Do any of you have Falafel King chains in your cities? We have one across the street, here in Gainesville, FL. I usually order a regular gyro there, but now I’m more tempted to get experimental with the falafel itself. They also have the best spinach pies (shredded spinach, onions, and spices wrapped in warm soft pita dough), great baklava, and wonderful lemonade made with honey.
I love Greek and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods, but I’m afraid my experience only goes as far as places like Falafel King and mall food courts.
We have Falafel King out here, but it’s not as good as some other places I’ve been to. My favourite place is across the street from Santa Monica College (on Pico near 20th, IIRC). Very good falafel, and excellent shawerma. It’s a bit out of the way for me though, and they’re closed on Sundays. There used to be a Falafel King at The Block at Orange (across from where I work), but they closed down last year. Too bad’ While FK is not as good as a lot of places, at least it was close!
Falafel King?
Surely you jest.
Hey, there’s a place a few blocks from where I live called MacFalafel. They actually used to be called CNN Falafel (don’t ask, I don’t know why) but they changed it a few months ago. I haven’t yet decided which name is funnier/stranger.
That is, it was close in distance; not close in taste.
You can find falafel stands all over Israel - big cities, little towns, even in a small yishuvim (settlements). I like my falafel with charif, an Israeli hot sauce that can make tears run from your eyes - when it’s made correctly.
Carnivorousplant is correct: falafel is mushe up chich peas, shaped into little balls, and deep fried.
How do you eat Falafal? Quickly, and whilst holding your nose.
I swear I’m not making up Falafel King. I may go there later today; I feel inspired.