517726 Sat May 10 06:13:11 -0700 2008 6 19 Outer Boroughs 0 3674215 Hi, I'm a student at CUNY Baruch, and I'm currently researching the rise of halal food carts in New York City for an article in a journalism class. I'm wondering if anyone can give me a brief background on where when and why these carts became so popular, as well as reasons for why you personally eat or don't eat at one. Thanks! Sat May 10 06:13:12 -0700 2008 190524 nocturnalism 1 3674507 Why popular? Because people, even Muslims, have to eat. What's the mystery? Sat May 10 09:17:51 -0700 2008 3674215 36291 guide boy 1 3674617 Why popular? Cheap. Tasty. Abundant. Go figure. Sat May 10 10:24:38 -0700 2008 3674215 14693 Larry Brooks 1 3674747 I like Sammy's Halal in Jackson Heights because it's quick, tasty, cheap and they make it right there piping hot. It's as authentic as it gets and it's open most of the night (for the night owls). The key is the spices they use and the tenderness of the meat. Sat May 10 11:35:14 -0700 2008 3674215 152375 Sammiches 1 3675517 The Decline of The Dog excerpt: "Although the city doesn’t collect statistics that distinguish between different types of street food, halal vendors generally agree that their ranks have swelled in the last five to eight years, prompting the obvious question: How did the halal platter become the city’s new hot dog?" http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/29/nyregion/thecity/29hala.html?ref=thecity Sat May 10 18:05:03 -0700 2008 3674215 137161 pizmet 1 3676061 Why not just ask one of the venders. As to chowhound posters all they can tell you is the food is good for the price, that is why they are popular. If you are looking at the underlying economics you need to look at everything from rent to immigration policy. As far as hot dogs go, mostly the street vender boiled dogs are not very good. The Halo Berlin people have no problem attractling lines of people to their stand. Sun May 11 00:33:33 -0700 2008 3674215 14468 Geo8rge 2 3831633 why not ask chowhounders, thats what this board is for Tue Jul 01 18:55:57 -0700 2008 3676061 11476 intrepid