader range of halal culinary delights.
- Jackson Heights, Queens – Known as NYC’s South Asian food hub, with dozens of halal Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian eateries.
- Astoria, Queens – A hotspot for halal Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, featuring Lebanese bakeries and Egyptian grills.
- Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue – Home to a variety of halal Yemeni, Moroccan, and Turkish restaurants, offering authentic home-cooked meals.
Final Thoughts: A Halal Food Adventure Awaits
New York City is a haven for halal food lovers, offering everything from street food to fine dining, American classics to global cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal from a street cart or a lavish dining experience, the city’s halal food scene is bound to impress. With so many options to explore, every meal becomes an adventure.
At Travelaire, we ensure that Muslim travellers experience the best halal-friendly destinations worldwide, and New York City is no exception. Let us help you plan your ultimate halal food journey through the city, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience tailored to your tastes.
Ready to embark on the ultimate halal food adventure in NYC? Book your trip with Travelaire today and indulge in a world of flavours!
