Da Falafel King Food Truck

I saw the food truck all the time for several months, and then one day it disappeared. I was kind of sad, cause I never got a chance to try it, until I finally googled DFK and saw they had opened up a real restaurant (where Diego’s Taco Shop used to be).
It’s a bit pricey ($ 10−13/person) even at lunch, but they do make a good shawarma. I’m not TOO big on their falafel, but it is good. Their pita is very good and their sauces and fillings are very tasty. They have a selection of israeli salads, and they are good. It seems that they don’t do the shaved shawarma on a spit, but roast smaller pieces of meat and cut it up.
The fried pita chips are bomb. They are so good. And when you get them fresh, wow. They’ve always given out a small plate while waiting for takeout.
I have a filled out Da Falafel King Club Card as proof of this place’s merit. I need to go back sometime and redeem it.

MOVED AGAIN
Truck is gone, they opened a real brick & Mortar place, haven’t tried it yet, but I MISS the truck!

Excellent place to get a Falafel!
Im no expert when it comes to Arabic food, but i think the food served here is quite tasty and filling! This small restaurant off of king street can be a bit hard to miss if you’re not looking out for it. The Interior is quite small, and only has only enough seating for a handful of people. Immediately when you enter the restaurant there are pictures of the different types of Falafels available and their prices. The parking for us was coin parking on the street.
The Shashwarma Falafel is packed with a meat of choice, and comes with an assortment of fresh greens including red cabbage, tomatoes, and zucchini which all ad an extra crunch and crisp to the texture of the sand which. The pita itself was fresh warm and chewy. Prior to the dish being served there were a number of different sides. Most of the sides consisted of a different number of pickled vegetables. I think there was also a side dish comparable to potato salad.
I enjoyed this place because i think its a healthy and tasty place to grab a bit to eat for lunch. I agree with other Unilocalers in saying that the price range for a Falafel here is a bit much, but i can’t say that it wasn’t also filling. May consider coming back in the near future to try the combo meals and hummus.

I am giving this place only 3 stars even though I love the food because one thing I HATE is RUDE PEOPLE!
I will start with the pros before getting to the cons. My boyfriend had been here a few times before finally taking me to the truck on University. We both had the Shwarma since they were out of kabob. It took a while for them to make it but I guess it is made to order and the pita chips take long. Anyway, it was worth the wait and I like it very much. The shwarma had so much flavor and was loaded with ingredients. I couldn’t finish it because it was stuffed. The main highlight about this place is the pita chips. I think I get so full too because I kept eating pita chips. ORDER THE PITA CHIPS!
I have also been to the new King Street restaurant, ordered the falafel sandwich was also delicious but again did not finish it because the restaurant has mini appetizers included with your meal which made me full before I even got my sandwich. So make sure you are hungry when you go. The service here was fast and very good. Parking not so good.
Okay, now to my bitterness! I walked to the falafel king on University on a Monday and they were closed! I was so annoyed because I walked all the way over knowing they should be open and they were closed. I check the sign and it said… Sunday thru Wednesday 11am — 10pm. So of course I walked away a little bit annoyed but then when I got home my boyfriend said he called and the girl said they open at 6pm. He thought that was weird because that is not the opening time and she ended up being rude and giving him attitude, not even giving an explanation of why they were closed.
Good food but definitely not a fan of ATTITUDE!

Man oh MAN OH MAN.
I can’t even believe that I’m giving Da Falafel King two stars. It pains me to write this, so it’s a good thing I have health insurance #badhumor
What happened here? This truck across Pucks Alley used to be my favorite! Convenient, open late, and not to mention delicious falafel. But now… oh now…
The falafels have been dry, lacking of flavor, and over fried. The pita not as soft and warm, the fillings not as abundant…
The service? Non-​existent and SASSY. What the hell. I’m not a four year old and I can see through your fake attempts at smiling and being welcoming. It’s not working, and makes me in a sour mood especially when you’re taking 40 minutes to make a sandwich that is (close your ears children) shitty.
Speaking of time, that has also gone down hill. I understand if it takes 40 minutes to make me my sandwich if there are other people before me, and I’ll even understand if I get the same amazing, moist falafels that I used to receive, but I DON’T. And when the boyfriend and I are the only ones to order, there should not be a wait that long for a a pita full of disappointment.
Honestly, greed and too much ambition has overtaken Da Falafel King in my opinion.
Opening the third sit down restaurant so soon seems to have made the quality get neglected at other locations where the owners are not around as much. Maybe they don’t have the time to train the new employees properly? Or maybe they have the stand and truck micromanaged by others? Either way, something has changed, and not for the better.
If they had only two locations and were able to keep an eye on the way their new employees were doing things, and better train them with time and diligence, then I’m sure I’d still be eating delicious, fried chickpeas. But until them I am stuck with memories.
I still enjoy the food, but not here at this truck. It’s just gone so below what they used to be, I don’t even crave it and I live a block away!
Quality has gone down, prices are still high high high.
I recommend going to the sit down location, although it’ll cost you an arm, leg, and the entirety of your wallet. Why? Because most likely Aviv and her husband will be there. That = better food, better service.

I’ll preface this by saying I had a great experience at their new restaurant location (where the old Diego’s was on King). The visit to the truck across Varsity. a huge MEH.
Sorry fellas, you need to step up your game. For the most expensive food truck food I’ll every buy, it could have at least been really good or fast! Unfortunately, my experience last night was neither!
I understand you take great care to make each order individually (SLOWLY like snail’s pace slow) where you fry each individual order of pita chips every time someone orders it — at least you are apologetic and nice about it.
When I ordered my food to go and you asked if you could give me a frozen pita so I could warm it up myself at home? I know you offered to go ahead and warm it after you saw the look on my face but at this point, I figured you couldn’t be bothered to do it yourself so nevermind.
I got home, famished and excited to tear into our food after waiting about 40 minutes total (REALLY!!!) and it was sadly so bland I had to douse it all in siracha to eat it. It was a bunch of texture but NO flavor whatsoever.
Our order of hummus, 2 shwarmas (and we got the free combo for one with the check-​in offer) was $ 29… not cheap eats.
To add insult to injury I couldn’t use my Akamai buys because you don’t have a scanner for the qr code provided or any other way to redeem the coupon… seems there could be some way to rectify this as you have a laptop right in my face streaming music.
Overall a terrible experience. If I didn’t have this certificate to use i’d never go back.

I ran into this little gem at their food stand on University close to H1 and the Varsity theater. It was a laid back Sunday around 11 AM and I was walking past just as it was setting up. I saw the conveniently placed menu on the sidewalk and it looked so good I couldn’t pass it up! And good I waited around because wow! Service with Aloha and super delish food. What we call in the islands «Ono Grinds»! Fresh, hot, and as other reviews said, amazingly great food! Since then I’ve had the everything on the menu. My favs are a tie between the Shawarma and the Baba Ghanoush. Yummy goodness in pita pockets and topped with a tahini sauce that «broke da mout». (See staff for translation.) As for sides, the Pita Chips were just perfect. Made from the tops of the pita pocket that are cut away when your sandwich is prepared, it’s seasoned, gently fried until it’s soft on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Comes with humus for dipping! And it’s all kosher so the food is of the highest quality. Oh! And it’s super reasonably priced!
Can’t say enough about this place. I ran into them again at Israel Day Hawaii Festival in downtown Honolulu a few weeks later and it had the longest line in the place and for good reason. You just can not go wrong here. Whether a veggie or a carnivore, this place is a must. Todah Da Falafel King!

What a hidden gem! This is a tiny mom and pop restaurant nearby old stadium park. The service here was super awesome, with the waitress answering all of our questions and aiding us in ordering great food. We ended up getting the sampler platter with the shawarma, falafel and the chef special of the day-​fish! ALL of it was super delicious! Probably one of the best falafel’s I’ve ever had on island. The fish was super tasty as well, great with the pita bread! And the shawarma, which I had no idea what it was before the Avengers/​eating here, was also delicious as well.
The dine in menu came with a great set of appetizers, probably 6 different types (sorry I can’t remember the names of them all!) and the also gave us some awesome coffee to try as well! Super delicious! Again, what a great find!
Ps, cash only here! And they are closed on saturdays!

NEW LOCATION! corner of University Avenue + Coyne Street. They’re located on the site of old Varsity Theater and within close proximity to the Varsity Building (da circle office building). If you’re still lost, they’re right across from the old Bank of Hawai’i + Bubbies Ice Cream.
Unilocal CHECK-​IN OFFER! With any sandwich purchase, receive a FREE combo offer ($ 3 value). Includes your choice of pita chips or fries AND a drink (water, juice, etc.)
CASH ONLY!
SEATING AREA W/​SHADE! They have a pop-​up tent + a few small tables w/​chairs to kick back + relax if you choose.
WHY 3 STARS? ‘Cuz I only wen sample da seasoned fries, neva read Unilocal reviews + should’ve gotten da pita chips. Got da falafel fo’ my boyfriend, but he only ate da innards ‘cuz he’s on a temporary vegan diet + I got to eat da fluffy + luscious pita … 3 hours after I ordered it. Definitely warrants a revisit to eat da ting fresh, so I can give it an honest review.
REVIEW #216

Came upon this food truck while at a workshop today. My coworkers and I were actually on our way to The Greek Corner as we were passing by, but I remembered the colors of the truck from ETS a few months ago. I told my coworkers we should eat here instead since the falafels and pita chips were really tasty.
The two girls in the truck were beyond nice! The girl taking our order asked if we had eaten there before and I said I had and the other two hadn’t. They were nice enough to whip up a couple of samples of the falafel patty and pita chips for us. We all ordered a #1 combo, which comes with a falafel sandwich, drink, and choice of pita chips or fries.
We waited for about 20 minutes for our order and they were accommodating enough to pack our stuff to go and give a side of tahini sauce and hot sauce.
The sandwich was great and we all thoroughly enjoyed them. One of my coworkers commented on how many parties we were given. I liked the combination of flavors that were in the sandwich. Never had jalapeños or pickles falafel before, which gave the sandwich a kick.
Now that I know there’s a location outside of Waikiki, will definitely be back again.

Oh wow, yum!
We parked across the street at Long’s and scooted over to place our order. We ordered the hummus and pita, a gyro with eggplant and hardboiled egg, and a falafel gyro with pita chips on the side. Everything was so fresh, tasty, and filling — just amazing.
I am already planning a trip back for more pita chips — they are a must try!
The pretty young ladies working were also super nice and friendly — all around a great experience.

Delicious Mediterranean food — you know it’s legit when the guy who was there before you was wearing a yarmulke and highly recommends the stuff.
The falafels are perfect: They’ve got awesome crunch without any greasy flavor. You can order them on the side (accompanied by hummus) or in a sandwich — delicious either way, though the thick, warm pita that encompasses the sandwich form does get to be bit filling. We also got the kebab (beef and lamb) sandwich just to try something other than falafel; it was good, but next time I’ll stick with what they’re named after, since they’re that good at it!
You must, must, must also try the pita chips. We were only slightly tempted by the photo. .. but then they brought us piping hot samples. Wow. How could NOT order a plate then? Crispy, with just the right amount of seasoning (unlike the fries that came with our combos, which I found to be too salty for my taste).
The couple who runs the truck are SO cute and nice. They are accommodating in every way, from trying to make sure you have enough shade to loading you up with samples. Heck, I would want to support them even if the food weren’t awesome (though, thank goodness, it is).
Speaking of making sure you have enough shade, though. .. That’s the one thing that doesn’t really work for Da Falafel King at this time. They have a small seating area between the truck and the sidewalk, but this is Honolulu, and it is super hot at high noon. Right now, they have a standing umbrella to provide some level of comfort, but it’s really only capable of shading a couple of people at a time. The man assured us they’re working on a more permanent solution. I hope so, ’cause we can’t wait to go back!

YUMM! I was looking to try somewhere new today, so I consulted my «bookmarks». I drove into the parking lot and double-​parked. I decided on a falafel sandwich. It was a beautiful day out, but I decided to eat at home.
While I was waiting, the guy (owner?) came over to me three different times. First, with a pita chip sample. Next, with a falafel ball, and then with the return punch-​card.
It was a very good falafel, but hold the pickles. I will definitely be back to try other items on the menu.

I’m gonna be honest, the owner’s wife is beautiful. She’s basically the only reason why I ate here.
JUST KIDDING! Well… she’s not the ONLY reason.
Thomas O. finally took me here to devirginize me of my falafel. He took me right to DA KING (get it?)
Is it weird that I wanted to smother my face in this delicious pita pocket? Everything tasted fresh, vegetables were crisp, the pita bread was soft, and after I finished eating, I didn’t feel bad at all.
I love the seating area, nice and cool, perfect for falafel.
For the price, you really do get a bang for your buck!

Holy smokes this place is ono! I had the kebab pita and talk about a flavor bomb in the mouth. It was so yumtastic. The pita barely contain all the goodies that was stuffed inside. The meat was well seasoned and the accompanying veggies worked perfectly together (did I mention how tasty it is). Then let’s talk pita. I could just eat the pita, this is the ultimate flat bread. Nicely chewy yet still soft and did not fall part as I ate my sandwich.
I also ordered a side of falafel (I had to at a place called Da Falafel King). Let’s just say if all vegetarian food tasted this good the world would have one more vegetarian (um, I think).
The two people working the food stand gave great customer service. Both the workers checked in on my friend and I even after we got our food.
Oh I could go on and on, but bottom line just go and eat here.

I just got back from the doctors office and I have some good news and I have some bad news… you may want to sit down for this…
The bad news is I am diagnosed with an extremely rare disease called Dafalafelkingitus, also known as DFK.
Some of its symptoms include random thoughts of delicious pickles, hallucinations of overstuffed pita pockets and sudden urges to drive to world’s end (Moiliili) for perfectly fried falafel.
This is a serious disorder and from what the doctor says, the only way to treat it is to satisfy my urges as soon as they appear. The only problem with that is, when I go back to see Joe for another sandwich, I devour it only to want more and more and more!!! My cravings and urges get stronger by the day and each falafel I bite into.
Oh yeah, the treatment is going to be expensive and since this disease is so rare, only research treatment can be implemented, meaning my insurance doesn’t cover it.
The good news is that Joe is such a friendly guy, I don’t really mind stopping by his truck often. I also like that falafel is completely vegan and totally one of those middle eastern foods that I LOVE so damn much.
Da Falafel King has the BEST falafel I’ve ever had! Even compared to ones I’ve had in New York, these balls are too legit to quit!
I was working the booth @ the New Years Ohana Festival and guess what I had during and after? FALAFEL KING. Probably would have had them before too if they were open.
DASS WASSUP. I tried the shawarma sandwich on my way home and I have to say, I like the falafel better. Although I took it go, I opened it immediately when I got into my car, poured the tahini allll over and noshed that pocket like a diabetic with low blood sugar. It was delicious, but not as warm as I expected it to be.
But boy did it satisfy… that’s all I ate for the rest of the night and murder she wrote.

Dear Emi, we had a standing lunch date and I know the holidays got in the way… so please forgive me for visiting Da Falafel King without you (we were in the area and I couldn’t resist the temptation of fresh falafels) :p
I should have re-​read Emi’s review before coming though because our GPS took us to the wrong side of the street. After we found street parking, we walked around the corner and were greeted warmly by the guys running Da Falafel King.
I wasn’t too hungry so I ordered a side of falafels (4 pieces) and my bf ordered the kebab sandwich. The kebab sandwich was a good size. It smelled wonderful and tasted pretty delicious! The meat was juicy, the salad was flavorful, and pita tasted super fresh. The falafels were crispy and paired perfectly with the hummus.
Definitely a great, healthy, snack or meal :)

There’s a new KING in town! Falafels, shawarmas and those seasoned fries will make me hunt this blue bus down again.
Everything is cooked to order so bring extra patience with you as you wait between Down to Earth and the Moilili Community Center/​Le Flowers for your order to come out.
While a bit pricey ($ 8 for sandwich), my Unilocaly buddy Kyle H. insisted I try the (vegan) falafel because it would be more filling. FALAFEL!?? I had to ask Joe (the chef in the bus) what exactly was in it because I didn’t remember falafels tasting that good. YUMMMM. The falafels are chickpeas that are FRESHLY deep fried without any breading to a nice crispy brown outside while remaining quite moist and tasty on the inside! This is the best tasting vegan thing I’ve tasted in a long time and you know I don’t normally praise anything that doesnt cluck or moo when it comes to food.
The shawarma ($ 11) is seasoned chicken/​lamb for my fellow carnivores. It is delicious and the hummus that adorns it is nothing short of awesome too. I don’t normally like hummus.
This one gets 5 stars because I can not think of ONE place that serves better falafels here than Da Falafel King. Can you?
HOURS: When I went, the hours were 11a-​3pm, but I drove past it today around 5pm and they were still open, so I’m not sure what the real hours are now.

I have often wondered whether I should hug or hit Nimai W for introducing me to Da Falafel King via a Unilocal review. I had gone to their Waikiki location, eaten an $ 11 sandwich and was hooked. The problem was that there is no parking and I was never able to get back there again. I thought about it for months and it was like the best one night stand EVER, but my hook-​up had a girlfriend. Nooooooo!!! (Shaking fists in the air)
Then Nimai W wrote another review that Da Falafel King had opened up a second location right in Moili’ili. Hallelujah! The very next day I sped down to their new truck and ordered up two shaarma sandwiches for me and my BF. For first timers, the truck is wedged in the parking lot between Down To Earth and the Moili’ili Thrift store. The set-​up is kind of rinky dink but the guys working the truck are so freaking nice. Even though I didn’t want to chit chat (because I was a bit stressed from my day), they wooed me with their free pita chips and a sampling of hummus and fries. Oh yes, sweet talk and free food will go a long way with me! I’m not ashamed to admit that my affections can be won over quite easily! (Take note suitors and anyone wishing to win my favor)
I ran into Unilocalers Kyle H and Mike W who had also read Nimai’s review and decided to grab lunch. I almost said «You’ll hate Nimai W after today because these sandwiches are like crack.» But as they would have thought I was insane I decided against it. I went home and promptly gobbled up my $ 11 shaarma sandwich without breathing in-​between bites. My BF just watched and chuckled. I think my first sandwich in Waikiki was tastier because it had more cabbage and pickles, but for the moment I will take what I can get. It is true what they say, locals need parking.
I’m not sure if Da Falafel King will be able to sustain their $ 11 sandwich price point considering they are located in Moili’ili. But I am sure that the guys at the truck will continue to woo us with their tasty pita chips. I am also 110% positive that I think the world of Nimai W for he is a wonderful and generous person, BUT I’ll always blame him for my $ 11 sandwich addiction. You suck Nimai W (shakes fists in the air) but you’re my homey (sends magical air hug)!
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #100/​365 (The Damn You Nimai W)

***10/​31/​12 Temporarily Closed***
Check out the King St restaurant:
Or the Waikiki stand:
***
Yes, my friends, it’s true! Da Falafel King has found itself a new and improved second location on South King. Located in the parking lot between the Mo’ili’ili Community Center building (the Thrift Store) and Down to Earth, there is now plenty of free parking. They just opened shop, so their set up is a work in progress, but it’s pretty sweet as it is now. Even though it’s right off of King St, there’s a small buffer that separates you from the traffic, it works. There are several tables and sets of chairs, as well as an umbrella. They currently operate out of a vibrantly painted truck.
I walked over there today to check them out. The food is as good as ever! I had the a small feast of shawarma, falafel, pita chips, babaghanush, hummus and olives. The shawarma was deliciously seasoned, very flavorful. The falafel was freshly made, warm and moist with a crunchy exterior. The pita chips with their unique seasoning and the hummus, was to die for. And although I can rarely stomach eggplant, that babaghanush was fantastic, very nice texture/​consistency and one of the two had a great roasted flavor.
The menu looks to be about the same as the Waikiki location with the same prices as well. Although I don’t think they do the late night kosher dogs.
Prices… It pains me to say this, but you will pay a price for this deliciousness. This won’t make it onto the «Food for Broke College Student» «EatingontheCheap» «Under $ 5» lists. But in their defense, please, stop comparing it to falafel stands in the big cities, on the mainland. Of course it’s gonna be more expensive. All of our food is! Compare local apples to local apples.
Current prices as of Dec 2011:
Falafel– $ 8
Sabich– $ 8
Pita Chips (plate) — $ 6.50
Shawarma– $ 11
Kebab– $ 11
Hummus (plate) — 7.00
Add $ 3 to make it a combo with a drink and fries.
As of December 2011, the hours at the King St. location are just 11am-​3pm M-​F, closed on Saturday, 11am-​3pm Sunday. Much more limited than their Waikiki location, so if you get the night cravings like I do, you’ll have to hit up Kuhio Ave.
Food, atmosphere, service, A+. Da Falafel King is still one of my favorite spots in town, and it just got better.