Fun, Filling, Fast, Fried Falafels at Amsterdam’s

Amsterdam Falafel Shop has found a way to make indulging in inexpensive fast fried food seem noble. Falafels—fried balls of chickpea (and sometimes fava bean) paste eaten throughout the Middle East, as well as in Europe—are sandwiched within an open pita glove. The magic at Amsterdam Falafel is in their particular salad and condiment bar, where customers load the toppings into their sandwiches. In order to cram as many toppings in as possible, patrons are instructed to squish the falafel before dressing the sandwich. Amsterdam’s toppings include Turkish salad, beets, pickled turnips, red cabbage, cucumber, Baba Ganoush, hummus, pickles, red chili paste, and maybe a half dozen more. Amsterdam’s also sells popular fries —you can dip them in Dutch mayo or vinegar and wash it all down with lemonade. There’s also something magical in the crazy atmosphere, where utensils and plates aren’t part of the picture.

This place is so wildly popular that it has begun franchising. 

Amsterdam Falafel Shop
2425 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC   20009
(202) 234-1969
www.falafelshop.com