March 30, 2007
Longest Wait for the Best Falafel
As I was making my way through town on errands, I thought I’d check out the falafel truck to see if I was early or late enough for lunch. It turned out I was neither, so I got a picture of the line and kept rolling.
For a non-vegetarian falafel lunch, this truck is the best possible spot in town. The sandwiches consist of a monstrous helping of falafel, grilled chicken and hummus for around $10, and they’re the most filling, perfect realization of the ideal sandwich I’ve ever experienced. The trick is getting there at just the right time: the cart’s chef and proprietor, Christos, takes his time manufacturing your lunch. That dude in green still has twenty minutes to go, at least. Between the line and his meticulous falafel style, I’ve waited as long as a half hour right there on the street – but if you’re on foot with coffee and the paper, you’ll find it far beyond satisfying.
Christos’ Falafel
Northeast corner of 20th and Market, Philadelphia, PA
11:30AM-2:30PM
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March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Caroline says:
I have never been to Christos’, but there is another pretty good falafel cart at 17 and Market if you are in a rush. And the cart owner is a photographer to boot!
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Brennen says:
Christos’ falafels are works of art, custom-made each day from fresh ingredients. He told me he never makes the same falafal twice in one year. And they are positively gigantic.
On a humorous note, Christos has a reputation for being Philly’s answer to the “Soup Nazi.” I say this with great affection. He’s extremely friendly (every customer gets a story), but if you try to get cute and change any of the ingredients in the falafel of the day… he’ll send you packing!
… or at least give you a stern lecture.
You MUST try this food truck.
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Caroline says:
“He told me he never makes the same falafal twice in one year.”
What does that mean?
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Brennen says:
Christos uses different ingredients in his falafels each day. He claims that he won’t repeat a combination for at least a year. I guess you would have to eat at his truck every day for a year to verify this claim!
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
wgato says:
i go between that truck and mamas vegetarian a couple steps south on 20th and they both are great
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
greg says:
Mama’s @ 18 S. 20th St is the Falafel Bomb!
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Tom says:
Awesome that you would review a street vendor cart and then post it on a Yahoo map! Tremendous. Not being from Philly, it will be an adventure for me to come to Philly and find Christos. Then a stop at DeBruno’s for cheese.
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
jd says:
i like falafel. but $10 sounds pricey.
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Leanne says:
Did Christos move? I have passed there a couple of times and don’t see his cart. In fact I was looking for him today and the corner of Market and 20th was empty.
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Darrin says:
No, he is not gone, however he is starting to talk about leaving. He told me that he wants to do other things, and may get someone else to run it. Like any master of his craft, I think it’s just a phase. He must realize people might riot if he left. Yes, it’s really been hit or miss the last couple months, but I’m happy to report he was there today and we still have him for now. I swear to you on everything holy that you have never had anything like this.
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Caroline says:
“I swear to you on everything holy that you have never had anything like this.” Darrin– wowsers — if you are that passionate, I have to go eat there!
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Ivan says:
The falafels are by far the best and are worth the wait. “sandwich” wraps are $7, “salads” (larger) are 10 bucks.
Leanne – Get there before 2:30 because he may sell out as early as 1:45.
The place on 20th is good. Philly Falafel is ok.
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
dibya says:
Is this truck still available.now it is feb 2008. I am new to philly and desperately looking to eat veggie falafel at a walking distance from my office in 16th street. any inputs would be great
March 30, 2007, 11:30 am
Tom says:
I ate there last about a month ago. If he’s not there, he’s probably just taking the day off – it’s worth the walk to check, but walk fast if it’s a short lunch hour, because the line can be killer. Mama’s Vegetarian is at 18 S 20th if he’s not around.
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