ENTERTAINMENT

Falafel Town brings a taste of Middle East to Poughkeepsie

Geoffrey Wilson
Poughkeepsie Journal

The fragrant aromas of seasoned lamb and beef cooking on a vertical spit linger in the air, accentuated by scents of garlic, cumin and pepper.

A hand-painted mural depicts the domes and towers of Jerusalem as well as the rock-cut Petra in southern Jordan. A set of blue-and-white Arabic coffee cups on the counter underline the restaurant's Middle Eastern roots.

Chicken shawarma at Falafel Town in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

These are the first impressions upon stepping into Falafel Town.

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A new option for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare arrived in the Town of Poughkeepsie when Falafel Town opened last month at 264 North Road, according to owner Anan Elzogheir.

Danny Khalil, left, and Sam Zughayer, right, co-owners of Falafel Town in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Not pictured is the third co-owner, Anan Elzogheir.

Diners can chow down on falafel topped with tahini sauce, hummus served with warm pita and the beef and lamb or chicken shawarma. The restaurant also offers desserts like flaky baklava or crisp and creamy kunafa.

"We're one of the few places serving this type of food," Elzogheir said. "You can't get good Middle Eastern food in the City or the Town of Poughkeepsie."

Falafel Town already has its share of dedicated fans, such as City of Poughkeepsie resident Taylor Smith.

"I ordered a gyro from there that was amazing," she said. "One of the best ones I've had, and I definitely plan on returning to try more of their menu."

What makes the spot special is the fact that the cuisine is uncommon around Poughkeepsie, Smith said.

"It's hard to come by a really good restaurant with this type of food," she said.

Location was a major factor in the opening, especially with Marist College nearby, Elzogheir said.

Falafel Town, located on North Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

"Lately we've been getting a lot students coming in despite the fact that we've done no big advertising," he said.

While diners can stop in to enjoy a casual lunch or dinner, Falafel Town also delivers within a three-mile radius.

To find out more, visit facebook.com/FalafelTownPK or call 845-433-0123.

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW