Falafel Sahyoun

Sahyoun keeps the foundation of their restaurant business simple: they are expert falafel-makers. The simple hole-in-the-wall business has been tried and proven by generations of hungry mouths.

One thing has been established: Sahyoun reigns king of the kingdom of mashed chickpeas. World-famous chef Anthony Bourdain once cheekily paid homage to Falafel Sahyoun as “Beirut’s more traditional late night guilty pleasure.”

The menu keeps things seriously simple: You can order your falafel wrapped in a sandwich (light, regular or extra) for a bite on the run or by the dozen (plain, with sides or a party platter). Sandwiches come drizzled with tartar sauce then wrapped in a layer of pita bread. Add sliced tomatoes, a sprinkle of parsley and pink pickles for that extra oomph.

Easy on the wallet, their sandwiches cost a mere $3. That being said, they aren’t that large so you may be find yourself gobbling down more than one.

The Falafel Sahyoun legacy has been mired in controversy leaving the two inheritors of the Sahyoun business at odds with one another. In somewhat of a comic scene, two Falafel Sahyoun restaurants now sit side by side, each occupied by one of the begrudging brothers.

Since their split, both have remained loyal to the falafel business separately and on their own terms. In my opinion, the legacy of falafel-making remains strong in both sandwich shops but you can make up your own mind on that one.