Zaad - Amsterdam Ave — Restaurant in New York

A tiny, very clean space that does it right. I’m going to do this in two parts - food & service - so jump to what matters most to you.

First, la comida/food. Super tasty and fresh. While I waited for my chicken shawarma sandwich, the gentleman behind the counter generously offered me a falafel to taste while I waited. Mi gente, one of the best I’ve had. Flavorful, moist, and tender - a feat unto itself considering how many times we have suffered from over fried, dry, cumin laced chickpea balls. Falafel lovers know what I’m talking about! It’s traumatic. The sandwich was equally tasty. There was a good ratio of pickles, onions, etc. The chicken was seasoned and moist and the pita was full! So, so very good.

Second, el servicio/the service. I came in today under the weather and struggling with my voice. For the record, I will happily pay for good service especially considering how bad it is in most places. It makes my food taste better. The gentlemen behind the counter was amazing (see unsolicited falafel share above). He was welcoming and smiled (what is that? I know, right!). Super patient and kind with me trying to communicate an order and the woman before me who was a bit different and challenging. That alone said a lot and deserves recognition.

Short version - I’m coming back both for the food (delish) and the service (great) because it’s important to support our local small businesses especially the ones doing it right. These are the places that make the neighborhood a community and not a mall. Support this spot - you won’t...

I went there several times. The very last time I went there, about 6 months ago, I asked for a vegan sandwich (as it said everywhere on the menu and around the store in big prints), as always. The worker (non-Middle Easter) asked if I wanted it with pita, which made me confused because it was always with pita, I repeated my order, a vegan sandwich, and he was now impatient and irritated at me and almost yelled at me to look at the menu, which I did, and I again said the menu said VEGAN SANDWICH. And now, the manager took over, the kindest man ever, asked me what I would like and took my order. Asked if I was under a lot of stress, gave me a free falafel. Usually they would ask me what I wanted in it, but the first guy didn't ask and put stuff in it that I didn't want, when I mentioned that I didn't want something in it, the manager even tried to take it out. The food was good. The manager was awesome. The tall big guy had an attitude issue. I didn't want to write a review until now because I didn't want to get that cranky...

This is my third time ordering the foods. They're never going to make you disappointed. All staff are kind and friendly too. When I walked in the store the first time, Hosam suggested me to try the platter. The platter comes with the rice, meat, salad and side dish. THOSE FOODS ARE VERY FRESH AND WELL SEASONED! Even the salad dressing & hot sauce were freaking fresh and awesome too.. I guess they make their own. I've never ordered the lamb meat ever since I had spoiled one from the food truck in the Bronx but Zaad knows what they doing!!! The Second time, they recommended me Lamb Shawarma Wrap. The meat was moisture and the vegetable was soooooo fresh. I kept forgetting to take a photo to leave the review after I ate them all lols but this time, I took the photos before digging in! Thank you for the wonderful serving all the time. This place should be more popular!! (They have the desert too. The texture was like a puff pastry with crushed nuts. It was crispy and sweet like honey flavor!) Love...