Alan Barr in Brighton Beach, New York: 6 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Chicken and Gyro Over Rice
  Chicken and Gyro Over RiceThe quintessential NYC street food, popularized by iconic carts like Adel's Famous and The Halal Guys. This dish features yellow basmati rice topped with chopped grilled chicken and beef/lamb gyro, smothered in a cooling, creamy 'white sauce' and a fiery red hot sauce. By 2026, the trend has shifted toward premium carts like Adel's.
• Halal Birria Tacos
  Halal Birria TacosA massive trend that has fully matured in 2026, with spots like Birria-Landia and Birria LES offering certified halal beef versions of this Mexican staple. These slow-cooked, shredded beef tacos are dipped in flavorful consommé and griddled until crispy, served with a side of the rich dipping broth.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseA Bronx and Harlem bodega classic that has gone mainstream. It consists of ground beef, onions, and melted American cheese grilled together on a flat top and served on a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Many halal-certified delis across the five boroughs now offer this iconic 'poor man's steak' using halal beef.
• Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
  Hyderabadi Dum BiryaniA standout in 2026's upscale halal scene, particularly at hotspots like Hyderabadi Zaiqa. This traditional Indian rice dish features marinated meat (usually goat or chicken) layered with partially cooked basmati rice and aromatics, sealed in a pot to slow-cook (dum), resulting in fragrant, tender layers of flavor.
• Lamb Mansaf
  Lamb MansafThe national dish of Jordan, this has become a must-try at Palestinian institutions like Ayat and Tanoreen. It features tender chunks of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt (jameed) and served over a bed of saffron rice or flatbread, garnished with toasted pine nuts and almonds.
• Halal Smash Burgers
  Halal Smash BurgersA major 2026 trend led by spots like Fluffies and Loaded in the East Village. These burgers feature high-quality halal beef patties smashed thin for maximum crust, served on potato buns with specialized 'house' sauces, often rivaling non-halal cult favorites in quality and technique.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkNew York City is a primary urban center in the United States, established as a Dutch trading post named New Amsterdam in 1624 before being renamed by the English in 1644. The city’s historical heritage is preserved through landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France in 1886, and the Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883 as a suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit New York City are from April to June and September to early November, when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking. Peak tourist seasons occur during the hot, humid summer (July–August) and the festive holiday period (late November–December), while the off-peak months of January and February offer the lowest prices and smallest crowds despite the freezing temperatures. For food lovers.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Air Travel (JFK, LGA, EWR) Major international hubs John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty provide extensive global connections with accessible rail links like the AirTrain and NJ Transit to Manhattan.
  • MTA Subway and Bus System The 24/7 subway network is the most efficient way to navigate the five boroughs; riders can pay instantly at turnstiles using OMNY contactless payments with credit cards or smartphones.
  • Regional Rail (LIRR and Metro-North) Extensive commuter rail lines operate out of Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station, connecting the city center to Long Island, Westchester, and Connecticut suburbs for day trips.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Download the OMNY app or use contactless payment to tap-and-go at subway turnstiles instead of buying physical MetroCards.
  • Walk on the right side of the sidewalk and step to the side completely if you need to stop or check your phone.
  • Expect to tip between 18% and 22% at sit-down restaurants, as gratuity is rarely included in the bill.
• NYC Tourism + Conventions↗
  NYC Tourism + ConventionsThe official guide to Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, featuring its unique cultural heritage, authentic Eastern European dining, and scenic Atlantic Ocean boardwalk.