Rahim Hashim, also known as u/thehalalguysguy, is a neuroscientist pursuing his Ph.D. at Columbia University who started a side project exploring the halal cart culture of New York City.
Through this work, Rahim connected with the people behind the carts and was inspired by their stories of hard work and grit.
This short film highlights his passion for the carts and features conversations with some of the city’s most beloved operators.
I’d love to hear what you think. This is my first documentary for the channel, so I would appreciate if you subscribe, like, and leave a comment to boost some engagement
More docs like this will be coming to this channel.
by Enough_Reindeer_6697
14 Comments
Awesome stuff – love to hear from the halal guys themselves and hear their stories. And u/thehalalguysguy is an great guide to the city’s carts (their site [overrice.nyc](http://overrice.nyc) is my go-to when a halal craving strikes). Excellent short doc and excited to see more!
I just moved back to my native Manhattan after living 7 years abroad in Saigon. I had falafel there from a Syrian guy, but it was not great. Then in Aug, I went to the Cloisters. I got out at Dyckman, and saw a halal truck on the corner. We got 2 falafel gyros and took it into Starbucks. I almost fainted, as it was so good. I later learned that it was Egyptian falafel, which is also specifically called *ta’ameya*, as it is made from fava beans instead of chick peas. I was NOT worthy to eat that. But I did and I will again. I look forward to watching this later.
This was a really fun project to put together. Thanks again to the film creators, Kaan and Dylan, who joined me for a few days to interview the greatest halal guys around the city. There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing these trucks and workers get the appreciation they deserve, so please make sure to stop by and give them your thanks as well. Check out the website (www.overrice.nyc) and @thehalalguysguy on Instagram for more updates. And don’t forget to tip!
Love this
I tried to search for this video with terms like “tap halal” and “tap films halal” and “tap films” and got nothing on YouTube. I did find a ton of other channels with 0-100 subscribers.
Do with that as you wish, but if I wanted people to see this content, which is good, I’d address that.
On content, the trucks themselves are more interesting than a self described neophyte leading tours of neighborhoods he claims to not know. My brother did a PhD and I find this an interesting side project for such a serious time commitment. I say that while appreciating the reddit poster featured for his efforts on detailing individual reviews of many carts.
Also, this got pinned. I mean every single Rob Martinez YouTube NYC short should be pinned I guess (Or 100 other solid content creators locally of your choice).
this was so fire & I’m definitely getting halal for dinner.
Awesome work sir, I’d love to see more. I am also a neuroscientist living in the city and Halal food is my favorite.
Hell yeah, nice feature of the people working the halal carts. These guys work so hard making affordable and delicious meals. They’re up there for foods that represent NYC.
Halal just hits. It’s a real comfort food for New Yorkers.
Did you do your due diligence and document the disgusting vile place they keep their carts and food? I’ve never seen such a rat infested mess in my life and I will say it every post I see waxing poetic about Halal carts. Do better.
Farook 4 Prez
Recently moved to Greenpoint so I gotta find my new guy!
This is awesome, I love finding the best halal carts and if you become a regular at one, the dudes treat you great. Also glad to see you got Indian King Biryani House on your map. That was is the best in Fidi. Also, a few bodegas have some solid chicken/lamb over rice. Best I have had so far is Atlantic Best Deli & Grill deep in Bedstuy.
Awesome doc, +1!
We call em HSP in Australia (Halal Snack Pack)
And they are extremely common and extremely popular for obvious reasons.
In CBD one is always within walking distance and almost every suburb has a shop.