Shakalafel — Restaurant in Kauai

This is definitely the best falafel on Kauai and quite likely the best in the state. I say this as someone who spent the summer of 2022 trotting around Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus, pigging out on as much hummus and falafel as I could find. This is authentic Levantine falafel, perfectly seasoned, and it would compete on the streets of Jerusalem.

A couple observations. It is difficult to source Middle Eastern ingredients here. The pita bread tasted a little... doughy. The texture of the bread is different from what you'd get in Israel or Palestine. It's still closer to the original than anything else you'd find on island and doesn't remotely compare to supermarket pita. This is because the owner not only makes falafel, but has to bake his own pita and make his own hummus. This is already more work than the typical Middle Eastern falafel joint operator has to put in.

The price is not cheap for what was originally informal street food, but serving size is generous and you're paying for rare handmade authenticity.

Lemonade was a touch bland, but I'll admit I prefer mine more sour than most people like it. Speaking of sour, for added authenticity it would be nice if the owner could make traditional sides and toppings like pickled turnip and...

An absolute MUST if you’re in Kaapa. I’ve never had a falafel this good and I eat a lot of falafel. There’s a reason 100% of their reviews are five stars. The pita is freshly made, chewy soft and well…perfect. The falafel are crispy on the outside and warm and light on the inside. The seasoning is also perfect. If you typically shy away from spicy food ( as I do) get it with a little bit of their hot sauce because it all blends together in an ideal way without the heartburn. In fact I think the Moroccan hot sauce is what makes it five stars. The vegetables are fresh and crunchy. The parsley is deep green. The onions are sweet and crunchy. And they put just the right amount of pickle in it. Which adds a nice blend of salt and crunch to the rest of the portrait of a perfect falafel. We had the mint lemonade which was not too sweet nor too minty but the ideal refreshment while enjoying the many flavors of the falafel. The Israeli owner and his helper absolutely know what they are doing since they know what a good falafel should be. I have been to Israel and this is better than any falafel I ever had there. They offer several other menu items. I will have to go back one more time before I leave town and try the Sabich. Check it out. You will be very...

Review for Shaka Falafel Food Truck

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're on the hunt for an unforgettable culinary experience, look no further than Shaka Falafel! They provide a Mediterranean delight with a twist of Aloha, right in Kapa'a Town near Pono Market.

First up, the falafel! These golden-brown gems are perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside. Each bite bursts with aromatic herbs and spices, making them the best falafels I've ever had.

The Shaka Shuka dish is a delightful twist on the classic shakshuka, with its vibrant blend of poached eggs, tomatoes, and spices. The sauce is rich and full of flavor, complementing the falafel beautifully. It's the perfect comfort food for any time of day! I am a superfan!

To wash it all down, I highly recommend their strawberry lemonade. It’s refreshingly tangy with just the right amount of sweetness. Each sip is like a burst of summer in a cup, making it the ideal accompaniment to the savory dishes.

The ambiance of the food truck adds to the experience, with friendly staff and a vibrant energy that makes you feel...