Falafel Food Truck Levels Up in West Seattle

Eater broke the news last summer that popular food truck Falafel Salam had set sights on opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Now owner Shimi Kahn says he’s signed a lease for the former Yummy Teriyaki space at 4746 California Ave SW in West Seattle.

Kahn says the space doesn’t need much remodeling, so the turnaround should be fast — still, he’s at the mercy of the city’s chronically backlogged permitting system.

Kahn’s restaurant will offer a counter service and deli “which is very popular in Tel Aviv. We can focus on making great food and not worry about table service.”

Expect the same menu as the truck (falafel sandwiches with shwarma and lamb gyro, rice bowls, combination platters, dolmas, hummus, and garlic fries) plus “several new additions as well as a weekend brunch menu that will include shakshuka, lamb poutine, French-Arab toast,” and more. Local, organic ingredients will feature heavily and the restaurant will offer grab-and-go options for all of its food.

A native of Israel, Kahn first built a following for his falafel and fresh pita at the Fremont Sunday Market in 2009, later adding a food truck and a catering arm. The food truck locations and farmers market stands will continue to operate as normal after the restaurant opens.

“We're all really excited to make this dream come true and introduce this great Middle Eastern street food concept to Seattle's already amazing food scene,” Kahn says.