Adel’s Famous Halal Food Menu – Prices & Full Guide
If you’re searching for the Adel’s Famous Halal Food menu with prices, want to know the Adel’s Famous Halal Food hours, wondering about the wait time and whether it’s worth it, looking for the complete menu including platters, gyros, and sides, or just trying to figure out what to order at one of New York City’s most viral food carts — this is the complete 2026 guide.
Adel’s Famous Halal Food is a halal food cart at 1221 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), across from Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan. It has become one of the most-photographed, most-TikTok’d, and most-waited-in-line-for street food experiences in New York City — a late-night institution that operates from 6 PM into the early morning hours and regularly draws lines of 40–100+ people.
The menu is focused and deliberate: chicken over rice, lamb over rice, a mix platter, gyros (chicken, lamb, mix, falafel), and falafel — each plate topped with your choice of white sauce, green sauce, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce, served with chopped pita and a side salad.
What makes Adel’s different from the dozens of halal carts across NYC isn’t the concept — it’s the execution. The signature Spicy Rice (deep-red, seasoned with aromatic spices) distinguishes Adel’s from every standard yellow-rice halal competitor. The meats are juicy, consistently marinated, and seared on a flat-top grill with a char that most street carts don’t achieve. And the white sauce — tangy, mayo-based, slightly acidic — is regularly described as better than The Halal Guys’ version by people who have eaten both.
Adel’s Famous Halal Food Menu 2026 — Official Items
The complete official menu from adelsfamousnyc.com, confirmed May 2026:
Adel’s Platters Menu With Prices
All platters are served over Yellow Rice or Spicy Rice (your choice), with salad, chopped pita, and your choice of sauces.
| Item | Price (Cash) | Price (Card/Online) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Over Rice Platter | ~$9–$10 | ~$11–$13 | Perfectly seasoned chicken, basmati rice, salad, chopped pita |
| Lamb Over Rice Platter | ~$9–$10 | ~$11–$13 | Lamb (contains beef), basmati rice, salad, chopped pita |
| Mix Platter (Chicken + Lamb) | ~$10–$12 | ~$12–$14 | The signature order — half chicken, half lamb |
| Falafel Platter | ~$9–$10 | ~$11–$13 | Vegetarian falafel over rice with salad and pita |
Confirmed pricing:
- Single platter: $9 cash (multiple verified reviewers: “the platter was $9 with cash”; “incredible value for $9”; “less than $10 for a plate”)
- With card/contactless: ~$10–$12 (surcharge applies)
- Via Seamless (online delivery): prices are higher (~$12–$14+ range)
- 2 chicken-over-rice plates: $24.36 (Halal Joints reviewer confirmed exact spend)
- 4 platters + 1 fry: ~$45 (Yelp reviewer confirmed)
- 2 combos + drink: $21 (Tripadvisor reviewer)
Rice options: Yellow Rice (standard basmati) or Spicy Rice (the signature — deep-red, spice-infused, aromatic). The near-universal recommendation from regulars: always get the Spicy Rice.
Add-Ons:
- Add Fries on Top: ~$1–$2 extra
- Extra Meat: extra charge
- Extra Sauce: extra charge (small surcharge per sauce container)
- Extra Pita: included/small charge
The Mix Platter is the correct first-time order at Adel’s. Half chicken, half lamb, over spicy rice, with white sauce, hot sauce, and pita. Reviewing this combination: “The meats were juicy, well-marinated, and perfectly seared. The lamb had a rich, slightly smoky flavor, and the chicken was tender and flavorful, not dry at all.” The pita base absorbs the sauces and meat juices, turning the bottom of the tray into the best bite of the meal.
Adel’s Sandwiches / Gyros Menu With Prices
All gyros are served in a pita wrap with salad and your choice of sauce (White, Green, BBQ, or Hot).
| Item | Price (Cash) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mix Gyro | ~$8–$10 | Lamb (contains beef) and chicken in pita, salad, sauce |
| Chicken Gyro | ~$8–$10 | Seasoned chicken in pita, salad, sauce |
| Lamb Gyro | ~$8–$10 | Seasoned lamb (contains beef) in pita, salad, sauce |
| Falafel Gyro | ~$7–$9 | Vegetarian falafel in pita, salad, sauce |
Gyro pricing estimated from cart-level and delivery pricing data; multiple reviewers describe gyros in the $8–$10 range. The Lamb Gyro is specifically praised in reviews: “Get the lamb gyros—the fresh bread and delicious lamb are standout.”
Important note on lamb: Adel’s lamb contains beef. This is clearly noted on the official menu (per halal food standards, the lamb mix uses a beef-inclusive blend). This is standard practice for many NYC halal carts.
Adel’s Sides Menu With Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Fries | ~$3–$5 |
| Falafel (2 pcs) | ~$3–$4 |
| Falafel (4 pcs) | ~$5–$6 |
| Falafel (6 pcs) | ~$7–$8 |
Fries are also available as a platter add-on (fries on top of rice). Adding fries to the platter is one of the most-mentioned menu tips — the crispy fries absorb the white sauce and mix with the spicy rice for a textural experience reviewers describe as “pure comfort food magic.”
The falafel as a standalone side gets more mixed reviews — “a bit dense and didn’t have much flavor” per some reviewers — suggesting it’s better as part of a platter than as the star of a side order.
Adel’s Drinks Menu With Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bottled Water (16 oz) | ~$2 |
| Can Soda (Coke, Ginger Ale, Sprite, Diet Coke) | ~$2–$3 |
| Snapple (Lemon Tea, Kiwi Strawberry, Apple Peach Mango, Mango) | ~$2–$3 |
Adel’s Famous Halal Food Hours 2026
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM |
| Friday | 6:00 PM – 5:00 AM |
| Saturday | ~10:00 PM – late (confirm via social) |
| Sunday | ~10:00 PM – late (confirm via social) |
Hours confirmed via Yelp (May 2026). Weekday hours start at 6:00 PM and run until 4:00 AM (Friday until 5:00 AM). Weekend hours start later (approximately 10:00 PM) per the restaurant’s own Q&A on Yelp: “They are open at 6 pm on Weekdays and 10 pm on Weekends.”
This is a late-night food cart. It does not serve lunch. The most popular visiting windows are 10 PM–2 AM on weekdays and from 10 PM onward on weekends. This is by design — Adel’s built its reputation on late-night Midtown foot traffic.
Always confirm current hours via:
- Instagram: @adels1halalfood
- TikTok: @adelsfamoushalalfood
- Website: adelsfamousnyc.com
Adel’s Famous Halal Food Location 2026
Address: 1221 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), New York, NY 10020
Intersection: 48th–49th Street and 6th Avenue, across from Radio City Music Hall
Neighborhood: Midtown West / Theater District
Phone: (917) 497-2317
Getting there: The cart is easy to find — it’s on 6th Avenue between 48th and 49th Streets, one of Manhattan’s most trafficked pedestrian corridors. The orange-shirt workers under bright white lights are visible from half a block away, especially at night. Subway: B/D/F/M to 47–50 St / Rockefeller Center (2-minute walk). N/Q/R/W to 49th St (3-minute walk).
Adel’s Sauces — The Essential Guide
The sauces are what make or break the Adel’s experience. Four are available:
| Sauce | Flavor Profile | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| White Sauce | Tangy, creamy, mayo-based, slightly acidic | The essential sauce; drench the entire platter generously |
| Hot Sauce | Red, spicy, vinegar-forward | Decorative squirt over the white sauce; adjust to heat preference |
| Green Sauce | Herbaceous, bright, not spicy | Best as an accent; pairs well with chicken and falafel |
| BBQ Sauce | Sweet-smoky | Less traditional; good with chicken gyro |
The white sauce + hot sauce combination is the canonical Adel’s order. Reviews consistently describe the white sauce as one of the best in the NYC halal cart landscape — “creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced” and “Adel’s white sauce is so much better than the Halal Guys’.”
If you can’t handle heat, ask for “light spicy” on the hot sauce or take it on the side. Multiple reviewers warn: “The red sauce is quite spicy, so be warned.”
Note on extra sauce: There is a small surcharge for extra sauce containers. Order sauce on the side if you want more control over the ratio.
Adel’s Famous Halal Food Wait Time & Tips
The wait at Adel’s is the most-discussed aspect of visiting. Here’s the realistic picture:
Typical wait times:
- Monday–Thursday, 9 PM–11 PM: 20–40 minutes
- Monday–Thursday, 11 PM–2 AM: 15–25 minutes (line can actually move faster at peak)
- Friday–Saturday after 10 PM: 45–90 minutes
- New Year’s, holidays, major events: 90+ minutes
Practical tips from regulars:
- Know your order before you reach the counter — the servers work fast and expect you to order immediately. Hesitating slows the line and won’t make them friendlier.
- Get the Mix Platter with Spicy Rice — the most common regret among first-timers is ordering yellow rice; Spicy Rice is the reason people return.
- Add Fries on Top — the fry-and-white-sauce combination inside the platter is worth the extra $1–$2.
- Pay with cash — there’s a credit card surcharge for card payments. ATMs are plentiful in the area.
- Arrive early on weekdays — 6–7 PM on a weekday is the lowest-wait window. On weekends, no such window exists after 10 PM.
- Order ahead on Seamless to skip the line — prices are higher online but the wait is eliminated. Available at adelsfamousnyc.com (Order Now Only On Seamless link).
Adel’s Famous Halal Food vs. The Halal Guys
This comparison comes up in virtually every Adel’s review. The most consistent consensus:
| Factor | Adel’s Famous Halal | The Halal Guys |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Rice | ✅ Signature unique offering | ❌ Yellow rice standard |
| White Sauce | ✅ Frequently rated better | Good; more widely available |
| Price | ~$9 cash | Similar; varies by location |
| Wait | 20–90 min (cart) | Varies by location; brick & mortar faster |
| Hours | Late night (6 PM–4 AM) | Varies; cart-dependent |
| Availability | One primary cart location | Multiple NYC carts + brick & mortar |
| Fries on Top | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The verdict that appears most in reviews: for pure spicy rice + white sauce quality, Adel’s wins. The Halal Guys has broader availability and more predictable waits. If you can only visit one and you’re in Midtown, Adel’s is the special occasion; The Halal Guys is the reliable option.
Payment Methods at Adel’s 2026
- Cash: Cheapest option (~$9/platter). Bring small bills — the cart works fast and exact change is appreciated.
- Credit/Debit card (contactless): Accepted, but there’s a surcharge. Expect $10–$12 for a platter vs. $9 cash.
- Online ordering via Seamless: Prices are higher (delivery platform markup). Useful for skip-the-line pickup during peak hours.
Is Adel’s Famous Halal Food Worth the Wait?
The consensus from 1,095+ Yelp reviews, hundreds of Tripadvisor reviews, and thousands of TikTok comments: yes, with the right expectations.
What makes it worth it:
- The Spicy Rice is genuinely unique — no standard yellow rice, but a deep-red, spice-infused rice that doesn’t exist at most halal carts
- The white sauce is better than competitors at the same price point
- The portions — “One platter can easily be shared between two if you’re not starving”
- The price — $9–$12 cash for a full, satisfying meal in Midtown Manhattan is exceptional value by any measure
What to calibrate expectations on:
- The meats are good, not transcendent — several reviewers note they’re excellent street cart meats, but sophisticated palates expecting complex spicing may find them straightforward
- The wait is real — budget 30–60 minutes on weekday evenings and 60–90 on weekends
- The falafel gets mixed reviews as a standalone item
The most useful framing from a longtime reviewer: “Eating here every day isn’t a wise use of your time, but if you haven’t been at least once, fix that.”
Adel’s Famous Halal Food Delivery 2026
Online ordering / Delivery / Pickup: Available via Seamless exclusively (per the official website). Seamless is the primary platform linked from adelsfamousnyc.com.
Other delivery apps (DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats) may show the cart — confirm current delivery availability through these platforms.
Catering: Adel’s offers halal catering for office lunches, parties, and events. Inquiry via the contact form at adelsfamousnyc.com/contact.
Adel’s Famous Halal Food — Calorie Guide
Adel’s does not publish nutrition information. Approximate estimates per serving:
| Item | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|
| Chicken Over Rice Platter (standard size) | 700–950 cal |
| Lamb Over Rice Platter | 750–1,000 cal |
| Mix Platter (Chicken + Lamb) | 750–1,000 cal |
| Falafel Platter | 650–850 cal |
| Mix Gyro (pita wrap) | 500–700 cal |
| Fries (side) | 300–400 cal |
| Platter with Fries on Top | 1,000–1,300 cal |
The platter portions are large by NYC street food standards — “One platter can easily be shared between two if you’re not starving” is a consistent reviewer note. The combination of rice base, pita, meat, salad, and generous sauce application makes the full platter a substantial meal.
Best Items to Order at Adel’s Famous Halal Food 2026
Best first-time order: Mix Platter with Spicy Rice + Fries on Top + White Sauce + Hot Sauce (on the side) — the combination that shows you exactly what the Adel’s hype is about.
Best for heat lovers: Mix Platter with Spicy Rice + full hot sauce drench.
Best for heat-averse guests: Chicken Over Rice with Yellow Rice + White Sauce only, light or no hot sauce.
Best vegetarian order: Falafel Platter with Spicy Rice + White Sauce + Green Sauce.
Best gyro: Lamb Gyro — “the fresh bread and delicious lamb are standout.”
Best value overall: Single Mix Platter cash ($9–$10) — for a full late-night meal in Midtown Manhattan, there is nothing that competes at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions — Adel’s Famous Halal Food 2026
What is Adel’s Famous Halal Food?
A halal food cart at 1221 6th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, serving chicken over rice, lamb over rice, mix platters, gyros, and falafel — with the signature Spicy Rice and white sauce. One of NYC’s most-followed street food carts on TikTok and social media.
Where is Adel’s Famous Halal Food?
1221 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), between 48th and 49th Streets, across from Radio City Music Hall, Midtown West, New York, NY 10020.
What time does Adel’s Famous Halal Food open?
Weekdays: 6:00 PM. Weekends: approximately 10:00 PM. The cart runs until 4:00–5:00 AM. Confirm current hours on Instagram (@adels1halalfood) or the website.
How much does Adel’s Famous Halal Food cost?
Platters are approximately $9 with cash, $10–$12 with card. Two platters and a drink runs approximately $21. Online orders via Seamless are priced slightly higher.
Is Adel’s Famous Halal Food halal certified?
Yes. 100% halal-certified meats and ingredients. Note: the lamb option contains beef per the official menu disclosure.
How long is the wait at Adel’s?
Weekday evenings: 20–40 minutes typical. Weekend peak nights: 45–90 minutes. Arriving at opening (6 PM weekdays) gives the shortest wait.
Can I order online to skip the line?
Yes, via Seamless. Prices are higher online than in-person cash prices, but you avoid the physical wait. Order at adelsfamousnyc.com (Order Now Only On Seamless link).
What is the difference between Yellow Rice and Spicy Rice?
Yellow Rice is standard basmati rice. Spicy Rice is a deep-red, aromatic rice cooked with seasoning and heat. Virtually every review recommends the Spicy Rice as the superior choice and the item that distinguishes Adel’s from other halal carts.
Does Adel’s accept credit cards?
Yes, contactless card payments are accepted but carry a surcharge. Cash (~$9/platter) is cheaper. ATMs are available throughout the Midtown area.
Adel’s Famous Halal Food 2026 — Final Take
Adel’s Famous Halal in 2026 is the late-night halal cart institution that belongs on every serious NYC food itinerary. The $9–$10 Mix Platter with Spicy Rice and white sauce is genuinely one of the best-value satisfying meals in Midtown Manhattan at any price point. The wait — which can reach 90 minutes on weekend nights — is the cost of entry. The Spicy Rice is the reason people pay it. The white sauce is why they come back.
Arrive knowing your order. Get the Spicy Rice. Get the fries on top. Take the hot sauce on the side and add it to taste. Eat standing or find a spot in the nearby park plaza. That’s the full Adel’s experience.
Address: 1221 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020 (at 49th St, across from Radio City Music Hall)
Hours: Mon–Thu 6 PM–4 AM | Fri 6 PM–5 AM | Sat–Sun ~10 PM–late
Online ordering: adelsfamousnyc.com (via Seamless)
Instagram: @adels1halalfood | TikTok: @adelsfamoushalalfood
