For too long have Columbia students had to trek to the far reaches of the world for good Chicken and Rice. Well, at least as far as 53rd and 6th. The halal copycats who have staked claim on Columbia’s fertile soils have all submitted subpar attempts at wooing our taste buds with the cart on 120th being the closest to tolerable.

But, amid the high profile new restaurant openings in the Columbia area - Chipotle, Pinkberry, and the rumored Jamba Juice, there’s one little opening that has gone without fanfare. Sammy’s Halal is now up and running on 111th and Broadway (behind a fruit cart and another breakfast cart)! Yup, you heard right. Sammy! A Chicken and Rice guru who’s accolades include being named to New York Magazine’s Concrete Elite as well as winning the 2006 Vendy Awards has chosen Columbia as the newest stomping ground for his burgeoning Chicken and Rice empire.

After talking to the man running Sammy’s new cart, The Hungry Lion has received assurances that the cart is not just a figment of our imagination or a passing oasis like that of the 53rd and 6th cart which trekked to our campus on varying occasions last year. No, Sammy is here to stay and will be open from 10am till midnight to satisfy Chicken and Rice cravings at all hours. And, satisfy he does.

For those who haven’t made the trek to the original Sammy’s Halal located on 73rd and Broadway in Queens, his Chicken and Rice is slightly different from the oft-praised 53rd and 6th Halal. Many critics claim it to be better. But, it really comes down to a matter of taste. The Chicken and Rice at 53rd and 6th is the epitome of street food. Greasy, rich and flavorful rice, hastily prepared chicken (or lamb) and heavy in what can only be described as savory (umami) flavors. Sammy’s exhibits a bit more nuance. Fragrant Afghan rice with hints of cardamom and cinnamon and chicken which is meticulously prepared in a three step process - seared, grilled, then chopped and mixed with cilantro. Sammy also features a third sauce of his own creation known only as - the Green Sauce. Make sure you get it.

Oh, did I mention his Chicken and Rice platters go for only $3.99?

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AKA: 得月樓
Location: 67 Bayard St. (Chinatown btw. Elizabeth and Mott)
Notes: Cash Only
Sorry about the lack of pictures. Camera is out of service at the moment.

Well, I’m back in the Manhattan and, obviously, the first place I want to go is Chinatown and where else but Moon House? Moon House is overlooked in Chinatown’s little pocket of restaurants in the Mott, Bayard, Pell area. Big names like Joe’s Shanghai and New Green Bo (and, for those in the know, Hop Kee and Wo Hop) tend to dominate the discussion. But, for those looking for some scrumptious food and hobo cheap prices, there is no place better than Moon House.

Moon House is a tiny restaurant across the street from New Green Bo which also specializes in Shanghai cuisine. The owners actually worked at its namesake in Shanghai before coming to New York to open their humble little restaurant and they know how to serve up a good meal with service that is surprisingly friendly for a Chinatown establishment.

While the menu is diverse and features nearly anything you can imagine, the restaurant excels at a few dishes that are a must order nearly any time you go and all of which are among the best (especially for the price) that I’ve had in New York. These include the Fried Tiny Buns which feature juicy pork stuffed within an incredibly fluffy yet crisp on the outside bun (8 for $2.99). The scallion pancake fried to perfection for only $1.75. And, any of their dumplings (8 for $2.99). As far as entrees go, the stars are the Ti Pang (Braised Pork Rump?) and the Sizzling Fish Plate both of which cost about $12.95 but come in portions large enough to serve 5 or 6 heartily assuming you get a requisite plate of sauteed vegetables on the side. Also very tasty is the restaurants Sticky Rice Cakes (炒年糕) for just $4.99 a plate.

Straying from the restaurant’s specials, unfortunately, results in some less than traditional dishes. The prices are still hobo cheap and portions more than generous, but the ingredients are just a bit lacking. For example, they used canned mushrooms instead of shiitakes or chinese black mushrooms in certain dishes or they might use those weird crinkle cut carrots that taste like they’ve been frozen that you normally find in some takeout places. That’s not to say the dishes don’t taste good, but they will miss the mark if you’re looking for a really traditional Chinese meal (though still better than anything served up at Ollie’s or Columbia Cottage). I would also steer clear of the Steamed Juicy Buns as they are somewhat lacking here.

All-in-all, Moon House is one of my favorite meals in Manhattan especially given that the price is always right. Heck, the place is worth a visit just for their Fried Tiny Buns which are without a doubt the best that I’ve had anywhere (including in Taiwan). Head on over next time you’re in Chinatown and fed up with the gruff service and long lines at the other Shanghai favorites.

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