Located in the Jewish section in the Marais, this is the spot to go in Paris if you are looking for a falafel.
These are no ordinary falafel. They are giant, delicious , authentic, perfectly prepared falafel, with all the trimmings and fresh ingredients. And a bargain at 4.50 Euro that you can most certainly make a filling meal-and-a-half out of.
But you must be patient. Very patient.
There will most definitely be a very long line at the outside pick-up counter, which I highly recommend ordering from. You will not only get yours wrapped to go, which is perfect for eating while walking around the Marais area, but you'll get to watch them make your falafel.
Well, sort of.
First, they fish the lightly fried falafel balls from the fryer and put them in a wrap. Then like a flash of lightening, your wrap gets passed between several people crammed into the small counter area adding a spoonful of this, a handful of that and a big scoop of tahini and then a magician wraps it in foil and sticks it out the window.
These falafel makers are so good and so fast, it leaves you speechless.
Seriously. You are left standing there with your mouth gaping open not knowing how you wound up with a falafel in your hand. You just wish you would have paid closer attention so you could have some idea of what just transpired.
And if the mile long line outside doesn't convince you that it is the absolute best place in Paris for falafel, then how about a little testimonial.
My friend Susan, who lives in Israel, corrected me once on a travel forum when I bragged that L'as was the best falafel I ever had. Anywhere. She quickly corrected me, explaining that falafel is the national food of Israel and she seriously doubted that this L'as du Fallafel could possibly compare to their falafel.
A year later, she visited Paris, and of course had to sample L'as for herself. Soon after, I heard from her and don't ya know that she agreed!
And apparently, Lenny Kravitz a fan too?!
So, next time your in Paris and you want a cheap, filling, meal on the go, stop by L'as.
And keep your eyes open as you near the counter. You don't want to blink and miss all the action!
L'as du Fallafel
34 rue des Rosiers
Paris, 75004