Food carts are usually one of the more sketchy places to get grub. Instead of a restaurant, carts strive for mobility on the streets. They remind me of dirty hot dog water or food poisoning. My cousin was once rushed to the emergency room after getting a cheap and convenient snack in NYC. So, you can say I’m pretty cautious of them. However, have no fear of this food cart. Sher Halal Gyro serves as an icon on Beaver Avenue.
Now, you may be wondering, what the heck is “halal”? Halal is a Muslim term, meaning lawful or permitted. When applied to food, it means that the food follows the standards laid out in the Qur’an. Some of these standards include not containing alcohol, lard, certain enzymes, pork, rennet, and more. Halal seems to be similar to Kosher diets, which are food standards for people of the Jewish faith. Both recognize the importance of food within daily life, so they are intentional about what they consume.
At the halal cart on Beaver, they serve a plethora of Middle Eastern, halal dishes. This place is very similar to the famous Halal Guys chain often found in New York City and now around the country. Their menu contains various rice combinations, kebabs, falafel, gyros, and more. Additionally, these dishes are just as portable and convenient to easy as pizza or McDonald’s. For many of the platters, no knives are needed. The meats are supposed to be cut small, so all you need is a fork to get it into your mouth. However, I guess you can forgo a fork as well. 🙂
When I went, I got a Lamb over Rice Platter with the white and red sauce. The white sauce is cream-based, similar to the tanginess of sour cream, with plenty of yummy ingredients like garlic and dill. Also, the red sauce, which is their hot sauce, is just as delicious. In my opinion, the red sauce is not hot at all, but it adds great flavor. The halal cart also has a BBQ sauce too. Overall, the food was absolutely wonderful. The lamb was perfectly tender. It filled
me up right away, so I had leftovers for the next day!
The highlight of the experience was the friendly man. He seemed very kind and cheery as he quickly made the food. Even more, he gave me a free drink with my food. I don’t know about you, but things are just better when they are free. When it’s free, I’m happy. So, not only did I get spectacular food, but I also got a smile and a free drink.
The halal cart is definitely a gem of Penn State despite its outside appearance. I highly recommend heading over to it for something different or new. And, because it’s open from 11 am to 3 am on most days, you can truly go at any time.
Stay blessed,
Rachel
Sher Halal Gyro- 137 E Beaver Ave, State College, PA 16801
My first thought was chicken thigh halal at Redifer….
Regardless, this looks great! I usually love street food in the US, but I find myself most wary in Asia. Sometimes you really can’t be sure what you’re getting. I do enjoy a good lamb and rice dish, so I will have to look out for this stand.
I wanted to read some different blogs and I am glad I found yours! This idea is so cute and just what I am looking for because I feel like there’s so many places in State College I still need to try. I was actually discussing this Halal truck with my friend because I have heard so many good things about it. I’m from Philly and I used to always get chicken over rice at the halal trucks near me so I am excited to try the one here!
I have seen this cart around, but I never had the opportunity to try it. This blog is encouraging me to go out of my way to go to it! I am not a very religious person, but I do like good food. Especially free food but that’s a topic for another day. Glad I branched out and read your blog today 🙂
I’ve seen this place a bunch of times but I haven’t gone yet. It sounds really good from your description! I love Mediterranean and I thus far I haven’t really found any good places, but it looks like this truck could definitely be one. Also, without even trying it I’m sure its better than the halal chicken thigh from the dining halls. I’ll definitely have to stop by before we have to leave!
I love Halal food, but I’ve always been hesitant to try from food carts that I don’t know anything about. But, whenever I walk by after midnight on the weekends, this place always has a line. I’m really glad you wrote a review about it, and it sounds great! Nothing tops white and red sauce.
Ahhh I love halal guys!!! When I saw this cart on campus, I was so excited because it just helps me feel a little bit more at home lol:) I love street food in NYC and the fact that they have a cart here is amazing! I also like that you defined the word halal for us… I feel like it’s a term used a lot when it comes to meat, however, I never actually knew what it meant. Great post!!