I generally like this spot as it has the crunchiest falafel and comes with a nice mix of salad and peppers. In a recent visit to the Spitafields market location the experience wasn't quite the same as previous visits. The falafel didn't seem fresh and the quality of the salads was not great. There was too much sauce for my liking and that ruined the dish. I ended up taking a few bites and gave the food away as it wasn't appetising or visually appealing. Having said that, I have had better experiences at other locations so I'm hoping this was a one off. Do be aware the queue is long in the Spitafields location during lunch. read more

Pilpel - Falafel salad - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

See all

What can I say: I simply love Pilpel! I'm actually a super-regular at their other location by St. Paul's, but the other day I was near Liverpool Street and so I decided to try out the mother ship. (This was actually the original store.) I mean, there's not much that I can add to the other reviews, other than that their concept f.... works! Here's what you should do, when you come here: 1) Decide if you're super-hungry (2a) or just hungry (2b). (Don't come here if you're just peckish) 2a) Right, you're super-hungry. In that case I suggest you go for the falafel salad in a box. For extra protein and deliciousness, I'd add an egg for an extra 60p. (And if you really want to go crazy, add that dollop of tasty guacamole as well!) 2b) You're hungry? Go for the classic falafel sandwich in pita bread - make sure to get the wholemeal pita, as your health will thank you for it! (You can certainly also add all the extras as described above, but let me tell you that eating this will be a messy undertaking!) Now, last but not least, please make sure that especially if you're going for option 2b, you take plenty of napkins with you - as you will need them! read more

I am honestly OBSESSED with this place. It's one of those places that you find yourself craving after your 1st...2nd..3rd..19th.. visit. The best falafel I've had in London - by far! (and I've had a lot of falafel) I always recommend Pilpel to anyone who's looking to grab a delicious, inexpensive bite. read more

Pilpel - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

See all

NOTE: I think there are now 2 locations for Pilpel. I believe there is a shop and then a little street market counter shop located in the Old Spitalfields area. We were at the counter shop. Stopped by here yesterday with some girls from work on our lunch break. It was a beautiful sunny day and a little walk in the sunshine and some window shopping at Spitalfields market was just what we needed. It was so hot so we didn't want anything too heavy to eat. Two of us opted for Pilpel. We were totally confused by the menu and the girls behind the counter kind of bark at you in a polite way but from the fresh food behind the counter, I knew it was going to be good. There is just a counter and not a shop that you go into to order. Very street food-esk. I have NO idea what I ordered but it had pita, falafal, chickpeas, tabouleh salad, tahini (I think), onions and houmus. It was awesome! It was filling but not heavy. I can't wait to go back. read more

Pilpel - Pilpel = yum - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

See all

I changed my definition of falafel after eating here. They really care about what they sell to their customers, and it shows. Their falafels are the best: crispy on the outside, freshly made and hot, and soft on the inside. The bread they put the falafels in are equally good: soft, fluffy and hold their against all the salads, tahini, and hummus they are stuffed with. The best part is that the service is lovely. While you wait in the line, they hand out free falafels and make sure they get your order quick. Brilliant place. read more

Pilpel - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

Honestly obsessed It was our first time in London and we needed something to eat quickly. We yelped this place and weren't disappointed. As we came in, we felt so welcome. It was REDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS We even got a gift card for one free meal of our choice just for being nice The meals are big enough to fill you up for a loooong time. Best falafel place to go in London for sure. Recommend read more

Pilpel is a busy, but great lunch place just outside Spitalfileds Market. It's not a place to sit down, but rather a place to pick up and eat outside on a bench or take back to your desk. The menu is pretty straightforward and offers made-from-scratch falafel and houmous on the premises. If you're adventurous and unafraid of making a mess, go for the goods with all the salad inside a pitta, but if you're like me, you'll spend an extra 50p and put it in a container. My lunch took me two days to eat! That's how big the portion was...and cheap too! This is definitely a nice, healthy and fast addition to the many food spots in the area. Let the vegetarians rejoice! read more

Pilpel - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

I heard of this place from a colleague who recommended it very highly for its freshness and simplicity. And off I trotted to this place the following week and considering the non-trivial walk from my workplace to this establishment, I figured I was setting myself up for a disappointment. But voila, what's this I see? A fast moving queue, friendly staff, crisp and fresh salad items layered up on a bed of the most delish houmous, a generous portion of six falafels (yes, six!) all packed neatly in a box and most unexpectedly, a generous portion of the home-baked flatbread too! I had asked for a topping off aubergines too and I thought it was a nice touch...At a mere 5.40quid or thereabouts, I was pleased to note that I was well satiated and felt full even up to the point that I sat down to dinner later that day. This is obviously designed to be a take-away place but there are a few wooden stools about the place and I ate in there, noting the busy but quick turnaround at the counter. My only qualm about the place was the excessive packaging including box lids and big brown paper bags given to all customers regardless of their intent to eat in...the mass of brown paper bag in the trashbin seemed like needless waste. That apart, I think I have found myself a new lunch place for days when I fancy a bit of a walk :) read more

Best falafel I've ever had, ever..... Whole wheat pita with everything and a splash of chili sauce. Friendly staff and healthy options, what more do you need? Oh ya, a deep fried falafel.... donesky!!! read more

Pilpel - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

Having heard very good things about this place from a colleague, I cast aside desire for lumps of lightly burnt animal on a stick and ventured inside. The falafel and houmous here are so good that I decided to become a vegetarian. Having made a success of herbivorism until right up to the evening meal I decided to take it no further. However, now I've tried it I shall add it to my regular lunch circuit. It gets very busy here at lunch so give yourself a little more time for your take-away. read more

Pilpel is without a doubt the best meal (or 50 meals) that I had during my semester studying abroad in London. Let's start with the food. Pilpel keeps it simple. They do falafel, and they do it better than just about anyone else. Upon entering the restaurant, you place your order at the counter. You can either order your falafel in a pita, or opt for it on a bed of your choice of fresh toppings. You can choose from a variety of crisp vegetables and flavorful spreads, such as carrots, chickpeas, red and white cabbage, tabbouleh, carrots, jalapenos, pickled cucumbers and lettuce. Personally, I load up my pita with a little bit of everything, as I find that all of the flavors blend together magically to create a little slice of heaven inside that pita. Last, but certainly not least, you'll be asked what sauces and spreads you would like added. You must get extra tahini sauce. I REPEAT, YOU MUST GET EXTRA TAHINI SAUCE. This is the key to creating the best falafel pita you will ever have. Also make sure to ask for a little chilli sauce to spice things up, and some hummus. For .60p extra, you can choose to add feta, aubergine, guacamole, or a hard boiled egg. I enjoy adding feta or guacamole when I'm feeling a little feisty, but find the aubergine a little too salty. Every single person that I've brought here, and I seemed to bring just about anyone I knew in London during my time there, fell in love with this place. This became my go-to place to have a quick lunch or dinner, and it's perfect for those on a budget, as portions are large and prices are pretty low, at least for London. The employees here are always smiling and will never hesitate to help you out if you have a question or want a recommendation. On my last day in town, they even gave me a free Pilpel shirt to wear back here in the States. Great service is just the cherry on top of this scrumptious, fantastic cake. Next time you're in the Spitalfields area, make sure to check out Pilpel. Even if you're not in the area, it's worth a tube ride to check this gem out. read more

Pilpel - Favorite restaurant in London, wearing the free Pilpel shirt I was given! - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

If you find yourself trekking through the East End, this place is a must. You should really make the effort to eat here before they get more popular, over crowded, and raise their prices. The ingredients are unbelievably fresh, and they make an effort to make sure you are eating the best available, and much of the menu is made from scratch on site. This should be expected at a fine dining restaurant, but celebrated at your local Falafel stand. There is no playing around with the menu, just order a falafel in pita, and add houmous and feta for 40p/50p respectively. Simple ingredients done right. read more

I love it. Amazingly delicious WHOLEMEAL pitta properly stuffed with salad and falafels poured over with range of yummy sauces - gives you a great value for money, yet succulent lunch! Falafel & houmus are their trademarks, so make sure you go for these at least once you go there. I've been there on numerous occassions (most of them were successful attempts to convert my colleagues into healthy eaters) and every single time - during lunchbreak - there are queues. But! not to worry - their services is pretty quick! Advice: if you have a bit of spare time and do not need to stuff in your lunch infront of your laptop - go to Pilpel in Spitalfields market - it has a lot more seats and it's under a roof which is beneficial if it's rainy outside :) Warning: their pittas ARE very filling, so I either go for a salad option (pitta free), or have less falafels, as otherwise I feel like hibernating after my lunch! If you are determined to go to the Brushfield st branch - go there slightly early - eg 12.30, rather than 1pm to grab a table, as they are very limited. read more

Sometimes a type of food just hits the zeitgeist. It used to be Mexican and now London is flooded by burrito bar this, burrito bar that. Obviously the whole falafel and houmous thing isn't new, soho is stuffed with little houmous bars, however, the City of London gets things a bit late, a bit slower. Don't worry though, since Pilpel is here now and it is good. It is perfect timing as sitting outside with a bowl of middle eastern salad and falafel suits this oppresive 'english summer' we are having. The only problem with Pilpel is that everyone else realises this and the queues are crazy. It's the new burrito read more

Pilpel is absolutely my favorite lunch spot . There are probably enough restaurants around Spitalfields Market that you could go to a different one every day and not eat at the same place twice in 3 months. Pilpel opened a little over a month ago , and I've got my lunch there there around a half-dozen times. Pilpel is a very simple eatery- the name gives you the width and breadth of the menu: falafel and houmous. There's dozens of different options for how you can have your falafel (with aubergines, carrots, cucumber salad, olives etc.) but if falafel isn't what you're after then this isn't your place. If you are after falafel though, then this is where you should go. It's absolutely the best stuff I've had in London. You can have a good lunch here for less than a fiver, served to you by a cheerful staff (and more often than not, the owner). They just set up some tables outside, too - so if you've got a long lunch break you can sit oin the sun with your meal. read more

A little bit of Israeli sunshine on a mixed day in London. Well this takeaway with a few tiny breakfast bar style tables offered hot fresh falafel with extras such as feta, hummus and aubergines. Unlike Maoz, you don't get to fill your own pitta or salad bowl. But filling was very generous. There are other items such as sabich. The Israeli effect is emphasised by the choice of native branded soft drinks. I've never been to Tel Aviv but I did feel for a little while I was not in London anymore. The only gripe was the Q's but it soon moved very quickly. read more

Living a block away for 5 months gave me the pleasure of being able to eat at Pilpel at least twice a week. By far the best falafels in London and the best I've ever had outside of Mamouns in NYC. This massive pita sandwich filled with orgasmic flavors could satisfy the hungriest of people all for an affordable price. Always long lines around noon due to the work flow. The must: Falafel on brown pita with all toppings and guacamole, feta cheese and aubergines and tahini (chili sauce is awesome as well). After leaving London to back to New York, I'm definitely in a Pilpel falafel withdrawal. read more

The queues at this place tell you the whole story. I'm almost certain that the cafe that was nextdoor a couple of years ago had to close because it was being obscured by the hordes queueing for their daily Pilpel fix. The queue moves quickly; they have their production-line down to a tee, and they quite often bring everyone a hot, fresh falafel while they are waiting. The staff are all crazily hard-working and friendly. I'd say the "vibe" was positive, contrary to what other reviews have said. The food is as always good. The falafel is fantastic and the salad it comes with also great, if you go for all the sauces, at least. The extras are worth adding once in a while, for example boiled egg or feta. They have another outlet in Spitalfields market now, you don't get the same friendly buzz from the staff there but you may get your food more quickly. read more

I always used to say that I didn't like falafel until I was offered a taster as I walked past Pilpel. Absolute game changer! The falafel itself was suprisingly tasty and not greasy at all considering that it is fried. There are pretty much 2 main options for how you can have it. Either in a pitta (white or brown) or in a container (with or without pitta). I find that the container is slightly too much and much prefer the pitta as it's easier to get the flavour of everything together. This is where it really comes into it's own. Houmous comes as standard along with tahini and chilli sauce if that's what floats your boat. I tend to lay off the tahini as I think both sauces tend to soak into the bread making it slightly messy. If I wasn't usually eating in work this wouldn't be a problem at all! You can then follow this up with a selection of fresh salad items adding different textures and enhancing the flavour. There's a number of other options that you can pay a little extra to get such as guacamole, sun dried tomatoes and aubergine although in my opinion they aren't really worth the additional cost. Prices are really good, especially for the area with the pitta coming in at £4.80 and the container only £1 more. If you haven't tried Pilpel yet you need to get yourself along and you won't be sorry. In fact you might even see me there! read more

Great tasting - the falafel is beautifully crisp and packed full of flavour, the tahini sauce is incredible as is the chilli. The salad is very fresh and the variety is wonderful, it includes things like chopped herbs, chickpeas, homous, as well as the usual. I have this at least twice a week and never bore of the flavour. Great value - at only £5.45 this is a steal as it's so packed full of flavour and very filling. You can add additional items for just 80p. I would highly recommend getting the aubergine. Very healthy - okay, so the falafel is fried, but a falafel in itself is pretty healthy anyway and the rest of the days packs in good progress towards that 5 a day. Please go here, it's awesome. read more

When I heard that Pilpel has the best falafel in town, as a New Yorker in London I am skeptical. Mamoun's on McDougal is pretty hard to beat. But I have to admit Pilpel is pretty damned amazing. read more

I was starving before checking out Spitalfields Market one day, and I came across Pilpel - so glad I did! This was a fantastic, super filling lunch, and maybe the cheapest meal I had during my trip to London. I got a falafel sandwich on a wholemeal pita, and it was stuffed with tons of different salads and sauces. I wish I had one of these at home - I would definitely be a regular! read more

Pilpel - Vegetarian Near Me - London, XGL

This isn't the best falafel ever. I wish I could take those who have said so round the corner to the pop-up 'Falafel House' and get them to reconsider. However, the portions are generous and the combinations are well thought-out. A little dry in my opinion but all the ingredients are fresh and service is a real delight. Not sure I would choose this place if I was hankering for a falafel if I'm honest, but nice ideas. read more

This place is fantastic! I ordered the simple £4.80 falafel, salad and houmous pitta (wholemeal/brown option), and it was delicious!!! I thankfully didn't have to queue or wait long to order as I went in at around 8:45pm. It was very filling and so tasty, and the man who served me was lovely and friendly too! Really really recommend this place, for well-priced deliciousness! read more

The McDonald's of falafel, cheap but utterly mediocre. The falafel is decent, worthy of around three or four stars on its own, but unfortunately everything else fails to hit the same level. The pitas served are poor, lacking in fluffiness and various flavors, leaving you with bland, overly chewy dough that takes away from the goodness inside. The other toppings as well lacked the taste of freshness and seemed like left-overs from school canteen salads. And don't get me started on the hummus and the chili and tahini sauces... I reckon that if one had those blind-tasted by random people, none would guess correctly what they just had. They were so bland and flat I completely forgot they even spread them inside. In my opinion, Pilpel just cannot compare against good, authentic falafel stalls. The lone highlights are the rightly cheap price, the well-cooked falafel and the perception of eating healthily when all you're tasting is uncooked frozen salad. read more

I used to live next to a corner shop that sold falafels in the back. I used to be hooked on those falafels and never really found anything as good until Pilpel. I'm still trying to figure out which i like more.. The thing that so good about pilpel is that you can cram so much shizznazz into your pita. and its only 4 quid! i think it would have been better if i had more chili and tahini sauce on top as well as with in the pita...but now i just know to ask for that next time. there was a line but it moved pretty quickly read more

I've been here twice. The first time around, I went for a normal falafel with pita. I wasn't impressed. The second time around, about eight months later, I decided to give them a second chance and went for a falafel with guacamole on pita. Colour me most unimpressed. I couldn't taste any guacamole, my pita was lukewarm, and, the only thing I registered was that the falafel was crunchy. This may be sacrilegious but I prefer the falafel from Pret. Not only is it cheaper, but it tastes better too. read more

On a business trip to London and looking for a quick vegan dinner to take back to the hotel. I got the falafel container with aubergine. It was so good!! Tahini sauce was amazing and like others have said, some of the best falafel I've had. Crispy outside and soft inside. Not dry at all. All of the salad toppings were delish. The young woman who worked there couldn't have been nicer. Highly recommend. read more

Fresh Falafel! Quantity is mind blowing! I had Falafel in a container (not as big as those ship containers). But it was quite a lot. You should be really hungry to finish it all. This place is HOT! I mean hot in demand. The queues during lunch time are simply out of this world. Everyone loves falafel from here. And you get to taste a sample when you are in queue. There is one random pilpel guy who walks around with a plate of falafel and tahini and spicy sauce to get a taste. Very popular among my friends too. This particular store has a lot of vegetarian options! This was a surprise! But the demand says it all. You should try it to understand what I mean. read more

Great falafal lunch spot in the City. I still prefer the fresh falafal from market stand, but this place has more salad and sauce choices for u, in a take away box or wrap format. Just remember To eat it fresh!! Taste harsh Zhen falafal turns cold. read more

They only serve one thing so it would be awful if they did not know how to make a decent falafel ... Luckily they do. The choice is really in a pitta with the salad in or in a box with salad and the pitta on the side. You can egg, feta or aubergine There is always a queue at lunchtime, as with most places in the area. read more

My husband had the pita with guacamole and I had the container with aubergine both were amazing! Possibly the best falafels we have ever had. We will definitely be back. read more

If heaven were diving face first into a pitta filled with fucking awesome, then Pilpel is your pearly gate, my friend.

If I'm feeling veggie, Pilpel is definitely my first stop for lunch. The falafel are tasty, fresh and crispy and they put loads of salads in so a meat-eater like me doesn't end up going hungry. The place is usually very busy at lunchtimes, but the queues move quickly. Try it with halloumi-- one of my favourite addons. Delicious. Oh and the fruit nectars are good and compliment the sandwiches nicely! read more

Best falafel in London. Much much fresher than Maoz and very friendly. Tips: Get there before 12 30pm. You can just have falafel on their own (with tahini and chilli sauce). its 70p for three, £1.40 for six etc. The lemonade isnt great read more

Man this place is GOOD. About £4.50 for a big falafel salad bowl, and £3.90 for a falafel with pita. They pile on the salads -- shredded cabbage, parsley salad, carrots, onions, chickpeas, a big healthy dollop of hummus... MMM. And for one salad bowl, they give you SIX plump falafels. I couldn't finish mine. So good. One of the better quick bites (and decently healthy) options around the City. Quality of food is fresh. WOOP! read more

Pilpel is totally gorgeous fresh falafel unlike any you've had before. A rich green soft interior and a crunchy hard seed studded exterior - they pack four or five into your order with a huge range of salad. Their pickles are especially delish and you can do white or brown pitta or salad with pitta on the side. Huge, filling, well priced. They often give you a taster while you wait. My friend even had Keira Knightley apologise to him over a falafel here. read more

I'm a new transplant from the States and recently returned from a trip to Jordan. After that trip, I swore I couldn't eat falafel and hoummus outside the Middle East. I'm here to say that Pilpel has convinced me that I was mistaken. The quality of the ingredients is high and the falafels are legitimate. I ordered a standard falafel with all of the salads and extra hot sauce. The pita was as big as my face, and I yet I probably finished it in less than five minutes. Well worth the 5 quid and before I left, I thanked the staff for such a delicious meal. Then, the staff did something which I did not expect. In return for my praise, the owner gave me 5-6 falafels and tahini for free! I am immensely grateful for their kindness and will happily go back to Pilpel (next time, with company). read more

Excellent, good tasting, reasonable value, filling, friendly staff. I often eat here. The best Falafels I have had. Great, clean, healthy food. Long queues that go down quickly. A 'must try' place. read more

I LOVE this place. This is my vegetarian colleague and mine's default place to have lunch. The only serve falafel's so they know that they are doing! it's only 4 for a falafel filled pita and 5 for the falafel plate. I would suggest just getting the falafel pita. There is normally a line during lunch time, but they are pretty quick. It's plenty of time to run over there, grab your lunch, and run back to sit with your colleagues for the last 30 mins. There really aren't any seats so expect to eat somewhere else. On a nice day we sit in the outdoor 'tarp' covered seating area across the street in Spitalfields. read more