Delicious, Vegan & Budget-Friendly Street Treat

Curiously enough, Paris is home to some of the best falafel in the world: that prized, cheap, naturally vegan, and oddly delicious Middle-Eastern sandwich composed of deep-fried chickpea or fava bean balls, vegetables of some kind, sesame tahini and/or hummus, and other ingredients, depending on the regional version. Paris is most famous for its Israeli-style falafels, with several competitors found along the Rue des Rosiers in the old Jewish quarter of the Marais district.

Moreover, delicious Lebanese and Syrian varieties also abound in the city, and there are many fans of these cuisines alike. As a flexitarian who consumes very little meat, enjoying a weekend falafel in Paris has become a predictable ritual. Even meat-eating friends and family have become enthusiasts of these favorite Paris falafel joints. Enjoy, but make sure to eat carefully to avoid dribbling tahini – that’s considered quite gauche. Eating your falafel on the street, or in a nearby public garden, however, is entirely acceptable by Parisian standards, so there’s no need to worry.

L’As du Fallafel

Address: 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 48 87 63 60

I’ve tested most of the well-known falafel places in the city; however, for some reason, L’as du Fallafel– L’as meaning “ace”– consistently stands out as the gold standard. The boasting name, therefore, seems warranted. Perfectly fresh ingredients come together in just the right proportions to yield a falafel sandwich that combines crunch, creaminess, and a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. It’s consistently identified as one of the best food items Paris has to offer, and yet it only costs around $6 if you take it out on the street to eat. Although the lines may be long and the staff style somewhat brusque at times, getting that sandwich in hand and diving into it with a fork is worth every moment.

Chez H’Anna

Address: 54 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 42 74 74 99

Only a couple of corners down from “L’as” is my second-favorite place for a take-out falafel. Chez H’Anna’s version is similar to the aforementioned one but includes more crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots and cabbage, to the delight of some people. Moreover, it is slightly less greasy. I also prefer dining in if I want to enjoy a full sit-down meal, since the atmosphere at L’as can be noisy and hurried for my taste.

Opening Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. Closed on Mondays.

Chez Marianne

Address: 2 Rue des Hospitalières Saint-Gervais, 75004 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 42 72 18 86

Wedged between the first two restaurants on this list is Chez Marianne, also an excellent choice. I am personally less a fan of their take-out falafel sandwich, as I’ve found the ingredients to be a tad less fresh, and not always made to order. However, the experience in the dining room is much more pleasant. The falafel plates are delicious and beautifully presented. Furthermore, Chez Marianne offers a wide variety of traditional Eastern European Jewish cakes, strudels, and sweets, catering to those with a sweet tooth. Another significant advantage is that it’s open every day of the week, unlike many neighboring falafel restaurants on Rue des Rosiers.

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 12:00 pm-12:00 a.m.

Comptoir Mediterranee

Address: 27 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 43 29 45 77

Heading over the Seine river to the Latin Quarter, one of my favorite places for the Lebanese-style version of the falafel sandwich is the Comptoir Mediterranee. This locale is run by a delightful and warm Franco-Lebanese individual named Richard Sahlani, who has been part of the culinary scene for years. If you’re in search of a light lunch or snack, head to the traiteur at the Comptoir Mediterranee. The Lebanese falafel is generally lighter than the Israeli counterpart, wrapped in a traditional flatbread known as “lavash,” and complemented by parsley, tomato, cumin, and onion salad or tabbouleh.

Opening Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am-10:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Maoz Fallafel

Address: 36 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 43 26 36 00

If you’re touring around the city center, near Notre Dame Cathedral or St-Michel, and desire a healthy vegetarian snack, consider heading to Maoz. This global chain offers a more assembled approach, allowing you to pile your pita high with as many goodies as you like and omit anything you prefer not to include. While it receives a lower rating for flavor and overall satisfaction, it provides a healthy, satisfying meal.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.