Rafiqi’s Halal Cart

Really liked their Halal food, much better than the typical halal carts w/​out names.

Great little halal place that has its own spin on the dish.
The lamb is top notch. Large chunks with lots of seasoning, you can definitely taste the difference. Super flavorful.
Chicken is pretty good and not dry, but I’d go for lamb only next time.
I like that they have a lot of free toppings like cheese, corn, hummus, tomatoes, and peppers, to add on top.
$ 6 for the Lamb/​Chicken Combo.

I like this cart a lot. Generally clean and tasty — all locations are good.

This stuff cannot be good for you, but I don’t care. Falafel pita sandwich with veggies, hot sauce and their mystery white «crack» sauce, for $ 3? Oh, hell yeah.
It tastes fantastic, it’s filling, and their carts are ubiquitous. You can’t lose! I haven’t bothered to try any of their meats over rice or otherwise, but I will eventually break down, I’m sure. The guys are also super friendly, so I really have nothing but good things to say about Rafiqi’s!

Chicken & Lamb combo on a pita with shredded parmesan cheese and lots o’ white sauce. Party in my mouth for the LOW LOW PRICE OF ONLY $ 5!!!
I used to come here once every two weeks or so for lunch since my office is nearby. My corowkers and I used to call it «SMF» which stood for «Street Meat Fridays»…ahhhhh, those were the days :).
The two guys that work this cart are crazy friendly, fast, efficient, passionate about providibng quality eats and they don’t cut corners. I ask for no vegetables and in result that don’t skimp out on the meat — it’s a beautiful thing :).
The lamb they use is fantastic, not tough or burnt — but prepared just right and cut into perfect consumable strips (ie. yanno, so meat isn’t slipping out or trying to escape the confines of your delicious, warm pita) and they season their juicy chicken chunks really nicely, not too much, just as Goldilocks would say — «just right» =D.
I know many people are all like, «AHHHH!!! STREET MEAT!!!» — If you’re going to ever give it a chance then let it be a Rafiqi’s cart. They’re seriously the «McDonalds» of Halal street meat vendors in NYC.
What I mean by this is they’re all consistent with their offerings, menu, ingredients and quality. I don’t trust every street vendor, ESPECIALLY when there’s only 1 guy working a cart — I mean what does he do when nature calls?!
At least you know that when there are TWO people, they can take turns using the restroom during off-​peak food hours.
I’ve been a customer to this cart (and the Rafiqis’ on like 44^rd and Park) for a few years and I’m still alive and I’ve never sustained food poisoning (if that’s your worry regarding street carts/​food trucks).
If anything they’re a NYC culinary adventure — DO IT and be sure to ask for extra white sauce (and spicy sauce… if you’re into that sorta thing!) OH! And they’re cash only — obviously, so be sure to bring smaller bills — LoL :).

Not just your average chicken over rice here. Actual real pieces of chicken offered with tons of salad options. For only $ 5 you can get lunch that will keep you going throughout the day — I can never finish it. Their white sauce is great and hot sauce not too spicy. Guys working there are always friendly, rain or shine.