FALAFEL REVIEW: Chick P

My search for the best falafel in New York continues….

SADLY, CHICK P IS NOW CLOSED.

I do my best to keep a low profile when I’m out revewing a new dish. But every once in a while, a waiter or cashier catches me in the midst of taking a photograph and their interest has been piqued.

That’s exactly what happened when I took the above photo of the facade of Chick P in Prospect Heights. I didn’t realize how on-display I was, but the owner caught me taking a photo and wanted to know where I was from. I hate being put on the spot like that. I told him Brooklyn and that I just like documenting my meals. All which is sort of true.

Now I had to be extra careful about how I examined the falafel, which is almost impossible in this tiny cubicle of a restaurant. I also got the best customer service I have had at a falafel joint in a long time.

Chick P is one of two newish Middle Eastern spots in the Prospect Heights area specializing in all things chickpea. This one is Israeli-owned and in addition to falafel, they do all sorts of hummus dishes with different toppings and spreads.

But, of course, I was eager to try their falafel. Since they offer it in three different varieties (a very popular Israeli option in NYC), I got the Deluxe sandwich which comes with two of each type of falafel: Classic Forever, Red Hot Chili, and Popeye Delight.

On the side, I was given extra pickles, olives, and tahini sauce – just in case I wanted some for the middle of the sandwich. I thought that was a genius move.

Fire was the first sensation from the nicely composed sandwich. Evidently the top two falafel were the Red Hot Chili and they were no joke.  I appreciated that the party started fast and furiously, but the serious heat made it difficult to taste the rest of the sandwich. I would have prefered the red chili-laden falafels to be closer to the bottom. That’s how a true tasting should end – not how it should begin.

But the tahini, tomatoes, and cucumber helped cool things down by the time I got to the other two. I thought the green falafel, dubbed Popeye Delight, because it was stuffed with spinach and mushroom, was nice and savory with earthy, vegetal overtones.

The Classic was indeed classic and like the others, had a consistent crunch that aided in allowing the flavor of the chickpea shine.

Even after I tried all three falafel flavors, there were still many more outstanding ingredients to encounter in the sandwich. Bright purple cabbage, an excellent hummus, and a richly caramelized eggplant slice were among the other treasures.

I was impressed with Chick P – their falafel had all the right crunchy components and blend of earthy flavors – but like a true professional, when asked how my meal was, I kept my poker face and my camera as hidden as possible.

Does Chick P have the best falafel in NY? All three were excellent and as advertised and I was amazed they stayed crunchy throughout the sandwich so for that and for the quality ingredients they earn an 8 out of 10.