Halal Cart White Sauce

If you've made my chicken gyros rice bowl, you already know this sauce is non-negotiable. It's the thing that ties the whole bowl together — cool, creamy, tangy, with just a hint of sweetness. I drizzle it on everything. Once you make it, you'll understand.

This is my version of the classic halal cart white sauce you get from street carts in New York. I've tweaked it to use dried oregano instead of parsley (it just works better with the Mediterranean flavors in my bowl), and I add a touch of honey or agave for balance. It takes about five minutes to make and keeps in the fridge all week.

Make it at least 30 minutes before you need it — the flavors really do get better as it sits. I usually make a big batch on Sunday and use it all week.

Polychrome's Halal Cart White Sauce

Makes about 1¼ cups | Prep: 5 min + 30 min chill

Ingredients

• ½ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt (or full-fat sour cream)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (I love Duke's or Kewpie)
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave (or to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Water to thin, if needed

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
2. Whisk together until very smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust — more vinegar for tang, more honey for sweetness, more salt as needed.
4. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The longer it sits, the better it gets.
6. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• I use dried oregano instead of parsley — it pairs beautifully with Mediterranean and Greek flavors.
• The honey or agave is my addition — just a touch rounds out the tanginess without making it sweet.
• Full-fat mayo makes a big difference here. Kewpie and Duke's are both excellent.
• Serve cold, straight from the fridge. That's how the street carts do it and it's perfect.

Use this on my chicken gyros rice bowl, drizzle it over falafel, use it as a dip for pita, or thin it out a little and use it as a salad dressing. It's endlessly versatile.