Chubby Bunny

Falafel for Two

Two dollars, that is.

While going about our usual escapades, Eugene said he would like to grab something to eat. Since we were in the NYU area, I suggested 2-dollar falafel sandwiches.

After being shown where Mamoun’s is by Angela, it is the only 2-dollar falafel place I will go to in the area. My first exeperience at Sam’s Falafel House was nothing but a great reminder of what health code violations were. I remember distinctly, that the man was smoking, we went in when Erick and I went to the counter inside the store. Not only did he not wash his hands when making our sandwiches without gloves, but he also handled our money in between orders. Never again.

While Mamoun’s is hole-in-the-wall with limited seating, it is more cozy than cramped. The service is speedy as there are usually two people in the small kitchen and one cashier upfront.

What is falafel?

I like to think of it as a croquette made from chickpeas. They’re seasoned with spices like garlic and curry powder. According to Wikipedia, it can be made with fava beans as well. These are ground and made into patties for deep frying. It is of Middle Eastern origin.

Falafel is served as a sandwich by flattening the falafel balls a little and filling it inside a pita pocket, along with lettuce, tomato and white sauce. Thie white sauce usually includes tahini, a sesame paste.

It’s a little bit messier than a gyro when it comes to eating with one hand. Manuevering the foil it is wrapped in as you eat is also quite a challenge. Still, it is good eats.

Great color, no?

Mamoun’s is located at 119 MacDougal Street. Falafel sandwiches and platters are just some of the things you can get at Mamoun’s. They also have things like babaganouj, hummus and dessert foods like baklava.