A Taste of NYC at The Halal Guys

Legendary fast-food chain The Halal Guys opened its first UK branch last month and is already making its mark on the London fast food scene.

Choose between a sandwich or a platter made up of either chicken, beef, a combination of chicken and beef or vegan-friendly falafel. All are served with a selection of toppings and the iconic HG white and hot sauces.

Belle was recently invited to sample the menu, and we can confirm the long lines outside the restaurant are justified.

The Halal Guys may be an international fast-food phenomenon now, but it began life as a street food cart in New York. In 1990, Egyptian immigrants Mohammed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka and Abedelbaset Elsayed noticed Muslim taxi drivers were struggling to find quick, good quality halal food in the City. So they decided to cook up meat pitas and platters, and the The Halal Guys soon attracted a following that transcended the Muslim community. In fact, rapper Cardi B even gave them a namecheck last year in her hit ‘I Like It’.

The franchise now has five carts and two restaurant  in New York with more than 200 locations either open or in development across the US and internationally.

Located in Irving Street, just off Leicester Square, the restaurant mimics a New York diner with neon lights, white tiles and red and yellow decor.

Staff are very helpful and happy to make recommendations to suit your dietary needs. They also roam the floor offering white and hot sauces. A nice touch considering the busy location.

The Halal Guys is famous for grilling halal meat, which is served chopped up into tiny pieces.

If you are more used to eating a shawarma or doner kebab then prepare to be impressed becasue these dishes don’t leave you greasy or bloated

There’s chicken, beef or a combination of both in either a platter-style with rice and salad or wrapped up in a naan bread.

The platters are huge so are great for sharing. We ended up taking some home, and yes, it did taste just as good the next day eaten as a cold leftover.  The sandwiches –
a hybrid of a shawarma and done kebab – are much more manageable in one sitting. They’re made up of succulent meat and salad wrapped in a thick naan-style bread. The resulting meaty feast really hits the spot!

Vegetarians and vegans are also catered for by swapping meat for falafel, and sides include fries, hummus and baba ganoush.

Most importantly, diners can choose to drizzle their meal with The Halal Guys’ famous sauces, including a seriously fiery chilli sauce or white sauce – a tzatziki-like condiment.

* The Halal Guys, 14-15 Irving Street, Leicester Square WC2H 7AU. For more information, see thehalalguys.com