Fal-ling for Falafels.

I eat at least two falafels a week. Sometimes two a day. That’s because they are cheap, reasonably healthy, and amazingly delicious.

I discovered the headiness that we call falafel while backpacking around Amsterdam several years ago. When I bit into my first Maoz  falafel I fell in love. This wasn’t because I was stoned on amazing bud — good weed doesn’t make you hungry, duh– but because it was so fresh and so flavorful. Along with falafel balls you can add from the salad bar: fried eggplant, hummus, tabbouleh, carrots, broccoli, chickpeas, olives, pickles, cabbage, coleslaw, and an array of sauces. Though this wasn’t the traditional Middle Eastern falafel, it was a definitive moment in my pita-stuffed obsession.

Now in New York City, you can  find a falafel on almost every corner. Here is a list of the best (according to moi):

Oasis — North 7th at Bedford in Williamsburg. The standard, but always fresh, stuffed with plenty of cabbage and pickles. The hot sauce is just the right amount of hot. Get this with a ginger beer and you’re in for a party. Don’t mess with the staff though, they can be major assholes.  $3 for sandwich

Mamoons– St. Marks between 2nd and 3rd. I go here after yoga when I need to be satiated. They are known for their falafel balls, which are  perfectly crispy on the outside, and soft and flavorful on the inside. Stay away from the hot sauce, unless you are into not tasting anything. The mango juice is tasty too for a dollar.   $2.50 for sandwich

Olive Valley–Bogart street in Bushwick. Finally a falafel place in my neighborhood…wahooo. Their falafel platter is perfect for the hungry woman, but the art on the walls makes me hurl. The $6 platter comes with 2 pitas, 5 falafel balls, baba ganoush, hummus, onions, pickles, cabbage, lettuce, pickled daikon, and sauces.  Mmmm….

Honorable mention:  Moshi’s falafel truck (usually parked on 17th street near 5th avenue) and, of course, Maoz (Union Sq. E).

Places I hear are delicious but have yet to try: Taim (Waverly Place near 7th ave) and Azuri (w 51st st).

peace, love, falafel.