A Shift in the Culinary Landscape

Earlier this month, we reported the closure of the Halal Guys outpost located at 720 Amsterdam Avenue and West 95th Street. Now, we have exciting news about what will be taking its place: Shah’s Halal Food is moving in!

The Shah’s Halal Journey

Founded in 2005 with a single food cart in Richmond Hill, Queens, Shah’s Halal Food has experienced a remarkable growth trajectory, reminiscent of the Halal Guys, who started as a hot dog cart in 1990 before transitioning to halal cuisine. Today, Shah’s boasts an impressive 90 locations across the U.S. (including five in New York City), over 45 in the UK, and six in Sweden.

Ambitious Goals

In a 2021 interview with the Long Island Press, Shah’s Halal Food CEO Khalid Mashriqi expressed his ambitious vision for the brand, stating their long-term goal is to become “the McDonald’s of halal.” This ambition reflects their rapid expansion; at that time, the company had 17 locations but was eager to grow further.

“There’s McDonald’s, Arby’s, Subway, and Wendy’s … but nothing for halal,” Mashriqi noted, highlighting a gap in the market.

Interestingly, nearly 60% of Shah’s corporate staff consists of family members, emphasizing the brand’s close-knit roots.

A Flavorful Menu to Savor

(Photo: Courier & Press)

Shah’s Halal Food offers a diverse menu featuring platters, gyros, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. Among the standout items is the chicken over rice platter, which features marinated and grilled chicken served with aromatic basmati rice and a choice of salad for just $11.99. Salad options include fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, black beans, chickpeas, sautéed peppers and onions, salata, or hummus. Diners can also enjoy a variety of sauces, including white sauce, spicy sauce, green chili chutney, and barbecue.

For those craving something different, Shah’s offers their platters as gyros, along with a delicious fish option—an all-white swai fillet dipped in their signature batter and served in an eight-inch pita with your choice of salad and sauce for $9.99. The kofta kebab, made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and spices, is another tempting choice at the same price. Additionally, Shah’s menu features a spicy chicken sandwich ($6.99), cheeseburger ($6.99), and Philly cheesesteak ($9.99).

Satisfy Your Cravings with Tasty Sides and Desserts

Shah’s also offers a variety of side orders, including spicy or regular chicken nuggets (six pieces for $5.99), breaded hot wings (six pieces for $7.99), French fries ($3.49), and pakora chips—crispy fried potato slices seasoned to perfection ($3.99). And for dessert, don’t miss out on their baklava, a delightful pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup and honey, available for just $2.99.

Opening Soon: A New Culinary Destination

A representative from Shah’s has indicated that they are likely to open their new location in the coming weeks, bringing their unique flavors to the Upper West Side.

A Unique Culinary Experience

“Nobody has our food, that’s what it comes down to. Our sauces, how everything is prepared … no one has it,” 

Mashriqi asserts, emphasizing the brand’s distinctive culinary approach. With Shah’s Halal Food set to make its mark, the Upper West Side is in for a delicious treat!

Original Article:

I Love the Upper West Side. (2025, April 12). Halal Guys out, new halal spot moving in. https://www.ilovetheupperwestside.com/halal-guys-out-new-halal-spot-moving-in/