Shami Falafel Introduce
If you're a New Jersey local seeking authentic, flavorful, and high-quality Mediterranean cuisine, look no further than Shami Falafel in Hackensack. This locally-loved establishment specializes in Middle Eastern, specifically Syrian, cuisine, bringing the vibrant, rich flavors of Damascus (Sham is a historical name for Syria's capital) right to Bergen County. More than just a falafel shop, Shami Falafel is a dedicated Mediterranean restaurant, grill, and home to some of the most satisfying shawarma, kebabs, and authentic platters in the region.
The core of their offering is the genuine Syrian heritage embedded in their cooking, offering customers a taste of Damascene culinary traditions. From freshly fried falafel to perfectly seasoned meats and homemade dips, the focus is on fresh ingredients, generous portions, and food that is both comforting and healthy. Furthermore, Shami Falafel proudly identifies as a women-owned business, adding a layer of community pride to your dining experience.
Shami Falafel is committed to providing options for everyone, featuring an entirely Halal menu. They are also a fantastic destination for plant-based eaters, with robust Vegan and Vegetarian options readily available across their menu, making it easy to find a delicious meal regardless of dietary preference.
The extensive menu showcases the variety of Middle Eastern and Syrian cooking, catering to all meal times, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It truly is a full-service culinary experience, whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a family meal.
The diverse range of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and platters means you can always try something new. The appetizers section alone features classics such as freshly made Hummus and Baba Ghanouj, the spicy walnut dip Muhammara, and, of course, their namesake Falafel (available in both classic and the adventurous Falapeño for a kick). Patrons frequently rave about the exceptional quality of their Grape Leaves (Yalanji) and Kibbeh.
Sandwiches are a highlight, served wrapped in Markook bread, and include options like the highly praised Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Beef Shawarma Sandwich, and the unique Shawafel Sandwich, which combines chicken shawarma and falafel. For a larger meal, the platters offer a satisfying portion served with rice and salad, such as the Chicken Shawarma Platter, Kufta Kabab Platter, and a comprehensive Vegetarian Platter.
For those looking for something light yet authentic, the menu features classic salads like Fattoush and Tabbouleh, all served fresh. And to finish, you can enjoy traditional treats like Baklava or a refreshing, freshly squeezed juice, including popular choices like Lemon Mint and various fruit shakes.
Shami Falafel is conveniently located in the heart of Hackensack, New Jersey, making it a central and easily accessible dining spot for residents across Bergen County and beyond.
The restaurant’s physical location is:
- Address: 29 State St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
This prime spot is only steps away from the Bergen County Courthouse and is about five minutes from Hackensack University Hospital, making it an ideal choice for a work lunch, a quick dinner, or catering a local event. Accessibility is a key feature of the establishment, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. They offer Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, making it a truly inclusive place to dine.
For drivers, parking is made easy with both Free parking lot and Free street parking available in the area. The casual atmosphere makes it a comfortable setting for locals, families, and solo diners alike. The commitment to a welcoming environment is evident, as the establishment is confirmed to be Family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safespace.
To accommodate every New Jersey resident’s needs, Shami Falafel offers multiple ways to enjoy their authentic cuisine:
- Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the casual, welcoming environment.
- Takeout: Perfect for grabbing a quick, fresh meal to enjoy at home or work.
- Delivery: Convenient delivery service for when you can’t make it to the restaurant.
- Catering: Available for events, meetings, and gatherings, bringing authentic Syrian food to your party.
- Dining Options: Available for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert.
- Payment Options: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
Shami Falafel distinguishes itself with several key features that resonate with the local New Jersey community:
- Authentic Syrian/Damascene Cuisine: The menu is influenced by genuine Syrian heritage, offering flavors hard to find elsewhere.
- Halal Certified: A fully Halal menu ensures adherence to strict dietary standards.
- Extensive Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Offering dedicated menu items like the Falafel Platter and Vegetarian Platter, alongside numerous appetizers and salads.
- Popular Menu Items: Customer favorites include the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, Kufta Kebab Platter, and the refreshing Mint Lemonade.
- Accessibility: Provides full wheelchair accessibility (entrance, parking, restroom, seating).
- Women-Owned Business: Proudly identified as a women-owned and operated local business.
- Comfort & Health: Offers a blend of comforting, flavorful food with healthy options.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and a Gender-neutral restroom are provided for customer comfort.
For placing an order, making an inquiry, or learning more, you can contact Shami Falafel directly using the following information:
- Address: 29 State St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA
- Phone: (201) 250-8177
- Mobile Phone: +1 201-250-8177
When searching for a Mediterranean dining experience in New Jersey, Shami Falafel stands out as a must-visit destination. The worth lies not just in the delicious food, but in the dedication to quality and community. Choosing Shami Falafel means supporting a women-owned local business that is committed to cultural authenticity and dietary inclusivity.
The food is consistently praised by customers for being fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned, offering excellent value. Whether you are craving the savory depth of a Kufta Kebab Platter, the street-food perfection of a Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, or the refreshing taste of house-made Mint Lemonade, the quality shines through. The care taken in preparing staples like the Kibbeh and Grape Leaves (Yalanji) is frequently highlighted in reviews, confirming their commitment to authentic methods.
The fact that the entire menu is Halal and rich in vegan and vegetarian selections makes it an easy choice for mixed groups with diverse dietary needs. It is a true neighborhood gem that welcomes everyone with open doors and exceptional, authentic Middle Eastern hospitality and cuisine.
Shami Falafel Menu
Appetizers
- Falafel (4pcs) $2.99
Deep fried mixture of ground chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic and spices.
- Falapeño- Jalapeño infused Falafel 6pc $5.99
6pc Jalapeño infused Falafel.
- Kibbeh (4pcs) $11.99
Deep fried oval shaped mixture of ground beef, cracked wheat & spices stuffed with ground beef, onions and pine nuts.
- Grape Leaves- Yalanji (6pcs) $5.99
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, tomato, parsley and cooked in delicious lemon juice.
- Hummus $6.99
Mixture of chickpeas, tahini, lemon and olive oil.
- Baba Ghanouj $6.99
Roasted eggplant, lebni, tahini & olive oil.
- Muhammara $7.99
Fresh red peppers, ground walnuts, bread crumbs, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, shatta & cumin.
- Fries $4.99
- Basmati Rice $4.99
Sandwich’s
- Falafel Sandwich $9.00
Parsley, tomato,pickled turnips, tahini sauce wrapped in Markouk pita bread.
- Chicken Shawarma Sandwich $9.00
Chicken shawarma, Lettuce, Tomato, pickles, and garlic sauce wrapped in Markook bread.
- Beef Shawarma Sandwich $10.00
Marinated Angus Beef Shawarma, onions, parsley, hummus, tomatoes and pickles tahini sauce wrapped in Markook bread.
- Kufta kebab Sandwiches $10.00
Grilled ground beef/ lamb mix skewer with onions, tomatoes, parsley, hummus, pickles tahini sauce wrapped in Markook bread.
- Lamb Sandwich $12.00
Thin sliced Lamb Shawarma, Onions, Parsley, Hummus, tomatoes, pickles & tahini sauce wrapped in Markook bread.
- Shawafel Sandwich $12.00
Our popular Shawafel is guaranteed to fill you up! Chicken shawarma and falafel with lettuce, tomatoes , pickles, garlic sauce & tahini sauce wrapped in Markook bread.
- Mixed Shawarma Sandwich $12.00
Chicken Shawarma and Beef Shawarma with lettuce, tomatoes, Tahini Sauce and Garlic Sauce wrapped in Markook bread.
Salads
- Fattoush Salad - Small $7.00
Lettuce, Tomato's, Cucumbers, Mint, Radish, Mint, Fried Pita Chips, Sumac, Vinegar, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice.
- Tabbouleh Salad - Small $7.00
Cracked wheat with Parsley, Tomato's, Onions, Olive Oil, and Lemon Juice.
- Arabic Salad - Small $7.00
Tomato's, Cucumbers, Parsley, Mint, Olive Oil and Lemon Juice.
Platters
- Falafel Platter $14.00
6 pieces Falafel served with hummus, tahini sauce & pickles.
- Chicken shawarma Platter $15.00
Served with Rice, Salad and Garlic sauce.
- Mixed Platter $15.99
Chicken Shawarma and Beef Shawarma served with Rice, Salad and Garlic Sauce.
- Beef Gyro Platter $14.99
Served with Rice, Hummus, Salad, Topped with Onions and parsley and Tahini Sauce.
- Kufta Kabab Platter $18.00
2 skewers served with Rice, hummus, onions, tahini sauce and pickles.
- Vegetarian Platter $16.00
4 pc Falafels, 4 pc Veggie Grape leaves, Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, pita bread and tahini sauce.
- Mixed Kebab Platter $24.00
1 Grilled Chicken Kebab Skewer + 1 Grilled Kufta Kebab Skewer, Hummus and Salad.
Drinks
- Soda Can $1.50
- Water Bottle $1.50
- Snapple $2.50
- American Coffee $1.50
- Turkish Coffee $1.75
- Saudi Coffee $1.75
Dessert
- Baklava 2 pc $3.50
Rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup.
Fresh Juice
- Banana Milkshake $5.00
- Strawberry Shake $5.00
- Mango Shake $5.00
- Lemonade $3.00
- Lemon Mint $6.00
Shami Falafel Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Onsite services
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Halal food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Shami Falafel Photos










Shami Falafel Location
Shami Falafel Reviews
shawarmaplatterfalafel sandwichgarlic saucemint lemonademiddle eastern foodgrape leaveswrapsyrianbaba ghanouj
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1It's a simple establishment, no fancy decor. My wife ordered the Chicken Kebab platter, with Grape Leaves, Kibbeh and a Mint Lemonade (Slushy), I got Kufta Kebab platter & Rice Pudding.Our meal was amazing, full of flavor, perfectly cooked and fresh. The only gripe we had was that the rice was crunchy and undercooked.The Mint Lemonade was tasty.The rice pudding wasn't too sweet and the rice was tender.The Kibbeh & Grape Leaves were exceptional.Jocelyn brought our utensils, meals, drink, etc. Jocelyn is very friendly young lady and helpful.
February 14 · Hosay LeetoGood Arabian food big portions. Would visit again.
September 29 · Ehab AlMashtoubLoved the food. I had the hummus and babaganoush. It was fantastic. My friend tried the chicken shawarma and it also tasted fantastic. Can't wait to come back and try everything else! The mint lemonade was awesome!
July 09 · Patrick YunShami Falafel has easily become one of my favorite local spots. Selfishly, I almost do not want people to know how good it is so I can gate keep it.Food is excellent. Really reminds me of a home cooked meal and the service is so kind. I always order the daily special which comes with Chicken Shawarma and Fries with a Soda. They make the fries pretty fresh so they’re usually nice a crispy when I get them. Also only 12ish$!Only knock I will say is they can get busy and sometimes the food is being made fresh so there can be some wait time. I will say on average it will take about 20-30 min for the food to be made. But again super nice environment and I will wait and eat here every time
February 05 · Ro PatThe BEST quality food, friendly staff, authentic, with fair prices. This place should have a perfect score; anyone who rated it less are complainers. I usually like to change it up, but this place? We get it to go at least once a week. Hard to go to any other Mediterranean after eating from Shami! So good!
July 11 · Soo Yoo
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