The orange halal cart on Amsterdam Avenue between 138th and 139th Streets is the pinnacle of affordable food at HSMSE; almost every HSMSE student has eaten from this cart. From cheap lamb over rice to the free drink that comes with every order, everyone can get a good deal for lunch here. The Echo interviewed Mohamed Yahay, the worker inside the orange halal truck, on his schedule, background, and everything else HSMSE students are dying to know.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Zeke Siff: How long have you worked at a halal truck, and what has motivated you through it?

Mohamed Yahay: [For] more than 15 years I have worked here. My motivation [has been that] I love to cook. When I was young, I learned from my mom.

ZS: How did you get to where you are today?

MY: Well, I was born here, [but] I went to Palestine to finish high school. I came back here to work. I had a shift [job], [but] I left it. I left it to cook.

ZS: What is the origin of the name of your cart, “2 Guys Halal”?

MY: Me and Miyama—that’s my cousin—[we are] the two guys, plus the halal. I work inside the truck, and he’s outside … buying other stuff.

ZS: What time do you start and finish?

MY: [Usually] I start at 8:00 o’clock, or 7:30, and I work until 6:00 o’clock at night.

ZS: Do you have any recommendations that students don’t usually order?

MY: No, people sometimes order here, [sometimes] they do not. [So] they eat one time here, one time somewhere else, not everyday [is] halal, you know? But that’s ok. People like change, not [eating] every day the same food.

ZS: How do you stay warm during the winter when it’s really cold out?

MY: I have a small heater. Sometimes I bring it, sometimes I [don’t]. It’s cold, and in the summer it’s really hot. So this job is not easy.

ZS: Have you noticed a price increase with tariffs and inflation in general?

MY: One day, three years ago, I made [the halal food] one dollar extra. I lost half of my customers. So I bring it back to seven dollars, and everyone is back. 

ZS: Do you have any advice for students on campus?

MY: No, they are all very good. I love all of my students.

Overall, Mr. Yahay provided interesting insight on his life, which as a student you may not have even thought or wondered about before today. As an important part of the HSMSE community, Mr. Yahay and his truck have served our community with well-priced and easily accessible food. I hope many of you stop by and order some chicken or lamb over rice—or over fries—if you haven’t already.