Known for crispy falafel & juicy chicken shawarma [1]. A decade-long favorite, starting as a cart [2, 3]. Complimentary falafel sample w/ orders [4].
This Queens-based Middle Eastern eatery is a long-standing favorite, with a history stretching back to its origins as a food cart [1, 2]. They are celebrated for their flavorful and crispy falafel, often given as a complimentary sample while you wait [1, 3]. The chicken shawarma is also a highlight, noted for its juiciness and perfect seasoning [1]. It's a place that has maintained a loyal following for over a decade, with many considering it a top spot for halal food in the city [4].
The star of the show is the falafel, described as crispy, flavorful, and often served as a complimentary sample while you wait [1, 2]. The chicken shawarma is also highly recommended, praised for its juiciness and excellent seasoning [1]. While many customers consider it a top-tier Middle Eastern and halal food destination, with some enjoying it for over a decade [3, 4], a few reviewers have noted a potential inconsistency or decline in quality over time [5, 6]. The 'Ashley platter' is also mentioned as a recommended dish [7].
"The crispy falafel and juicy chicken shawarma are consistently recommended, with the falafel often described as the best in Astoria [1, 2]. The 'Ashley platter' is also a suggested item to try [3]."
Customers consistently praise the flavorful and crispy falafel, with some calling it the best they've ever tasted [1, 2]. The chicken shawarma is also a frequent favorite, noted for being juicy and well-seasoned [1]. While many consider it a long-time favorite, a few recent comments suggest a possible decline in quality compared to its earlier days [3, 4].
Important Note
Some diners have noted that the quality may have declined from its earlier days as a food cart, with a few recent comments suggesting inconsistency [1, 2]. The Midtown location was mentioned as being a bit pricey at $14 for a falafel/shawarma combination [3].
"King of Falafel was listed as a potential food discovery in Astoria for ferry rides."
Neutral"Suggests getting chicken over rice from King of Falafel in Astoria."
Positive"Suggests getting chicken over rice from King of Falafel in Astoria."
Positive"The commenter recommends the brick and mortar location of King of Falafel, stating the falafel is always hot and fresh. They also mention that the staff often provides a sample while you wait."
Positive"King of Falafel and Schwarma in Queens is suggested as a potential place that fries falafel to order, noting that the items are always hot and seem fresh from the fryer."
Positive"This user mentions King of Falafel is a short walk away and has transitioned from a cart to a storefront. They also recommend exploring Steinway Street for other highly-rated halal food options like Duzan or Zyara."
Positive"This comment suggests King of Falafel as a good alternative to The Halal Guys and Adel's in Astoria, noting it has fewer wait times. A website for reviewing halal carts is also provided."
Positive"The user believes King of Falafel & Shawarma serves authentic shawarma, distinguishing it from 'fake Greek stuff'."
Positive"The user lives near King of Falafel & Shawarma and finds it consistently solid."
Positive"The user believes King of Falafel & Shawarma was better over a decade ago when they operated as a cart on Broadway in Astoria, and quality declined after opening the restaurant."
Negative"The user likes King of Falafel & Shawarma but finds it a long trip from Brooklyn."
Positive"The user acknowledges that Duzan was also highly recommended and turned out to be a great experience."
Positive"The user states that King of Falafel & Shawarma's food was extremely dry and that Duzan nearby is a much better option."
Negative"The user praises the marinated chicken thighs at King of Falafel & Shawarma, enjoying them with salad, pickled vegetables, and chopped pita, also noting the good Palestinian salad."
Positive"The user misses King of Falafel & Shawarma and thanks the poster for the mention, which brings back memories from Astoria."
Positive"In response to criticism of King of Falafel & Shawarma, the user questions the palate of critics and defends the restaurant, finding it superior to Duzan."
Positive"The user has tried King of Falafel & Shawarma twice and plans to return to try other menu items."
Neutral"The user believes King of Falafel & Shawarma has declined in quality and was one of their go-to spots previously."
Negative"The user suggests that King of Falafel & Shawarma is past its prime, with better options available in Astoria now."
Negative"The user states that King of Falafel & Shawarma 'slaps'."
Positive
