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Categories: Middle Eastern, Food Stands [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Logan Square, Penn CenterMon-Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Sweet falafel adventure explosion!
Hot damn cornucopia of deliciousness!
I love this little plant-friendly cart. I love the singing, smiling man behind the cart. I love his delicious falafel constructions. This place isn't for the weak-hearted or the tender-stomached. Be prepared to reek of garlic for the remainder of the day so co-workers be warned.
Perfect green fafalel balls and char-grilled chicken and every time a different mix of delicious components, be it a beet hummous, a mix bag of salads, a myriad of vegetables and fruits, raw or cooked or both, coucous and a melting fusion of sauces and who-knows-what- all I know is that the finished product is a marriage of taste perfection.
Falafel truck does abide by a couple strict rules, only two items either a sandwich or a platter can be ordered here, and only one item per person. The wait on certain days can be lengthy so come early.
And yes, $10 is a bit steep (why does he keep raising the prices?) but it's worth it. His food is so scrumptious, and the portions massive so you'll be stuffed, guaranteed .
Best Cart/Truck food in Philadelphia, no question.
N.B.: The following forensic reconstruction of my meal may not be entirely accurate, as I devoured everything so quickly that I will never be completely sure what I ate.
As I walked out of my tailor's, the first thing I noticed was the smoke rising up like a beacon: come ye hungry, and be well fed. I made my way over, my anticipation growing as the scents began to waft toward me. Then I saw it, with its many potted plants almost literally a mirage in the urban desert at 20th & Market.
Patiently I waited in line, the scents stronger and ever more alluring as my turn slowly crept closer. As his artisan's hands deftly crafted chicken platter after chicken platter, I grew meek and declined to request the vegetarian option. I feared he would think I was second-guessing his judgment rather than observing a dietary custom.
When I received my platter--if such an ugly, insignificant word could ever do justice to the bounty of food I was given--I knew I was in for something truly magnificent. The fluffy, green-flecked falafel? The best I have ever eaten. The tangy grilled chicken? Same. The spicy hummus? Again, fantastic. The mixed greens, the fig/grape salad, the wheat roll & the potato/roasted red pepper hash? Each a delight, not only to eat but also aesthetically.
I initially thought it odd that there were no other food carts at this intersection but no longer. How could they--those mere mortals--ever hope to match wits with this god of falafel?
I'm finally off on a weekday so I decided to go to center city. I didn't know which cart this falafel place so I decided to pick the one with the line.
Instead of paying for parking, I made my buddy drive around while I wait. At around 11:15, I only waited for 10 minutes compare to usual 30mins. When it was finally my turn to buy, I could only buy 1 order per person!! My buddy will be pissed off if I come back with 1 order only. The man said to me that I can stand there all day and I will only get 1 order, lol. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I got his point, it is what it is.
I would drive around the city while my friend stands in line for his platter. We looked back, it looked like it's going to be more than a 30 minute wait.
Great food! I agree what everyone said: $10 including tax = chkn or veg platter. 4 stars because I had to share my food, lol.
So I finally made to down to this famous truck and all I can say is wow.
Be warned, if you are in town craving a traditional falafel sandwich, this is not your spot. For a great traditional falafel head over to Mama's vegetarian which is right down the street.
This is an adventure in flavor. I have absolutely no idea what I ate, but it was all amazing.
Everything about a trip to this cart is an adventure. You stand in line, no one really says much of anything. Once you get to the front of the line if you just want the platter you say nothing. If you want a sandwich, ask for a sandwich. If you don't want chicken ask for vegetarian.
That is all. I got the vegetarian platter. He made it, handed it to me, and I handed him $10. The falafel is delicious and not your traditional falafel. It is much lighter and fluffier. The falafel balls look a little over done on the outside but don't be fooled, they are perfectly crispy and green and fluffy on the inside.
I have no idea what the sides were that came with my platter but I ate them and they were fresh and good.
3.5. Just a block from work, I passed this place many times. Never stood in line for it, because there was always a line (I know, backwards thinking).. Anyway, so I finally stood in line 8 deep and got my vegetarian equivalent of an omakase - as the chef likes it. There's no menu, or prices. You just either order the regular or the vegetarian version, and it's $10.00 no matter what.
Anyway, I really thought it would be overrated, but it wasn't. The salad had bits of fresh fig which were delicious. And bits of orange colored pasta for presentation, which was appreciated. The falafel was garlicky and flaky. Yes, they are very different from your regular falafel - wholesome and sturdy - and they aren't necessary any better than Mama's Vegetarian, but they are good in their own right.
The BF will try the chicken one later, so I'll update accordingly.
I'd go back.
Falafel Nazi is a disservice to the glory of this food, and perhaps not even the most apt Seinfeld comparison. This man is a Falafel Maestro. Be prepared to wait in line, be prepared to simply hand him money once he hands you your platter, and be prepared to not have a say in what you eat, how much you get, etc. Don't think of it as 'falafel nazi,' think of it as a chef's tasting menu, prix fixe. I would perhaps advise you not to even think of it as 'falafel,' as my falafel today was delicious but overshadowed by the chicken and hummus, which I found far tastier. Think of it simply as what it is: the best, and perhaps most unique, lunch experience in the city. The sort of street food someone like Anthony Bourdain would laud in a travel show.
If everyone were as passionate about the work they do as this man is, the world would be a much better place indeed.
Undoubtedly fabulous falafel. However, you never really know what will be inside as he gets his veggies fresh based on what is available that day. This is both a plus and a minus as I have been known to find beets in my falafel (not a beet fan) and a friend of mine once found a half an ear of corn (cob included). But that aside it is hands down "good eatin". Oh and be prepared to not eat the rest of the day because you're going to want to eat the whole thing and you're going to struggle...
FYI - it is a little more expensive as far as truck food goes but definitely worth the moolah.
Really great food. This place always draws me in just by smell. Long line around lunch so be… Read more »
A slice of pizza is lunch. A hoagie is lunch. Falafel from Supercart is a force of nature, a tsunami cleverly disguised as ground up, deep fried chickpeas.
As such, eating here is not to be undertaken lightly. Set aside about half an hour to wait in line, half an hour to eat, and a week or so to recover.
You can order either a sandwich or the platter, though the sandwich is just a platter wrapped in pita. The exact contents of either is best left unknown, but always seems to involve falafel and chicken, along with some sort of starch. On separate occasions I've gotten rice, bowtie macaroni and what I believe (without evidence) was couscous. To top it off there's generally some sort of vegetable, sauce, spices and a few pieces of fruit thrown in.
One last note, don't eat more than one a month. A fellow I know did, and he hasn't been quite the same ever since.
Finally made it to the famed falafel truck. I believe the official name is Christos's Falafel. I'd heard the stories and knew that I should plan to wait and just trust in what he is serving.
Turns out you don't even order here. Little was said to anyone during my visit. "Gus" cooks, refills the charcoal in his grill, and serves up falafel, grilled chicken, and salads/sides. There's no menu. Walk up to the truck, and he'll put together a styrofoam container of everything unless you specify that you want a sandwich. Otherwise, you need not say a word. He didn't even ask me for money, assuming I already knew the price (it's not posted anywhere).
My plate was $10 and could easily feed two. The chicken was flavorful, covered in spices. The salad was fine, with fresh green lettuce, a bean dish, and something tropical I couldn't identify (was that plantain?). My palate was confused after all the Greek-style meat.
But the falafel...oh, the falafel. It was unlike anything I've eaten. It was so bright--there are a lot of fresh herbs in there. It was light and airy yet crispy on the outside. The texture was unusual but excellent. I can't for the life of me figure out what it is that makes it so different. Does he whip the bean mixture first? Whatever it is, it works.
This falafel is much less chickpeas than it is garlic and parsley. It's very strong in flavor, so if you're used to traditional falafel - or don't like garlic, be warned. I loved it! Also be warned that this is a prix fix meal: $10 gets you the street food equivalent of omakase.
My falafel platter came with two sides, couscous, chicken and pita. The char-broiled chicken is well-seasoned and juicy, with that smoky, grilled flavor. The yummy, lick-your-fingers bird juices mixed well with the lemony and sweet sauces used in the platter (tamarind?) and created a perfect dressing for the wilted lettuce chiffonade. The sides were a sweet corn and cabbage relish and grapes with apples in a spiced apple purée. I think I detected a hint of anise in the apple mixture. Nice touch! The orange couscous was fluffy and flavorful, absorbing all the tasty flavors in the platter.
After eating my fill, I used some of the pita to sop up the liquids, but was just too full to eat bread, so I tilted the styrofoam container and poured the remaining juices into my mouth.
This man wears a chef's coat. He boasts that he has cooked in many famous and expensive restaurants around the globe. He claims that you cannot find better or fresher ingredients in a restaurant. True or not he knows how to combine flavors and textures expertly. This was an experience to savor.
During the last ten days of August, I went on a trip to DC, Philadelphia and NYC with girlfriends. We tried a lot of different places based on Yelp reviews, even to Morimoto's in NYC, and this falafel was BY FAR the best meal I'd had. We waited in line for about 10-15 minutes, and the aromas that came from the truck made my stomach growl horribly. The cook seemed quiet - made the dish, handed it over the first person in line and accepted his $10 accordingly. Quick transaction. We attempted to talk to him, and that's when the floodgates opened. This guy has been in business for 20 years, and he's still going strong. There's obviously a reason for that, and when we tore into our meal, we understood why.
The salad was light and contained bits of marinated peaches and grapes, and it was the perfect compliment to the juicy grilled chicken. The outside of the falafel was a bit overdone, but the inside was moist and delicately spiced. The pita bread and another piece of bread he served allowed us to mop up every last bit of the hummus - and believe me, you want to eat and savor every last bit. It was absolutely delicious and such a deal for only $10. We were so pleased with our meal that we had to come back to the truck to tell him and to take a photo with him. If I worked in Philly's financial district, I have a feeling I'd be down at the falafel truck at least once a week. It's two weeks later, and I am still craving another helping.
I have never tasted anything quite like this. I loved it. Oh I loved it. I loved the jazz, I loved his dance, I loved the way he painted my falafel and chicken platter like he was Jackson Pollock. This man can do no wrong. Anytime I eat another falafel, I will be fantasizing about Mr. Jazzy falafel man making me a platter of awesomeness.
I dont even make sense. Wow.
This standard metal cart is covered in potted plants and copper pots. Steam billows up into the air. A pungent aroma of garlic and grilled meat extends over the entire corner of the street. No doubt the most attractive cart in the city.
Order one of two things: sandwich or platter. What you will get is grilled chicken, falafel, and whatever else he has in the cart that day. He dances, sings, hums, tells stories. It's like dinner and a show, and you can expect to get a couple of acts because you WILL wait to get your food.
You can ask for vegetarian (no chicken), and I believe you can request hot sauce. Ask for any other variation, and I hear he'll throw you out of the line. Only open from 11-2 on weekdays.
Ditto and Tritto wehat they already said! I usually get the (enormous) platter.
You get what you get and you don't get upset!
Mama's Falafel is good, too. (Right down the street.)
One day I was desperately craving falafel but knew Mama's was closed for a Jewish holiday. So I searched "falafel" on yelp and this truck came up. It's only a few blocks from my work so I was excited.
When I got there the line was about 6 deep. The falafel guy was ranting on and on about prices of running a cart and purchasing quality food. The people in line just looked around helplessly, occasionally nodding in his direction when they were unfortunate enough to make eye contact. There was no menu and I didn't actually hear anyone order (regulars?) until the guy standing in front of me got up to bat (he ordered two sandwiches and got a 20 minute lecture about ordering more than one sandwich). Once he'd scurried away, I ordered mine. It was 8 bucks and gigantic.
I eagerly unwrapped it and took a bite.
I gotta say, I was disapointed. The chicken was a little dry and unseasoned. The falafel was charred. The flavors were strange. And the hot sauce was non-existent. All in all it was...okay. But considering I stood in line for 35 minutes and listened to the same story told over and over (and over), it just wasn't worth it.
Based on the other reviews, I might have gone on an off-day but Mama's will always have my heart.
I don't want to get into a theological discussion but I'm pretty sure that if heaven exists, these falafels are served there.
The Falafel Nazi's truck always smells fantastic when I walk by. I was intimidated the first time I actually ordered. This is after many times of just going to Mama's because I was scurred.
That's over now. Any other falafel is inferior. I love this man and his food. It's authentic tasting yummy goodness.
This review is for praise and a word of advice to those who choose to try it, which I highly suggest you do.
Amazing pretty much sums how wonderful this guy's food is. The first time I went to this truck I was working around the corner and was actually there to get a platter for my boss, of course, upon smelling and seeing how delicious everything was I got myself a platter too. I'm pretty sure the platter is $10 but there is a ton of food in it and it's well worth the price. Yeah, I was in love.
Now, here's where I made my mistake. I asked for additional Falafel. As Chrissy R has said...the man is wonderful, but he's a Falafel Nazi! He was so very upset that I had the audacity to ask for extra that he told me, "You'll get what I give you, and today you get nothing from me!"
Un-real! So please try it...but don't ask for extra balls, apparently he can't spare any!
Now this is falafel. I usually don't eat fried foods, so when I have a falafel craving, it has to be the worth all those calories.
The owner is said to be a bit surly, although he was dancing and singing along with disco music last time I was there. I just wish it was open later so people who don't work in Center City could enjoy it. A sandwich with chicken is $8 and completely worth it. It is totally huge, I had to go back to my office to eat it with a knife and fork. The charcoal grilled chicken it tender and delicious. The falafel is wonderfully flavored and that lovely shade of green that comes from fava.
You don't get to decide what goes on it, which I love because the chef should know what's going to taste the best. Last time I was there, I got some gorgeous red lentils, romaine and grapes on mine. His sandwiches are actually quite beautiful, too, how many times can you say that about falafel?
The line moves slow, but that is because each sandwich is made carefully, one at a time.
Bethy H. describes this guy as a "Soup Nazi," and that's entirely a propos-- the woman in line in front of me ordered two sandwiches and was rebuffed, being told, "You can have only one. If I wanted to run a restaurant, I would still be doing that. There are people in line. You get one sandwich." So be warned-- don't think you're going to order for your co-workers and bring something back for them.
From what I can tell, the chef serves either the "platter" or a sandwich. I got the platter and, at $8, it is still a great deal. It came with super tender, amazingly grilled chicken and falafel that is crispy on the outside and utterly delicious all over. The platter was rounded out with chopped romaine, some sort of beet sauce, roasted garlic, and toasted (I think) grapes. It'll fill you up with deliciousness.
You can smell the sweet scent from any street corner at 20th and Market-- follow it.
this is good eats!
i saw all the reviews on yelp and was a little scared to go to the falafel nazi, not gonna lie.
i walked over to the corner of 20th and market and only saw one cart with flowers all around it and steam coming out the top - it was 1130 and no one was around so at first i thought i was at the wrong place. i bravely waked up to the cart which had flowers, large lemon like fruits/veg and garlic strewn about as decoration and looked inside and saw the cooking things but still wasn't sure i was in the right place. i asked him if it was the falafel truck and the man threw me off guard stating he offered falafel and chicken or a veggie option. i already knew i wanted a platter (as he didn't mention you could get a platter or a sandwich). without word he started cooking - i stood off to the side as another person came up to the cart - the guy ignored him and we smiled at each other. a few mins later another man came and asked me if i was in line, i mentioned i had ordered but the other guy had not....the man stood behind the other guy and falafel nazi started speaking and practically ordered i stand next to his truck (i was about 3 feet away to begin with) as the procedure is the same as going to the bank. he told a story of how if i went to a bank i wouldn't walk away from the teller with my money so he asked why i would walk away from the man making my food....at this point a line had formed and i was fairly embarrassed - i laughed it off and waited, thinking in my mind this better be worth it. i soon got my box and he just stood there so i handed him my $10 bill (i wasn't even sure if that was still the price but he didn't say anything) so i thanked him, put a dollar in his tip jar and walked away hoping i was ok. i left with a big sigh of relief that i hadn't been shunned. i wanted hot sauce but decided to save it for another time to avoid another stern talk.
i got home opened the box and it was good food. the chicken was moist and charred to perfection, falafel was tasty and not oily or heavy, fluffy warm bread and fresh veg and fruit ...with a bit too much sauce/dressing and some type of unidentified salad it was red and chopped super tiny. there was a few 2 inch-long green item in my box that were split in half lengthwise, uncertain what it was but i ate it anyway...good food.
hopefully next time i go i stand in the right place cause i would like to sample the homemade hot sauce, for sure!
This man makes an amazing falafel with only the barest of essentials in his lil falafel truck. He's lost a star since he keeps upping the prices, and also runs out of food crazy fast, and the line is the bane of my existence (often taking up a good - but worth it - 1/2 hour of my lunch). But I am happy to keep going back and greatful he's always there.
i love the falafel nazi,
i've only eaten here once, and i question how vegetarian the vegetarian offering is, but god damn this guy has character. i don't remember much about the experience other than him yelling at me and telling me i wouldn't have to eat for a few days after this and he sure was right. will i ever go back? i don't know, i'd be dissapointed if my next experience was anything less.
Way too expensive for cart food, the guy is sometimes annoying and hard to understand, it stinks the whole block up with garlic smell, you have no idea what he's putting in your platter or sandwich, the line moves slower than a glacier, and it's the best food in the city. Someone once asked me since I love it so much if it would be my death row meal and my reply was if I'm on death row it's probably because I killed someone for standing between me and this falafel.
I probably eat 75% of the food I eat in Philly out of a truck, window, counter, etc and this waaay surpasses the genre (w/ the exception of this special dosa guy in Washington Sq Park in NY.. but I digress).
best felafel in philly, one of the best I've ever had, and definitely the best cart food too. The guy has a beautifully decked out cart, long line to serve, and takes care and love with everything he does. There are special sauces and extras to go with what you are ordering; just say yes to everything. I only eat felafel (being veggie) but he also has chicken, or a combo. Truly, a gift to center-west-city.
I love that he mentions quality to everyone. everyone gets the same story, but man is the hot sauce hot and the food delicious. very beautiful cart.
Yummy! I love the falafel platters here. Unbelievable. Always busy and always consistent with taste and quality. The guy's quite a personality, to the say the least. My favorite ever.
As a rule I never eat food from the street but rules are meant to be the broken and the Falafel Truck at 20th and Market promised a good time. This Falafel Truck has been well documented in local magazines and papers for years. Complete with the ornery owner and sole chef that's a "Soup Nazi"-quality character, he serves up the most buttery falafel I have ever had, fresh to order each and every time. This means a long line and long life stories of his as you anticipate the mulititude of veggies, sauces, and love he will put into your sandwich once it's your turn. Only open from 11am-2pm.
The reviews of this truck are right on the money. His sandwiches and platters are well worth the money and they smell, look and taste unbelievable. They owner is funny and loves to tell you how great his food is and how long it takes for him to prepare his "quality" ingredients. But he is telling the truth. Not only the best food truck, but easily one of the best places to eat lunch in the city.
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Category: Middle Eastern
Neighborhood: University City
Category: Food Stands
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Middle Eastern
Neighborhood: University City
Category: Halal
Neighborhood: Chestnut Hill
Category: Bakeries
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