
King of Falafel Cart
NYC's iconic halal cart serving legendary falafel, chicken & rice, and shawarma with a generous spirit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest ingredients

King of Falafel Cart
Best Time
Freshest ingredients
Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's iconic halal cart serving legendary falafel, chicken & rice, and shawarma with a generous spirit.
"The King of Falafel is an Astoria institution, serving Palestinian food since 2002."

🎯 Free Falafel Samples!
Always get a free falafel sample while you wait – it's a delicious taste of what's to come!
🗣️ Ask About the Specials
Inquire about daily specials for unique flavor combinations and potential deals.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Falafel
All locations
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. This is the falafel that put them on the map.

Chicken & Rice Platter
All locations
A generous portion of seasoned chicken over fragrant rice, topped with fresh salad and their signature sauces.

Shawarma Mix Platter
All locations
A flavorful combination of chicken and beef shawarma, served with all the fixings for a hearty meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Falafel Sample
Timing is Key for Peak Flavor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Falafel Samples!
Always get a free falafel sample while you wait – it's a delicious taste of what's to come!
🗣️ Ask About the Specials
Inquire about daily specials for unique flavor combinations and potential deals.
🚗 Multiple Locations
King of Falafel has several carts and locations across NYC, so find one convenient for you!
🌶️ Sauce Control
Be clear about your preferred sauces (white, hot, tahini) to customize your order perfectly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Falafel Samples!
Always get a free falafel sample while you wait – it's a delicious taste of what's to come!
🗣️ Ask About the Specials
Inquire about daily specials for unique flavor combinations and potential deals.
🚗 Multiple Locations
King of Falafel has several carts and locations across NYC, so find one convenient for you!
🌶️ Sauce Control
Be clear about your preferred sauces (white, hot, tahini) to customize your order perfectly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
King of Falafel is widely praised for its generous portions and delicious, authentic Middle Eastern street food, especially its legendary falafel and flavorful chicken and rice. While many rave about the warm welcome and free samples, a few recent reviews suggest a decline in consistency and assembly quality.
"Ordered the mixed shwarma. Everything was delicious especially the falafel (which I normally dislike). I loved the oicked veggies, rice and chicken together as well. A great casual/cheap meal"
Josh
"Presented with Very warm welcoming staff with a fresh crispy Falafel on the start.
I ordered chicken over rice with salad
No doubt salad was fresh and white sauce made it awesome in tasty but chicken wasn’t cook well. Could be better but over all joyful experience ."
W aLe
"Literally the bes in the US. I cam here years ago and searched all over NY to gind them again. If you like a mix of food, their Shawfel is a must have. Great prople too!"
Danny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
King of Falafel & Shawarma has multiple locations across New York City, with popular spots in Astoria (3015 Broadway and 31 Ditmars Blvd) and other areas. It's best to check their social media or a mapping app for the most current location near you.
Yes, most King of Falafel locations are easily accessible by NYC public transport. The Astoria locations, for example, are near subway lines like the N and W trains, making it convenient for visitors.
As with most NYC street food vendors, parking directly at the cart is usually not available. Street parking in the surrounding areas can be challenging, so public transportation or ride-sharing services are often recommended.
While they have several popular spots, the Astoria location on Broadway is often cited as an institution and a key spot for their Palestinian cuisine.
Currently, most King of Falafel operations are walk-up street carts. Ordering ahead might not be an option, so be prepared to order on-site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for King of Falafel. It operates as a street food cart, so you simply order and pay for your food on the spot.
Operating hours can vary by location and day. It's advisable to check their social media pages or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially for specific carts.
There is no admission fee. You only pay for the delicious food you order from the cart.
Reservations are not typically accepted for street food carts like King of Falafel. It's a first-come, first-served operation.
While not a formal attraction, popular times like lunch and dinner rushes can mean longer lines. Some reviews suggest quality might be better during less busy periods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The falafel itself is legendary, often given as a free sample. The Chicken & Rice platter and the Mixed Shawarma platter are also highly recommended for a full meal.
They offer a variety of sauces, including their popular white sauce, hot sauce, and tahini. You can usually customize your order with your preferred choices.
Yes, King of Falafel is known for serving halal food, which is a significant draw for many customers.
The falafel itself is vegetarian and can be made vegan if ordered without dairy-based sauces. Their falafel sandwich is a popular vegetarian choice.
Portions are generally generous, especially for their platters, offering great value for the price. Many customers find them very filling.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street food scene, the overflowing platters of chicken and rice, and the iconic falafel balls. The bustling atmosphere of the cart itself is also photogenic.
Generally, yes, as long as you're not obstructing the staff or other customers. The preparation process can be quite dynamic and visually interesting.
Daylight hours offer the best natural light for food photography. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide softer lighting and fewer crowds.
Include the cart, the surrounding street, and other patrons in your shots to convey the authentic New York street food experience.
While generally permitted, it's always respectful to ask if you plan on filming extensively or focusing on individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the King
Many visitors highlight the warm welcome and the generous spirit of the establishment. The practice of offering free falafel samples to those waiting is a signature move that leaves a lasting positive impression. This generosity, coupled with the authentic flavors, has cemented King of Falafel's reputation as a must-visit spot for halal food lovers in NYC.
However, like many popular food establishments, consistency can be a concern for some patrons. Recent reviews have noted a potential slip in quality and assembly compared to past experiences. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains largely positive, with many loyal customers, like Sammy, who credits the cart for feeding him when he was a struggling cab driver, expressing deep appreciation.
Navigating the Menu: What to Order
For a more substantial meal, the Chicken & Rice Platter is a perennial favorite. It typically features a generous portion of seasoned chicken served over fragrant rice, accompanied by a fresh salad and their signature sauces. Similarly, the Mixed Shawarma Platter (chicken and beef) is a hearty option that comes with all the traditional fixings, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
When ordering, don't hesitate to specify your sauce preferences. The white sauce is a creamy staple, while the hot sauce adds a kick, and tahini provides a nutty depth. While the falafel sandwich is a great vegetarian choice, some reviews suggest paying attention to how your order is assembled to ensure you get the full experience with all the intended ingredients.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit