FALAFEL REVIEW: The Falafel Shop

My search for the best falafel in New York continues….

SADLY, THE FALAFEL SHOP IS NOW CLOSED.

It’s always strange to walk around the heart of the Lower East Side during lunch hours. This neighborhood doesn’t really come alive until after work, when people flood the restaurants, bars, and clubs. During the day, it doesn’t seem nearly as hip or lively.

But people are out and restaurants are open. And it was at this slower-paced time when I visited the Falafel Shop.

I’m sure the Israeli-owned joint does most of their business late at night and caters to drunk customers. However, they also serve a modest and affordable lunch.

I skipped the sandwich for a pure taste of their falafel balls. A side of six costs $3 – a bit more pricey than most places, but this is the Lower East Side – daytime or not. The falafel were some of the tiniest I’ve encountered. Looking at them, I didn’t expect them to have much texture contrast. I was wrong.

Despite their diminuitive size, they were extraordinarily crunchy and incredibly light. Inside, the herbs and sesame seeds are glowing green. There was a lot of nice crispness here, but I think their tiny size hindered their flavor. They were so slight that it was hard to get much nuance or depth. Especially if I dipped it in the tahini or hot sauce.

I also found them a tad greasy. Which, of course, is to be expected (and wouldn’t be noticed) if the sun was far gone and the drinking had commenced. And that’s why this place is perfect in the Lower East Side. Day or night.

Does The Falafel Shop have the best falafel in NY? These are certainly the smallest, with a nice crunch and lightness, but the greasy flavor is hindered by their slightness. 7 out of 10.