One month left before we get to taste NYC’s most famous chicken and gyro platters and wraps.
Rumors about the iconic NYC staple food cart coming here to the Philippines spread around November last year when their “Cooking Soon” sign was seen in one of the spaces at the SM Mega Fashion Food Hall.
The Halal Guys was founded by Mohamed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka, and Abdelbaset Elsayed in New York back in 1990. Not long after they opened their hotdog cart, they realized there were just too many of them competing. Little did they know that their move towards being different and serving halal food would be the beginning of their New York success story.
Halal |həˈläl, həˈlal| adjective : denoting or relating to meat prepared as prescribed by Muslim law.
Their bright red and yellow umbrellas and flags quickly caught the attention and interest of New Yorkers and soon long queues started to form. Everybody was more than willing to line for hours just to see what the buzz is all about, and the rest, they say, is history.
Because of their growing popularity, other food carts tried to imitate and ride on their fame, but didn’t seem to catch on to their already loyal patrons, as evidenced by block-long lines from dusk ’til dawn. If you’re ever in New York, this should probably be in your list of things to experience in the city.
The Halal Guys hops from one NYC corner to the next daily. Too bad we won’t be experiencing the same NYC outdoor takeout feel that the brand originally created, but nevertheless, we will be experiencing the same ginormous platters and thick wraps that they are most famous for.
Their bestsellers are the chicken and gyro platters. The famous platter is composed of gyro or chicken (or a combination of both), rice, iceberg lettuce, slices of pita bread, and their savory white sauce and/or red sauce–all in substantial amounts that will surely fill your tummies.
Is your mouth watering already? Too bad, we’re gonna have to wait a little bit longer. The Halal Guys in SM Megamall Food Hall is set to open on July 25, 2015. In the meantime, you can add The Halal Guys to your Booky app “Must Try List”.
The Halal Guys opening has been moved pending their Halal accreditation. Stay tuned!
If you’re not already enjoying the offline convenience of Booky, it’s free to download on iPhone and Android. Countdown officially begins.
