Biryani Cart Experience

Last night I had the most ridiculous craving for Shish Kebob.  This is not just any other Shish Kebob, I was craving the juiciest most tender piece of meat on a stick from some cart next to a bar in Astoria.  I don't even know how to get there, but I know technology is on my side with this one.  Since this craving hit me at 7pm, I bbm Tom and asked him if he "wants to do something random tonight" and drive with me to Astoria to grab some of those deliciousness.  He flatly denied my request.  End of that...until he got to my apartment.  I then begged, pleaded, presented my case.  I described the mouth watering experience I had when I tasted this dish.  Well so much for that!  We ended up staying in :o(

Then comes today.  As I was contemplating what to get for lunch, I decided to browse the best eats street vendors can offer.  I searched for Vendy award (The Oscars of food for the real New York) winners.  Lo and behold the Biryani Cart which is located at 46th St. and 6th Avenue is the recipient of "People's Taste Award" 2 years in a row (2008 & 2009).  Now my craving for Halal food will be fully satisfied!

I walked the walk one block up and two blocks over from where I work in Times Square.  A co-worker and I got there a little after noon and a crowd of people were already gathered in front of the cart for the lunch rush.  The Biryani cart owns two carts in that corner.  The little cart on the left only serves chicken and lamb over rice.  Its counter part on the right got the good stuff, and the crowd.

I took position among men in suits and waited to be ask what I want.  The guy next to me told me to just yell it out when the man inside the cart says "next."  He said, "they don't have lines here".  Well then, say no more Mr. man, I moved my way in front of the cart and as soon as I heard "next" I proudly yelled back "One chicken biryani...spicy".  After five minutes of waiting, I was carrying that bad boy back to my desk!

This chicken Biryani is Uh-may-ZING!  The basmati rice was seasoned with all sorts of spices.  I found a whole stick of cinammon, cardamom seeds, and cloves swimming blissfully on this colorful rice.  Mixed with it are big chunks of dark meat chicken and an egg with salad on the side.  What I love about this dish is it does not have that heavy curry flavor that lingers in your mouth after 10 minutes.  The flavor between spices was so well balanced, that it is hard to distinguish one after another.  Only disappointment, they only add a touch of white sauce and hot sauce.  I prefer mine spicy, so next time I will definitely ask for extra hot sauce.  But for a $6 meal at midtown Manhattan, I'll complain about something else!

Below are photos of this little cart that packs in big flavor :o).

The Biryani Cart

Check out how much press they have gotten!

Menu

Chicken Biryani!