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    Shawarma Bay

    4.7 (91 reviews)
    Closed 12:30 am - 4:00 AM, 7:30 pm - 12:00 AM (Next day)
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Shawarma Bay

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    Beef Chapli Kebab
    Tony G.

    I'm a sucker for halal carts and have heard great things about this spot! Came here just before 8pm on a Wednesday and there were a handful of people in line to order, but nothing too crazy and was able to order in like 5min. Ordered a fish masala platter and beef chapli kebab platter. It took about 20min to get our order which definitely felt on the longer side. It was because of the fish prep. If you're in a rush, just get one of the chicken/beef platters or something. There were about 5 other orders that came after us that got their orders before because they had ordered stuff like chicken over rice and what not. Once your food is ready they'll ask what sauces you want. We got white, some red (spicy) and green (lemon herb). We booked it home immediately and started eating within 20min. Ok so how was the food? Pretty good! I think the biggest standouts from this place is the rice (nice and fluffy) and the sauces are pretty bold, but balanced (or as balanced as you can for this). The beef chapli kebab is great and I feel is pretty rare for most halal carts. They're basically minced kebabs with herbs and spices slammed in so lots of different flavors and texture. The masala fish is also good. It obviously got a little soggy from the wait, but some pieces had a crunch. It wasn't particularly bursting with masala flavor, but with all the sauce it kind of makes up for it. The only thing in my opinion that sucked was the fries. They're like an even worse version of in-and-out fries. Just soggy and zero crunch. It's a bit of a write off for me, but it doesn't detract too much. The only shame for me is they don't open until 7:30pm. Wish it would open just a bit earlier, but they're def open late if you want the late night munchies. Also, they take card with a 3% up charge, so bring cash if you got it. Total was just under $30. TL;DR: Pretty good halal cart. Opens later, but good for late night munchies. Fish masala is pretty good, but can be a wait. Beef chapli is good, too. I'm sure the standard chicken over rice is good, too.

    2 Meat Combo Platter.
    Cindy Z.

    While I do love Adele's, Shawarma Bay is just as delicious with a shorter wait and bigger portions. On a Sunday night, I waited about 20 minutes for my order of 2 Meat Combo Platter ($12). The platter already includes salad, rice and fries and then they ask you if you want the white, orange, and green sauce. Since it was my first time, I got the sauces on the side --otherwise they pour it all over your plate for you. All of the sauces are delicious though. They also have an extra spicy red sauce that's only given if requested. The orange sauce gives it a really nice kick, so no need for the red sauce unless you want it to hurt. The plate is generous with lots of food. I enjoyed both the chicken and beef meats, which paired well with all the sides and sauces. Truly nothing like a halal platter on a night out in NYC. I do wish they open earlier though, so I don't have to wait until 7:30pm.

    chicken shawarma platter
    Melisa M.

    one of the best halal restaurants i've had in NYC! I got the chicken shawarma platter and it was delicious. There was no line but service was great and fast. There was a couple of tables to sit at inside as well. I will need to come back to try the other platters!

    Lien L.

    4.5 rounded up to a 5 star review. It's hard to find halal food where they actually still Make the rice fresh instead of it being industrial bags of premade rice in a factory in queens/brooklyn (I'm looking at you halal guys!). It's things like this that set shawarma bay apart. The meat is nice and tender with a good flavor profile. Also the sauces taste homemade. I also like that there's not an insane line to get the food. The portions are also fair for the price I paid. I will def go back to try other things.

    Fish Platter
    Macarena O.

    My favorite halal in the city!! I'm so happy to find a halal cart with a fish option. I got the fish platter that comes with rice, salad and fries (it's a deal!). Their sauces are delicious, the fish was tasty and I loved that it came with a few fries. The rice wasn't the best but I prefer salad anyways. The staff were friendly and quick taking orders and prepping the food. There are no tables right next to it but if you cross the street there are several benches and tables where you can enjoy your food.

    Gotta give this a try
    Inverleith F.

    Having seen Shawarma Bay featured on Late Nite Bites and conveniently located near our hotel, we stopped here after seeing the ridiculous line at Adel's. I have to say I prefer Adel's but Shawarma Bay gets stars for their plate of long grain rice, salad, and combo of chicken and beef. The fries were just fries. My favorite was the beef ha they shaved it to order and was very tender. The bits of chicken were okay for me. There was one person in line when we came here. Streets were crazy with young gals wearing cowboy boots coming from the Megan Morony concert at Radio City. Beautiful crisp night for some street meat! Give it a try and compare!

    Beef Doner
    Narges N.

    Such a solid halal food truck. The beef doner wrap and the chicken shawarma wrap were both flavorful and well-seasoned without being too heavy. The fries had a nice crisp to them and were tasty too, just a little spicier than expected. Great option if you want something quick, affordable, and packed with authentic flavor.

    Kayla C.

    guys guys this place haunts me. I think about it once a week. I need to find a halal place in the Bay Area like this. I really loved the sauces. they had this lemon herb one and holy shjt so good. huge portion. I think $17? a small wait but nothing like adels

    Chicken Shawarma platter, Chapli combo
    Justine W.

    Came here on a snowy day and was glad to see them open. This is my first time trying and heard many good things online. We ordered the chicken shawarma and chapli combo, both were delicious but my favorite had to be the chapli! The star of the show was definitely their sauces. They recommended adding the hot sauce which I do not regret. It wasn't that spicy but added a nice touch of kick to the food! The white sauce and the lemon herb was delicious as well. Workers were really nice and good portions. Definitely coming back when I am in the area.

    Nikki T.

    came here because it's across the street from Adel's which had a crazy long line and there wasn't a line at all here! and they deserve to have a line!! it was 11pm on a saturday night and we just walked right up to food truck we got a chicken shawarma platter & a masala fish platter at $12 each plate & the amount of food you get, it's such a great deal! and it's so delicious!!! we got all the sauces (except bbq) and loved every single one!!! it wasn't too long of a wait & you pay when you pick up your food

    Sarah Y.

    Really delicious food!! We got a beef and chicken platter, and it was super good, came with fries and veggies. Overall a little salty so definitely have something to drink with it. Serving size was good as well and didn't feel too oily. Perfect late night snack!

    Shawarma Bay_Yelp_Sanju-3 [ Guy asking for your order when you are in line]
    Sanjay G.

    Thanks to these reels and no thanks at the same time... In 2017- I was getting my fav food from Adel's in like 10 minutes, now it's a 1-a 2-hour line out there (due to these reels/TikTok). And, thanks to these reels, I got to know about Shawarma Bay, so not sure, if I should be furious over these hyped reels/videos or not.. hahaha. I was there last night, and as usual, there was 2 hours line at Adel's and then I remembered about Shawarma Bay. Just 2 blocks north of Adel's cart, you can see a black food truck. But one second, there was a line here as well, WTH!! No worries, it only took 35 minutes (hahaha, I know, less evil concept) to get my food. Shawarma Bay guy would come to you while you are in the queue and take your order in advance. We ordered a mixed platter (Chicken + Chapli kabab)... When it was our turn, they asked choice of sauce, and we were good to go. You have 5 options for sauce- * White Sauce * Tzatziki sauce (ghost sauce of Wendy's * Hot Sauce * BBQ Sauce * Lemon Herb * Hummus A bed of long grain, fluffy rice with a mix of veggies, crispy fries, and sauce: a combination of this- too good. 4.5/5... no big chunk pieces like Adel's...Chapli Kabab is the main hero and highlight of this platter. Juicy, soft tasty - something different than halal carts... (I am not complaining about Adel's, but lately, they were not consistent with the quality of food, and I have been going there since 2017... last time there were big chunk chicken pieces in my food, did they forget to chop them?) The price is $12 for the platter and, the same for the wraps. They also serve Vanilla custard for $6. Something controversial here guys and I wanted to bring this attention, especially to Hindu folks who do not eat beef! When I asked for a mixed platter (chicken + lamb), The shawarma guy mentioned that 'they don't keep Lamb on their menu... In fact, anyone serving lamb (he named that famous food cart) with the same price as chicken, they are lying, it's 70-80% beef and they are lying to you. I was shocked, and not sure how to react, so ordered a chicken item only.

    Falafel Platter
    Shubha A.

    Claimed to have the best falafel and while I haven't tried other carts around the city yet, I will say the falafel was delicious! I got the falafel platter which comes with rice, lettuce, veggies & fries. The portion is very generous so hope you're hungry and ready to eat - the meal comes out to about $12. My friend got the chicken platter and absolutely loved her meal as well. Once they make your order they will ask what sauce you'd like so you get to pick how much/which sauces. Highly recommended the green & white sauces! We got there a bit before they opened and there was a small line already forming & once they opened the line grew but they move very fast and are very nice, so totally worth the wait & I doubt you'll have to wait more than 15 minutes on a busy day!

    Falafel Platter

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    Photo of Mike S.
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    2 years ago

    Worth the line. Excellent food and a ridiculously huge portion size! Great work guys!

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    3 years ago

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    Photo of Meg B.
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    3 years ago

    Glad I skipped the line down the street and came here, this doner platter was outstanding and the hot sauce is fire

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    2 years ago

    The best food in newyourk the chpli the shawarma the wrap all so good if you try it ones you will go to shawarma bay every single day

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    Photo of You M.
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    3 years ago

    Best food truck I've had in over a decade in NYC. Don't waste time with Halal guys, this is the real deal.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    it was amazing the chicken shawarma plate was out of this world I will come here again

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Excellent, high-quality food. We got the chicken shawarma platter and diner wrap with all the sauces, highly recommend!!

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    Ask the Community - Shawarma Bay

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    B&D Halal Food

    B&D Halal Food

    4.4
    (119 reviews)
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    Cuisine: 8 Service: 6…read moreDecor: 6 Value: 10 Overall: 9 What an amazing meal for such a wonderful price! If I lived nearby, this would easily be one of my regular stops for a quick bite. Nothing fancy, just delicious food for an unbelievable price. When you walk into this large spacious "cafeteria" with steam trays, it looks clean and quiet. There was a lady at the cash register that wasn't too helpful, but I guess the communication barrier played a part. At $8.99 per pound, you can really fill up here for an insanely good price. My favorites have been the beef dishes and therefore often skip all the chicken items. However, feel free to make a plate anyway you like. At the end of the day, I'm sure it'll be great.

    This review is for the second location that recently opened on 9th Avenue, near 42nd Street…read more I have had food from this African style self-serve takeout several times, and the food is very good. The spicing can be quite different from other styles of cuisine, but whether or not you like it is a personal decision. I liked most of the food that was offered. I found the baked chicken to be excellent. The stewed chicken and the goat dish were also very good. Vegetables are all excellent...from greens to cabbage to carrots...all are delicious. The whole fish has a distinctive strong taste that took some getting used to...perhaps a lot of paprika and red pepper, but I'm not really sure...certainly a nice portion size. Staff is very friendly and hospitable. Highly recommended.

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    Zou Zou’s

    Zou Zou’s

    4.2
    (583 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    Went to Zou Zou's for a little bday celebration with gfs and had a great time. Not to mention,…read morethere was such a sweet little bday care when we got to the table. So thoughtful, and such a great touch to start the evening for us. We decided to order the family style menu and we enjoyed the whole dinner. All of the dishes on the menu were really good and great price for $74pp. I wish we had a 4th in our party so we couldve had the duck, but we'll definitely be returning to do so. The dips were so good and so fresh! I think all of the dishes were perfectly seasoned. I get sad when dishes are overly seasoned or overly salty. Oh, and im not much of a sweet tooth, but their dessert was marvelous and the sweetness was balanced so nicely.

    Came back here for dinner largely to get the cheesecake. It's certainly unique and huge - both this…read moreand the caramelized pineapple could feed 4 people each. The cheese is on the lighter side and the textural combination is nice, sort of like a baklava cheesecake but crispier and lighter. I like heavier cheesecakes though. Drinks: golden negroni was spot on, but didn't like the sangria. They had a medjool cocktail that went off the menu to my disappointment. Appetizers: the octopus carpaccio was the best and I'd order again. The tuna tartare was a little too heavy on the sauce flavor, and the golden beets were unmemorable. The yellowtail was good I think, but didn't stand out either. Mains: the duck borek has more of a sausage like meat texture. I thought it was decent but the meat being duck didn't do much and I've had better boreks in Astoria. It comes with a vegetable side that is a nice offset. I tried a friend's lamb chops and this was really good with the cooked cherries.

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    Kame

    Kame

    4.4
    (969 reviews)
    1.3 mi
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    We happened on this spot on the way to a show, and so happy we did. Such a cozy small dining room,…read moretastefully and simply designed. Everything was delicious! I had the classic Tonkatsu Ramen, with an egg - The pork ws seared and still so tender! The broth was very flavorful. My husband has a salmon rice bowl, and he loved it. He said the fish was cooked perfectly! We started with veggie gyoza, and they do them in a very interesting way. Very flat and all fried together. We were surprised when they brought them, but they were awesome! we were. fan of this style almost immediately! The waiter gently recommended the pork gyoza (his preference) but not everyone at the table eats meat, so we stayed with the vegetable. We really enjoyed our meal! everything was quick, the service was above and beyond, we would happily return!

    Stopped here on our first night to the city for dinner on a Thursday. Made reservations and swung…read morein right around that time. There was a short wait, but from what I could see, a variety of tables here and seating. Not the biggest place, dark, intimate, wood accents and small spotlights over tables. We ordered buns and spicy edamame to start. It seemed like we had just ordered when the food came out. Love that. Buns were incredibly good - a close second to a joint in Chicago we ate at last weekend. Succulent meat, plenty of sauce, and just the usual pillowy bun. The edamame didn't seem spicy at first - then my face melted. Still good but a deep burning spiciness to them as advertised. For my entree I got the beef miso ramen, adding corn and an egg. The corn wasn't just a pile of kernels - but a side slice of a cob. Cool presentation. Beef was good and the broth soothed my soul. Top 10 ramen places I've been - well done.

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    Rowdy Rooster

    Rowdy Rooster

    4.3
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    Finally made it to the new Rowdy Rooster. Forget everything you know about fried chicken--this is a…read morewhole different beast. ​I tackled the Big Rowdy with dark meat and that Hakka chili heat. It's an absolute unit of a sandwich. Replacing pickles and mayo with red onion and mint chutney? Mental. Chef is a straight-up genius for that one. ​Grabbed the mini samosas on the side and washed the fire down with a Thums Up. That soda hits way harder than a Coke--sharp, spicy, and high voltage. ​Shoutout to Eric for holding it down and helping me navigate the spice. The art is sick and the vibes are high. ​If you're tired of the same old bird, come get punched in the face with some actual flavor. This isn't just lunch; it's a heavyweight bout.

    New York has no shortage of burger joints, but an Indian burger spot? It was a first for me, and…read moreRowdy Rooster made sure it was a memorable one. A classic NYC hole-in-the-wall, this place is almost designed to be missed. Blink, check your phone, or dodge one too many pedestrians, and you've walked right past it. Try not to, it's worth the stop. Pricing sits a little on the higher side for a combo, but let's be honest - this is New York. The burgers are bold, satisfying, and built to impress. I went for the chicken and veggie sandwiches, both dressed with a mango lime sauce that genuinely were very flavorful. The tomato aioli on the side was another win. And the fries? Crispy, golden, and dusted with a Cajun-meets-Indian spice blend that somehow makes complete sense and zero sense at the same time - in the best way. Rowdy Rooster is a must-visit: come ready for real Indian heat and flavor.

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    Friedman's

    Friedman's

    4.0
    (3.4k reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    Had reservations for 2 on a Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. We got there about three…read moreminutes late, but they seated us within 5 minutes in a booth. It was our first time eating at a Friedman's location. It had a nice diner feel to it, with a mix of booths and tables. The brunch menu has a variety of breakfast items, salads, sandwiches and burgers, starters, and entrees (fish tacos, grain bowl, fried chicken). I like that several of the items are naturally gluten free, and some can be made gluten free by request. We decided to go with three breakfast items from the brunch menu: I got the shakshuka, my sister got the Nova Benny, and we got the lemon ricotta pancakes to share. All 3 dishes were great. The shashuka came with grilled ciabatta, perfect for dipping into the sunny side eggs and tomato sauce. My sister loved that the poached eggs and smoked salmon of the Nova Benny came on top of a crispy potato latke. The pancakes were fluffy and the lemon ricotta and lemon zest elevated their flavor. Our server was friendly and attentive, and he asked us if we had any allergies when he took our order. He came by several times to check on us and refill water. I would return to Friedman's when I'm in the Herald Square area, or check out one of their other locations in the city.

    Came on a busy Thursday morning at nine am. Got a decaf iced vanilla latte and a nova Benny and the…read moreMac and cheese. And lemme just say the food came out sooo quick. The Benedict was so delicious. I've never had it on a crispy hash brown type before. It was good and a massive portion. Mac and cheese was alright, though I would probably opt out of it next time. I was so full I totally forgot to drink my latte but the latte was good too. Ambiance was nice clean and very busy.

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    Shawarma Bay - mideastern - Updated July 2026

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