How Mamoun’s Became The Most Legendary Falafel In NYC | Legendary Eats
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ย. 2019
- The original Mamoun's Falafel has been serving Middle Eastern staples to customers in New York City’s Greenwich Village since 1971. Insider producer Medha Imam visits Mamoun’s to try their legendary falafel, see how they’re made, and learn the history behind the beloved institution.
For more, visit:
mamouns.com/
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How Mamoun’s Became The Most Legendary Falafel In NYC | Legendary Eats
![[UNCUT] ฝันรักห้วงนิทรา | EP.8 (4/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RDYJYiDwsj0/mqdefault.jpg)
A shout to all the wonderful immigrants that makes the US great ;)
THATONE KIDISBACK Fr
johnny chang yes, that what makes the U.S great , is all the different cultures people have and shared :)
Technically, except native people, other ones are and were immigrants from somewhere.
About who is legal or not, slavery was legal till not many time ago, so ...
@@thatonekidisback9223 Go back inside your rat hole 😡
Lol you ain't lying
My father used to take us here when I was a kid. It will always remind me of my dad and the special memories of going there. The falafel is DELICIOUS!!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Jesus Christ is the Living God he is Real and he healed me he wants us all to live Forever and Ever with him in Heaven but we cannot let our sin separate us from his Perfect love


Mamouns is legit. Everything they serve in top notch. I ate there twice a week for two years.
How did you have time to eat there twice a week!! Looks packed everyday
@@VS-bc7ty I worked two blocks away. They move quick. Nyc style
Why'd you stop?
@@sadiakhann didn't work in the neighborhood anymore
@@VS-bc7ty Falafel is a fast food, we don't have hotdog stands in my place but I guess they are the same speed.
In the beginning i thought to myself "I wish all Americans and others could taste authentic felafel in my country, Syria!". Then the the presenter said that Mamoun immigrated from Syria. So he brought Syria to NYC in a sense 😅❤️
Medha's voice sounds like one of Disney characters. Lovely.
My dad used to come here in the 80s and has been taking me there since I was 6. Used to order and then sit to eat around the corner in front of the NYU law building. I’m now 25. Still the same. BEST place ever. Living in NYC now and away from my father, still come to this place a lot.
Love this comment. So many good memories!
The hammer on the wall and the heart picture has been there from the early 90s.....🗣extra salsa(tahini) my fav place
When I lived in NYC Mamoun’s was one of my favorite places to eat. Everything on the menu was excellent quality as well as an excellent value. Glad to see it still is. I guess the first time I ate there was when he first opened in 1971. Who’d have thought it still would be there and thriving fifty years later!
And the line sometimes hits the corner. Still in the same little hole in the wall. They now have another location in the village but IT'S NOT THE SAME.
As a Syrian🤪 Can’t believe this man is Syrian. That falafel shop makes me so proud 😂💗💗
His father is Syrian but his sons look like they are mixed with white.
Many Syrians and many other Arabs from the Levant can pass for white.
Ali who said that Syrian are black ! So mean
Ali So racist
Yana Haj saleh Salam I am Syrian
Wait a minute, $4?! I really have to give big respect to a business that gains a strong foothold, but stays commited to good value. Here in Dublin, anything like that would cost at least twice as much.
I thought I heard wrong, $4!?
@@UltraHanisah was only $2 for the longest time
@@cheezus9625 crazy!!
In canada four times as much
Plus tax
Dude Mamouns is amazing but I’m talking about the Schwarma!!! The falafel is great but if you go there get yourself a schwarma first and foremost.
My fav shawarma 😍😍
Gotta agree
*Yiros in Australia
Calisto Riviera shawarma*
I went there for the first time this past Christmas for the falafel and I thought it was pretty good as I'm not a fan of falafel. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll try the shawarma.
The different cultures and traditions, and especially their food, are a blessing-a wonderful blessing!
Mamoun's is so good and so cheap! I had no idea it was one of the first falafel places in NYC. Even though inflation's gotten to it a bit (the sandwich is more like $5.50 now), it's still the cheapest great quality meal around NYU.
I have recently worked for Mamouns’s falafel on the upper west side a few months ago. the food is still amazing🤩
I hope they are still thriving after this pandemic. So many restaurants have closed permanently.
They are!! 🤞
Yep. They are! I get food from there still.
I'm Syrian refugee living in Germany
very proud to see some from our people , who are sharing this piece of Love , which named Falafel .
immigration is not that bad for who's says that Arab can't be good integrated .
I'm really excited to trying Falafel in NY .
That's what makes New York City great, it's multicultural. We are all one family
Its not about the possibilty to integrate but the will.
Syrians have a long and great history in America. My great grandmother's family came to the USA from Syria on a boat more than 100 years ago.
Yeah we all have seen how well the immigrants are assimilating with the native crowds in Europe…lol! What a joke😂
NYC street kid veteran here: Mamoun's kept me strong with what little i had in my pockets. thanks papa mamoun!
If your falafel isn't that deep green color on the inside, it's definitely cheaper on the herbs and seasonings. The greener the inside, the better. 👍🏻
No im lebanese and the best falafels are here better tham mamouns ours are yellow ive tasted all of em but the yellow ones are so tasty
@@sciencescience2319 I'm Lebanese too but we make em green on the inside, very herbaceous, so I have to admit sheghlon kwais 😌
@@sciencescience2319 I'm a Palestinian, yellow Falafel is more dry and hard, it did not succeed in my city (Gaza) and we only have green Falafel now.
we even have different variations of it, there is the traditional shape like in the video, there is a more elongated version which is easier to spread in a sandwitch, but there is also a large falafel the size of Kubba (Kubbeh in Lebanese) with some onion inside, this one doesn't need any extra salads since the onion is spiced and makes the bite more soft instead of the regular dry that needs a sauce to soften it.
@@sciencescience2319 I work in a restaurant in north New York and our falafel is a green and yellow and it's so good, I never knew about it until I moved here
Isnt it like to do with different types of Chickpeas??
Falafel is to NYC as street tacos are to LA: it's not American in the traditional sense, but have become popular over time and are now one of the signature foods of that city.
I can say this as an LA guy and a vlogger.
honestly, for NYC I would probably say its a slice of pizza
good way to put it into perspective, i've never have a falafel but i'm from LA and i pretty much have authentic street tacos all the time
@@monkii3814 Thats true.
@@cryptogf tacos in la are great. I plan to document it soon in my vlog!
I subbed bc I feel bad for you
Anytime you see lines like that at a hole in the wall place it’s going to be great. This seems like a no brainer for a worldwide franchise rollout. 🌎
Their hot sauce on the Falafel is point too. I miss working at the Astor Place station.
Yeah, that's what I'm hear to find out about, I want to know how to make that hot sauce
James Lapierre so many good food options around there
Mamoun’s is great. I had no idea they had that many locations. I remember going to the St. Marks one when it was a small hole in the hole & to the newer larger location a few doors down. For that branch, the freshness & consistency has gotten better since their move. Glad to see it’s still a well run family business.
I remember about 10 years ago a drop of their hot sauce was deadly spicy. They definitely changed the recipe since then to something more tame & eatable.
It's halal, vegan and low calories. That's the beauty of Mamoun's falafel. It can unite people
What is halal?
@@nefertaricater2361 everything. the bread , the falafel and the salat. all halal
What is low calories lol
@@nefertaricater2361 think of it as the same concept as Kosher
how's it low calories if it's fried plus the bread?
Mamouns stayed open through the past few months. Kept me sane.
Went to college in New Haven in the 90’s.... Mamoun’s has always been my gold standard for falafel and hummus....20 years later + interwebs = drooling and learning its a chain? May I suggest expansion north to Boston area??? ❤️❤️❤️❤️
They're not waffling around with these Falafel!
@Maria Shamim Hey thanks!
Double down fried donut
We only drove back in 2009 just to eat this falafel. And that was my first time going to NYC. Great experience
amazing to see what family-run can attain. love that those two brothers are a) co-owner and Front of House and b) co-owner and Culinary Director
OMG. This brings back so many memories.
OMG...the nostalgia.
Can confirm this is the best falafel I ever had...I lived around the block for years...it blew my mind..when i came back to NY this was my first stop...the real secret is the insane awesome hot sauce...you need to put the on there.
It’s probably Shatta..you’ll find a lot of great recipes if you look it up 👍🏼
@@shodyynaas5710 shatta? Thank You
The culture in NYC is absolutely beautiful! Immigrants are the reason NYC is what it is. Incredible food, people and vibes. It truly is the GREATEST city in the world! I cannot wait to try Mamouns the next time I am able to visit!
My mouth is watering. The girl gives such a great explanation of what makes the falafel so good. She's spot on about getting a bit of the falafel in every mouthful, it really makes the difference. I think quality of condiments esp tahini and chilli sauce matter, alot.
Wow ! I used to go there when I lived in NY !!! They do have a great falafel. It's literally a hole in the wall on McDougal St.
In the late 80s I'd park my van right across the street and pop in for a delicious falafel. It's great to see that McDougal St. still looks the same. That's the heart of the Village .
Been there lots when I lived in NYC, good to see it's still around.
As a vegetarian, I want to eat this once in my life.
I lived in east village several years ago and one of my favorite cheap meals was Mamoun’s on St. Mark’s.
Falafil In NYC.. i cant stop watering mouth after watching it..
Good job..keep going..
I hope I can go there someday soon! I Love Middle Eastern Food!!!
To whoever is reading this I hope you have a wonderful day and win the lottery
EDIT:
And no I am not just doing this for likes I am doing this to spread positivity and if your Muslim and u don’t gamble as it is haram I still said that I hope you have a wonderful day so stop complaining.
Leon Murphy Yeah 💪
Thank you , likewise doll 😇
God bless you!
Thank you and I hope you have nothing but happiness
th-cam.com/video/yOrjLpZ5Z38/w-d-xo.html
I miss NYC so much. Specially Brooklyn.
This looks delicious. It's on my food bucket list now to try out Mamoun's falafel sandwich when I visit New York.
WHY? Why do I watch such amazing food reviews and torture myself!!! 😭
You're not alone 🙈😁
Falafel, halal chicken and rice with tzatziki sauce, love the whole kit and kaboodle I want it all lol. Street cart food in NY can't be beat
I had Mamoun’s in 1973 when I moved into my first apartment on McDougal, will always remember those days fondly didn’t have a lot of money but I had my guitar, apartment in the village and Mamoun’s.
One of my all time Favorites!
I’ve never wanted hummus ever to want it Now 💯🌟
I would love to try it. I love the fact that they put more parsley. I live in the most popular falafel city in Sweden. We have falafel festivals...
Beautiful!!
Nice. I had so many of these when we lived in NYC. Delish!!
I had mamouns falafel in Hoboken nj and it was good. The garlic sauce with their fries or just on anything 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤 to die for
Mamouns. Extra tahini and hot sauce. So good!
I am missing this so much!!!!
Man, I used to love the place when I worked in village. Such an institution.
Falafel so amazing I love it😋🤤
Some great falalels in LA as well. I totally agree it tastes great
I was there on Friday!
I am an Israeli who loves Falafel since I was very young. Everytime I go back home to visit, I try more new places making Falafel. I must say, they make one of the best Falafel I have ever had.... period. Now, I go to the location in Princeton, NJ and bring home for dinner. Just incredible. Please don't stop making them.
Shut up terrorist
Literally the best falafel you'll ever taste. Just moved to Atlanta and was happy to see they have a location here and they have the same great taste! Do yourself a favor and pay one of their locations a visit
It's good but certainly not the best falafel you'll ever taste. There are many better places out there in the Middle East
Awesome
💗❤💙💜💛💚💕👍
Oh I must try this place one day!! Looks sooo delicious 🤤🤤
Great video and much love from Italy
Hello Italy!
Rockstar Eater Hi hi 😄
Welcome to America 🇺🇸 and to the big Apple 🍎for the day you arrive. Bon appetite. Sorry that's French, I believe it's Salud!
Amazing video and green falafel! Regards from Bulgaria!
This was one of my favorite places to eat when I went to NYU.
I’ve had the opportunity living in Saudia Arabia for two years. Falafel is a gift that I’ve been introduced to when I was there. I’ve travelled a lot since then and tried different falafel from different countries but nothing still beats the one from that Egyptian store there in Jeddah - they put fries, eggplant and boiled egg too which I’ve never seen in any of the falafel shops I’ve been after. I can’t wait to try this one when I visit New York.
Im in jeddah now and i think you are referring to al khaldiya falafel in al rawdah neighbourhood , it's great and cost like 1 dollar
I agree. The Egyptian falafel, Ta'ameya, is made with only split fava beans. Their version is said to be the original. I put them first, then Lebanese which is a combination of chickpea and fava beans. They also add Leek. So good!
Until this very second in my life I thought falafel was meat
U missing a lot, you should try it though
@California Hwy 1
No its not. Cheakpeas are amazing. fave beans are nasty and hard to digest😖 in North Africa we give give it to animals not for human consumption 😝
Same, I thought it meat based
Bruh I thought they were meatballs or somethin
Lots of dumb people in this world I guess.
Amazing 😍 Greetings from Scotland 😊 Have a wonderful day everyone 🌻
40 years back, when I lived in NY, I ate there many times. Delicious
Greetings from damascus everyone 💪🇸🇾
Love to Damascus, from Jerusalem! 🇮🇱💚🇸🇾
@@jonahs92 isnt israel fighting syria to expand their jewish Lebensraum so new settlers can occupy their land?
@@Pestbringer89 yes lmao
@@Pestbringer89 They have their own 'Hitlers Lebensraum/Livingspace)
@@jonahs92 you mean Palestine 🇵🇸
Best falafel: exists
Magnus: wants to know your location
This place rules!
This place is amazing
Awesome atmosphere, great food and the owners are very humble
There could be a whole episode on their legendary eponymous hot sauce….holy cow is it great and spicy!
I was watching the last segment at the end where they were just pouring that stuff on there and I was thinking there's nobody I know that could eat that much ;p You're right though, it is so flavorful that you want to keep eating it, but it is HOT. I put little dabs all over my sandwich so I can enjoy some in each bite.
Super video, awesome reviews .wish I could take the next flight to NY and land at mamouns . Be blessed
I love you Egypt love all your Food dishes , just miss you
I am so arab that from the look of the falafel i know its good
It all looks like wet, cut up grass lol
@@icantthinkofaname15 but good tho
@@icantthinkofaname15 except it's totally not wet lol. Moist yes but not wet.
You should try it
Me too and im 2% Moroccan lolol so not arab
@@icantthinkofaname15 you need to try it
This place is the jizz. Had many drunkin nights stumbling there from comedy cellar and we would rock their food.
Nick Proton G R O S S
This channel sure has alot of legendary restaurants covered
Loved this story
this place and the king falalfel are the best ... one is traditional egg shaped ... one is nyc version ... money green biatch
How I wanted to cry when she touched the stairs before sitting then grabbed the food with the same hand
Yeah gross. Should always wash hands before eating
The consistency is great, Nice and crispy on the outside & nice and moist on the inside 😏
Wow that customer at the start had an amazing smile
I have been coming to the original Mamouns location forever and it’s great. My go to is the shawarma which is outstanding!
Amazing work
Amazing story
Shout out to all those Hispanics ladies in the video in the kitchen
Bendiciones a mi gente !
Love this place. Haven't been there in over 10 years. At the time, $2 for the Falafel. At the time I didn't have much money so, Gray's Papaya for a dollar hot dog, a place on 10th Ave & 40th for a large one dollar slice and Mamoun's were my 'go to's.' I guess 4 or 5 bucks ain't a bad deal, today. Gotta take my wife to Mamoun's.
I don’t know how the algorithm is so freakishly on point. I just had a falafel and was thinking about what a great food it is …
bring Mamoun's to the UK !!!!
@Nina Sincheta fix up
UK has so many good falafel restaurants. Especially in London
@@mrsteam5515 Not so many in Wales unfortunately :(
There is a maumon’s in Hoboken in New Jersey as well
I’ve been here... it’s great... loved their chicken shawarma
4:13 shout out to that worker climbing that machine , going the distance for this fine cuisine!
I love this host😍 She's so sweet
Kle01 no she is curvy
@@leehyunsong7001 SHUT UP IDIOT!
I think the same!! 😄 She’s looks such a lovely person
@@leehyunsong7001 stafu
Rakka cafe on Saint Marks has my favorite falafel.
How awesome this is.
Watching this at 2021 makes me nostalgic.
I like these types of falafel with chickpeas but I honestly prefer tameya Egyptian falafel it’s not made from chickpeas it’s made form favs beans. Or sometimes I like a mix from both fava and chickpeas but the chickpea only falafel usually isn’t my go to but I still enjoy it
Same here
Is it just me or does Mamoun look like Ringo Starr?
Agreed
Miss Mamouns falafal shop in New Brunswick. Loved that shop
Legend has it that the falafel was first eaten by traders in ancient Egypt. They would grind the chickpeas into small patties perhaps with some garnish if times were good. On long journeys in desert they would reach into their satchel for a bite of the sacred treat if they sensed a tumble in their tummies. The rest is history…..
I AM SO HUNGRY NOW. DAMN, THAT LOOKS SO GOOD.
This is an Egyptian gift to the world ❤🇪🇬
Absolutely,for anyone who doesn't know the ancestor of Falafel called Ta'amiya which is similar to Falafel but instead of chickpeas it's made with Fava beans as it's national dish of Egypt and it still been used till now in some areas instead of the Shami Green Falafel.
Personally I like the stuffed Falafel,it's a little bigger than normal Falafel pieces but with spicy sauteed onions, super delicious.
Thank you Egypt!
Tamaya is not Falafel, one time two women from Egypt made tamaya at the mosque, they put bread and tamya and nothing else,. The Falafel sandwich .use have the following.
1 bread
2 Falafel
3 tomato
4 turnap pickel
5 green leaf
6 tahini sauce
@@user-ul1cx3eo3z I didn't say Ta'amiya is Falafel, all I said was that Ta'amiya is a possible ancestor of the Shammi Levant Falafel that we know and ubiquitous throughout the Middle east, of course there is a possibility it was made independently in the Levant region without any contact with the Egyptians and their tasty confection.
As for what you described above, it's the basic fundamental of the typical Falafel sandwich and i believe it's more of Lebanese style, some like it with French fries other like it with hot sauce instead tahini, it wouldn't matter, as it's still contains Falafel, personally I like to order Falafel by the dozens in a bag with freshly baked bread and some Hummus or Musabahah as a dipp for the morning breakfast with tea.
Nope. Yours is made from fava beans while the Palestinian / Syrian falafel is made from chickpeas. You gave us Moloukia and that good on its own
My daughter goes to college round the corner from Mamoun's and it is quite literally her food addiction! The price is more like $6.00 now. The falafel is DELICIOUS!
Falafels are one of my fave go to food after a night of drinking.