The sizzle of chopped beef on a hot griddle and the aroma of seasoned chicken and lamb over rice greet customers as they step inside NYC Halal Eats in Palos Park, where New York-style street food takes center stage.
Part of the growing NYC Halal Eats chain, the family-owned restaurant at 13037 S. La Grange Road brings the flavors and feel of New York halal carts to the southwest suburbs.
The Palos Park location is owned by Husam Ahmad, of Oak Lawn, and Essa Taiym, of Orland Park. For Ahmad, the restaurant is more than a business venture. He also works as a chef in the kitchen, preparing many of the dishes himself.
“We put a spin on traditional fast food,” Ahmad said.
The menu reflects that approach. Diners can order chicken or lamb over rice, gyros shaved to order, falafel, burgers, fajitas, Philly cheesesteaks and NYC-style pizza. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of Zabiha-certified meat, a distinction that draws customers seeking halal dining options.
Ahmad recommends the Philly cheesesteak sandwich and the fajitas, but he said one item continues to generate buzz.
“A popular favorite is the chopped cheese sandwich that became famous in New York,” he said.
Layered with seasoned chopped beef, melted cheese and fresh toppings, the sandwich traces its roots to bodegas in New York City, where the brand’s first location opened. The Palos Park restaurant carries on that tradition while adding its own flair.
Ahmad said his passion for cooking began long before NYC Halal Eats came to the suburbs.
“I learned hands-on from my grandmother — it’s the best way to learn,” he said.
His grandmother previously owned a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago, where Ahmad spent time in the kitchen absorbing techniques and recipes that continue to influence his cooking today.
The owners said they are grateful for the warm reception in Palos Park.
“The people are awesome,” Ahmad said. “We see customers from all walks of life.”
Some travel even farther. Recently, Ahmad said, customers drove from Indiana specifically to try the now-infamous chopped cheese.
The Palos Park location is one of several in the region, with sister restaurants in Niles, Lombard and Chicago. Together, they reflect the brand’s emphasis on bold flavors, hearty portions and a casual, welcoming atmosphere rooted in New York street food tradition.