We are students at Macaulay Honors College at Baruch, who have been studying immigration to New York this semester. Immigration has had a profound impact on New York City’s history, creating a multicultural hub that is unlike any other in the world.  However, our studies of immigration often seem to be historically distant from our own lives, taking place at a time which we cannot recall. Nonetheless, the cultural effects of immigration remain in the music, language, and traditions that surround us. Our class discussions seem to constantly gravitate back to immigrant food, since it is, in our opinion, a staple of immigration in New York City.

Thus, we decided to focus on Halal Carts: a popular food vendor, here in New York City. We have all either seen, or eaten at, a halal cart. They appear to dominate New York City’s streets at all times of the day and all days of the week. There are even two halal carts located right on Baruch’s campus. Notably, most of these carts are run by immigrant males of Arab descent.

But there is one pressing question that is on everyone’s minds. What makes Halal Carts so interesting?

Is it the fact that it’s quick and cheap? Is the food just too good to pass up? Is it that special “white sauce” that’s given with each and every meal?

Well, that’s why we decided to venture out into the city and discover the truth behind these not so mundane halal carts! Check out the rest of our website to see what we discovered!