We all know the corner at 53rd and 6th. At one point it was the standard, but the line has become a full sidewalk production, and the last few times I went the lamb was dry, the rice clumped together, and the pita was steamed in foil until it turned into a warm sponge. I’m not paying tourist-trap time for that anymore.

I’ve been trying to map current alternatives in Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen, especially places you can hit before noon or after 2 and still get a plate under $10-12. My ideal is: lamb that isn’t chewy, basmati rice that separates, a little char on the pita, salad that isn’t just watery iceberg, white sauce with some actual garlic or pepper, and hot sauce that doesn’t taste like red vinegar.

So far I’ve had decent luck with a cart on 50th near Broadway, but it gets a line by 12:15. Another one on 8th near Port Authority is hit or miss — sometimes the lamb is perfect, sometimes it’s been sitting. I’m also open to walking a little further west toward 10th or 11th if there’s a sleeper cart near the loading docks. Where are people actually eating these days?

The 53rd and 6th line is a tourist trap now. I don’t even bother below 59th unless I’m already punching the clock and have no choice. Uptown, there’s a bodega on 116th that does a lamb over rice for around ten, but they don’t grill the pita — they throw it on the flattop with butter, which is honestly not bad. White sauce is heavy on mayo though.

If you want no line, hit the cart by 9th and 49th around 11:30, before the garage crowd. The lamb is less dry than 53rd and they give you extra salad if you ask.

Yes! Have you tried the little cart outside Queens Plaza station? Not exactly Midtown, but it’s one stop from Grand Central on the 7. They char the tomatoes and the rice isn’t that neon yellow stuff! Their green chutney is not standard halal white sauce, but I mix it with their white sauce and it’s incredible. The pita is actually griddled. Not steamed! I will absolutely go out of my way for that.

I’m also a defender of the lamb at the cart by the 59th Street bridge entrance, but the line is getting worse. Why don’t more carts grill the pita? It changes the whole plate!

Seconding 9th and 49th. Only heads up: after 1 they get stingy with the lamb because they’re running low. I go at 11:45 and it’s perfect. Also the halal truck by 43rd and 10th is decent if you’re on the west side. They don’t have grilled pita either, but they put a little paprika on the rice.

Skip the one by Bryant Park unless you like salt and a line. Honestly the move is to find carts near office building loading docks, not the ones with umbrellas and a million photos.

Okay I tried the 9th and 49th cart yesterday after seeing this thread. I got there at 2 and there was only one person ahead of me. I asked for extra white sauce and they really poured it on, maybe too much? Is it supposed to be that runny? The pita was steamed but I didn’t mind. The lamb was good though.

Which one has the grilled pita? I want to try that next. Also do they all ask if you want hot sauce or do you have to say yes first?

Glad it worked, Beth. The runny white sauce is normal, but if it’s pooling at the bottom of the tray, ask for it on the side next time. Same with hot sauce — most carts assume you want some, but it’s better to say “drizzle” or “on the side” until you know their heat level.

The grilled pita is at the Queens Plaza cart RiverdaleRambler mentioned. If you’re staying in Midtown, a few carts will throw the pita on the flattop if they’re not slammed. Usually you have to ask directly, because the default is foil-steamed. The cart on 50th near the MTA entrance has done it for me once, but only when there were two people in line.

Also, for anyone else reading: avoid the late-afternoon slump at the 43rd and 10th truck. central_park_cam is right about the paprika on the rice, but after 2:30 the lamb can sit. If you’re on the west side, go before 12:45 or hold out for the Queens Plaza trip.