Just Falafel opens in Carle Place

Dubai-based Just Falafel has opened a 34-seat eatery in Carle Place, in the Country Glen Center that also is home to Ben’s Kosher Deli and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. Falafel, for the uninitiated, are deep-fried balls made from seasoned ground chickpeas. Topped with tahini and stuffed into a pita, they are the signature fast food of the Middle East.

Just Falafel operates dozens of stores in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Bahrain, plus a few in Australia, Canada and the U.S. The Carle Place location is owned by an American franchisee who also operates a location in Paramus, New Jersey.

The Middle Eastern locations of Just Falafel sell just falafel, but the American outposts have expanded the menu to include chicken shawarma (roasted on a vertical spit), beef gyro, soup, salad and mezze (sides) such as tabbouleh, hummus and baba ganoush. Service is similar to Chipotle, where customers move down a line as they direct servers to customize their orders. Sandwiches start at $5.99, platters at $7.99.

Just Falafel is at 11 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 631-521-9437.