West Side Rag
  • TOP NEWS
  • OPEN/CLOSED
  • FOOD
  • SCHOOLS
  • OUTDOORS
  • REAL ESTATE
  • ART & CULTURE
  • POLITICS
  • COLUMNS
  • CRIME
  • HISTORY
  • ABSURDITY
  • CONTACT
West Side Rag
No Result
View All Result

Get WSR FREE in your inbox

Search the site

No Result
View All Result

Get WSR FREE in your inbox

AVAILABLE NOW!


HERE

Here’s the Dish: Zaad’s Falafal Sandwich

August 16, 2022 | 12:29 PM - Updated on August 21, 2022 | 8:49 AM
in COLUMNS, FOOD, NEWS
12
Photograph by Ava Stryker-Robbins

By Ava Stryker-Robbins

I am a falafel lover — the fried, deliciousness of chickpeas has been a favorite for as long as I can remember. And combined with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, pickled radishes, pickles, and tahini sauce, I cannot think of a better summer meal.

Last Wednesday, I walked to Zaad — a local Egyptian-owned restaurant — in the blazing heat. Walking was nearly unbearable, but when I arrived at 107th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, where Zaad is located, I felt immediately at ease. The workers gave me a free sample of falafel as I ordered, and began to work, putting obvious effort into my sandwich. I also ordered a mango juice, which added a delicious, refreshing touch to the meal.

The sandwich was beyond delicious; the sweet, sour, and savory flavors morphed together, and the combination of fresh and pickled vegetables, just-made falafel and pita bread provided a scrumptious meal. The mango juice enhanced it, because of its freshness and cool temperature, which complemented the warm sandwich.

The experience of ordering at the restaurant, the quality of the food, and the affordability of the meal ($12 for both the sandwich and juice) brought me joy and solace from the heat.

The Restaurant: Zaad (963 Amsterdam Ave at 107th Street)

The Dish: Falafel Sandwich

If you have a favorite Upper West Side dish, send it to info@westsiderag.com — in the form above and with a photograph — and we’ll post it. The byline’s fun and it’s good for local restaurants — and other readers.

You can read all our Here’s the Dish columns here.

Share this article:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

12 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sidney Owl
Sidney Owl
9 months ago

We used to go to Zaad a lot when it first opened. The falafel was excellent. Then I think it changed owners because the same guy was never there any more and they raised the prices. Then Mamoun’s opened so I usually go there instead. But Zaad is a good one.

0
Reply
MJB
MJB
9 months ago

I love falafel too, thank you for your review, I didn’t know about this place.

1
Reply
Otis
Otis
9 months ago

I don’t mean to boast but I’m a falafel connoisseur.

Zaad’s falafel is Egyptian style which is unique in the falafel world as it’s make out of fava beans. Most falafel are made out of chickpeas.

This is why Zaad’s falafel has a unique taste and consistency compared to many other falafel. I’ve eaten at Zaad’s several times and yes, the falafel is good and the service is friendly.

6
Reply
tim
tim
9 months ago

this is great, thank you for the tip!

0
Reply
Jay
Jay
9 months ago

We often enjoy Zaad. The problem is that its very inconsistent. Sometimes its the kind of amazing that you need to tell your friends about. sometimes not good at all. Usually one extreme or the other. Other problem is that it can orders (at the location) can take forever, even with no customers ahead of you. Very friendly staff. I hope the owners take this to heart. Its got a lot of potential.

0
Reply
UWCider
UWCider
9 months ago

It is a good falafel, but it`s too expensive.

0
Reply
travelgalnyc
travelgalnyc
9 months ago
Reply to  UWCider

If you think $8 is too expensive to keep a mom & pop restaurant in business, I don’t know what to say!

0
Reply
Sidney Owl
Sidney Owl
9 months ago
Reply to  UWCider

When they first opened it was $5.00 or $5.50 for a falafel wrap and we’d buy 3 or 4 at a time. But even at $8 now it’s reasonable.

1
Reply
Juliet
Juliet
9 months ago

We read Ava’s post and immediately headed to Zaad for a falafel sandwich. It was truly sublime! Thank you! JT&JW

1
Reply
L. Gerson
L. Gerson
9 months ago

Just sampled it on this review. And it is excellent! Everything is fresh and tasty!

I just wish these businesses had more space. The obscene costs of rental in this borough really inhibits independent stores. We need commercial rent control!

2
Reply
Adam
Adam
9 months ago

I like the falafel at Jerusalem restaurant on 104 and broadway.

1
Reply
Louise
Louise
9 months ago

Didn’t know about Zaad’s but will definitely check it out thanks to this review!

0
Reply

YOU MIGHT LIKE...

What’s in a View: The Battle of the Boat Basin
NEWS

What’s in a View: The Battle of the Boat Basin

June 8, 2023 | 3:14 PM
Lincoln Center Looking for Community Input on Plans to Remodel West Side of Campus
ART

Lincoln Center Looking for Community Input on Plans to Remodel West Side of Campus

June 8, 2023 | 9:29 AM
Previous Post

Upper West Side Real Estate Market Bulletin, August 2022 Edition

Next Post

Shoplifters Hit Lululemon Twice on Saturday

this week's events image

Explore Your Favorite Subject

20th precinct 24th precinct american museum of natural history animals art bicycling bulletin central park closings columns community board 7 coronavirus crash crime dogs events fdny fire food gale brewer helen rosenthal history homelessness jcc lincoln center monday bulletin morning bulletin nypd openings openings and closings pedestrian safety photography photos politics public schools pupper west side real estate restaurants riverside park silver stars fitness snow sponsored subway upper west side uws

CITY NEWS

The City
Brick Underground
City Limits
Eater
Gothamist
NY Daily News
NY Post
NY Times

LOCAL RESOURCES

Bloomingdale Neighborhood History Group
Central Park Conservancy
CB7
Community Education Council 3
Assembly District 67
The New York Historical Society
Riverside Park
West End Preservation

UWS Blogs

Bloomingdale History Central Park Blogger
North River Notes

Next Post
Shoplifters Hit Lululemon Twice on Saturday

Shoplifters Hit Lululemon Twice on Saturday

Goats at Work: How an Unlikely Addition Changes a Neighborhood for the Better

Goats at Work: How an Unlikely Addition Changes a Neighborhood for the Better

Openings and Closings: Di Di Dumpling, Chef’s Table, Hoka One One, Soul Cycle, Forever Coffee, Wingstop

Openings and Closings: Di Di Dumpling, Chef's Table, Hoka One One, Soul Cycle, Forever Coffee, Wingstop

  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • NEWSLETTER
  • WSR MERCH!
  • ADVERTISE
  • EVENTS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • SITE MAP
Site design by RLDGROUP

© 2023 West Side Rag | All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • TOP NEWS
  • THIS WEEK’S EVENTS
  • OPEN/CLOSED
  • FOOD
  • SCHOOLS
  • OUTDOORS
  • REAL ESTATE
  • ART & CULTURE
  • POLITICS
  • COLUMNS
  • CRIME
  • HISTORY
  • ABSURDITY
  • CONTACT US
  • WSR SHOP

© 2023 West Side Rag | All rights reserved.