Falafel Arax

"Open since 1980, Falafel Arax is another East Hollywood institution and home to some of our favorite falafel in the neighborhood. Seriously, we have an in-house company rule that if we’re ever within a half-mile radius of this tiny strip mall spot, a drop-in is mandatory. As the name suggests, the falafel is the star, but their shawarma is almost just as good. Luckily, you can just order the combo plate and get both at the same time. " - brant cox, sylvio martins

"This East Hollywood restaurant has become a bit of an institution over its four decades in business, bringing people from all over town to fight over a parking spot in the strip mall it calls home. The menu remains pretty straightforward, ideal for a quick lunchtime stopover, and consists of a few protein options like kebab, shawarma, and tender lamb tongue served on either a plate, pita, or fluffy sandwich roll. But the place is called Falafel Arax for a reason, and its Lebanese-style fritters are the definition of satisfyingly crunchy. The falafel is made from a smooth chickpea puree that is deceivingly simple but is actually very well-seasoned with its garlic and cumin really shining through. Take things up a notch by drowning these golden-brown bites in the shop’s delicious garlic sauce that’s tangy and potentially pungent enough to keep a date six feet away from you post-falafel - or at least if you lay it on like we do." - sylvio martins

"Open since 1980, Falafel Arax is another East Hollywood institution and home to some of our favorite falafel in the neighborhood. Seriously, we have an in-house company rule that if we’re ever within a half-mile radius of this tiny strip mall spot, a drop-in is mandatory. As the name suggests, the falafel is the star, but their shawarma is almost just as good. Luckily, you can just order the combo plate and get both at the same time. Food Rundown Falafel Plate There are some things we like about this plate, and then there are other parts that are kind of forgettable. The falafel has a light and creamy mix with hints of garlic and cumin, and comes with pickled turnips and yellow peppers. But the lettuce side salad with its dousing of creamy tahini dressing might end up sitting in our fridge indefinitely. Shawarma French Roll This pressed sandwich is tangy, saucy, and full of tender beef shawarma. The bread is crispy on the outside but still chewy and tightly holds together big chunks of beef, tomato, and onions. The only other ingredient here is their garlicky tahini sauce that instantly makes everything a million times better. Lamb Tongue Sandwich Stewed chunks of lamb tongue get some needed acidity from sliced tomato in the shop’s chewy bread rolls. The tongue is extremely tender and absorbs whatever you throw on top of it, so we strongly recommend plenty of tahini." - Team Infatuation