If you’re in search of good food near campus that won’t break the bank, look no further than Habibi Halal Food Cart on 115 W 23rd Street, right in front of the 6 train. With rising food costs in Manhattan, where lunch typically ranges from $10 to $12, this cart offers a reliable and affordable option that has garnered both loyal followers and vocal critics among the student body.
What most students don’t realize is that Habibi’s menu extends far beyond the standard chicken over rice. The timing of your visit can significantly impact your meal’s value. During weekday lunch hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., chicken over rice comes with a free beverage for $8, while outside these hours, the price increases to $9 without a drink. This special doesn’t apply to lamb orders, but the generous portions are impressive for the price.
The cart’s operator, Sherif, has become a familiar face in the campus community. Jose Perez, captain of the Baruch Cross Country team, appreciated Sherif’s personal touch, noting how being called “Boss man” makes him feel welcomed. Arthur Bugayev, Chair of Finance for Undergraduate Student Government, appreciates the value of the portion size that keeps him coming back, especially before weekly senate meetings.
While most students default to the classic chicken over rice with white sauce, the cart’s menu variety is often overlooked. Regular customers have discovered that any dish, such as chicken, lamb, or falafel, can be served over several different bases. Beyond the standard regular rice, there’s a spicy rice option for those seeking extra heat. Health-conscious students can ask for their dish over a salad of lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles. Those looking to switch things up can even get their dish served over French fries, a nice change when you’re sick of rice.
The falafel option deserves special mention, having become a fan favorite of vegetarian students, including Perez, who counts it among his favorites. While the lamb might not qualify for the lunch special, it offers a sweeter flavor that many regulars prefer. Few customers take advantage of the ability to mix and match combo options as some feel that there is not enough additional food to warrant the higher $10 price tag.
The cart’s sauce options, besides the white sauce, are another overlooked aspect of Habibi Cart. Beyond the famous white sauce, there’s an herb-infused green sauce that provides a milder spicy flavor. The red hot sauce will destroy you if you’re not careful. For those seeking sweeter notes, there’s also a barbecue sauce option.
Not everyone shares the same love for Habibi Halal. Baruch students Hannah Czerwinski and Aerin Bernardo point out consistency issues, noting the chicken can be “too chunky” at times and the rice occasionally dry. They prefer alternatives like the Teriyaki cart, known to many as the Zebra Cart or Bis Bas, particularly appreciating Bis Bas’s student discount and indoor seating area. Hari, another regular customer, favors Zebra Cart for their curry and teriyaki chicken options. However, he acknowledges their much longer wait times, especially during lunch time.
Each order at Habibi includes extras that add value to the meal, including lettuce, tomato slices, and a pickle, plus a small portion of fries on the plate. The cart has an A health rating and ingredients are kept covered and clean.
The cart accepts cards with a 4% fee, making an $8 meal $8.32, though cash remains the recommended option. While the fee might seem like an annoyance, the convenience factor, combined with quick service during peak hours, makes it a worthwhile tradeoff for students rushing between classes.
The real value of Habibi lies not just in its affordable prices but in the flexibility of its menu, which is something most customers do not know. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier with a protein over salad, trying to avoid rice, or interested in exploring different sauce combinations, the cart offers far more options than its simple chicken over rice.
In a city where lunch costs continue to rise, Habibi’s combination of value, variety, and quick service makes it a standout option for budget-conscious students willing to explore beyond the basic chicken over rice.
