Biryani Cart NYC: A Street Food Legend Serving Spiced Rice & Sizzling Kebabs

Introduction: Street Food Royalty in Midtown

In a city full of glitzy restaurants and high-end eateries, Biryani Cart stands firm as a testament to the power of bold flavors, fast service, and real street food. Parked daily on the corner of 46th Street and 6th Avenue, this modest cart has become a Midtown Manhattan institution.

Locals, office workers, tourists, and foodies alike line up to get a taste of their fragrant biryanis, fiery kebabs, and satisfying rolls. For over a decade, Biryani Cart has been doing one thing—and doing it better than anyone else: serving authentic Indian and Pakistani food from a tiny mobile kitchen.

A Humble Beginning With a Spicy Legacy

The origins of Biryani Cart go back to the early 2000s when owner Meru Sikder began selling rice and kebabs from a small cart. While many carts in the area focused on generic halal or gyro platters, Sikder took a different approach—introducing authentic biryani and kebab dishes infused with South Asian spices.

Within a few years, word spread, and Yelp, Eater, and Serious Eats were all singing the cart's praises. Today, Biryani Cart is known as one of the pioneers of elevated street food in New York, winning multiple awards and loyal fans across the five boroughs.

The Vibe: Aromas, Lines & Quick Service

Don’t expect seating or fancy plating here. This is pure street food—served hot, wrapped or boxed, and ready to devour on the sidewalk, in the park, or at your office desk.

Despite the hustle and bustle of Midtown, there's always a line at the cart—especially during weekday lunch hours (12 PM–2 PM). The sizzling sound of kebabs hitting the grill, the aromatic steam wafting from the rice trays, and the fast-paced service all contribute to the authentic urban food experience.

The Biryani: Spice, Fragrance & Flavor in Every Grain

The star of the cart is its namesake dish—biryani, a traditional spiced rice dish layered with marinated meat and cooked with herbs and saffron.

Popular Biryani Options:

• Chicken Biryani: Boneless chicken marinated in yogurt, spices, and herbs, then layered with long-grain basmati rice

• Lamb Biryani: Tender chunks of lamb with a deeper, richer spice profile

• Vegetable Biryani: A colorful mix of seasoned veggies, nuts, and fragrant rice for vegetarians

Each plate is served with cool raita (yogurt sauce), a boiled egg, and spicy chutney—creating a balanced flavor profile that satisfies deeply.

Beyond Biryani: Kebabs, Rolls & Rice Platters

While the biryani draws the biggest crowd, the cart’s kebabs and kathi rolls are equally addictive.

Top-Selling Items:

• Chicken Tikka Kebab Roll: Wrapped in a soft paratha with onions and green chutney

• Beef Seekh Kebab Rice Platter: Spicy ground meat skewers served over rice

• Spicy Chicken Over Rice: A street-style platter with shredded spicy chicken, lettuce, and sauce

• Mixed Grill Platter: Combines lamb, chicken, and beef kebabs on one plate for the ultimate carnivore treat

These items come with your choice of sauces—ranging from cooling mint yogurt to fiery red chili.

Why People Love Biryani Cart

• Authentic Spices: Each dish bursts with flavor from expertly toasted spices—not just heat, but depth.

• Portion Size: The meals are filling—one biryani can easily satisfy two light eaters.

• Speed: Orders are served up within 5–7 minutes, even at peak hours.

• Consistency: Whether it’s Monday or Friday, rain or snow, you get the same quality every time.

• Affordability: For Midtown, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, especially considering the quality.

Crowd Favorites

Here are the dishes that keep customers coming back:

1. Chicken Tikka Roll with Spicy Sauce – The perfect lunch-on-the-go

2. Beef Biryani – Rich and robust, with just the right spice level

3. Double Meat Rice Platter – A protein-packed value meal

4. Egg Biryani – Simpler, lighter, but just as delicious

5. Raita and Chutney Duo – Elevates any dish, especially when heat hits hard

Vegetarian Options

While known for its meats, the cart does offer a few vegetarian-friendly items:

• Veggie Biryani

• Paneer Roll (occasionally available)

• Mixed Vegetable Rice Plate

• Lentil Curry Special (on Fridays)

These are cooked separately and still offer the same flavor intensity as their non-veg counterparts.

Best Times to Visit

• Weekdays: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM is peak lunch hour. Come by 11:15 for a quick grab.

• Evenings: Open till around 9 PM, perfect for a quick dinner or post-work craving.

• Weekends: Lesser footfall, which means shorter lines but the same delicious food.

Accessibility & Nearby Landmarks

• Subway Access: B, D, F, M at 47–50th St or N, R, W at 49th St

• Landmarks Nearby: Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park

• Where to Eat: Grab a bench in Bryant Park or enjoy standing street-side like a true New Yorker

Dress Code, Seating & Policies

• Dress Code: None (it’s a food cart!)

• Seating: No seating provided. Some nearby public benches available.

• Cash/Card: Accepts cash; some versions now take card or Venmo/Zelle

• Pet Friendly: Yes, if you’re standing and munching, your pup can tag along

Social Proof & Recognition

Biryani Cart has been featured in:

• New York Times’ Top 10 Street Eats

• Serious Eats NYC

• Yelp’s Best Food Carts in Manhattan

• Street Vendor Project Awards

Online influencers like @NYCFoodHunter and @SpicyCartChronicles regularly praise their consistency, heat levels, and unique flavor combinations.

Insider Tips

• Ask for “extra spicy” only if you can handle serious heat!

• Go early for lamb and beef items—they sell out by 2 PM.

• Bring your own napkins—they’re generous, but you’ll need extras.

• Try mixing sauces—especially yogurt and red chutney for perfect balance.

Final Thoughts: Small Cart, Big Flavor

Biryani Cart isn’t just a food stall—it’s a Midtown legend. It's where flavor meets convenience, and tradition meets hustle. With meals that feel homemade yet restaurant-grade, it's no wonder the cart is a lunch break favorite for thousands of New Yorkers every week.