BITES ON A BUDGET is a toothsome and tasty series where members of the OC family forage for great food––under $10!
Having arrived from London a few months ago, I've found that New York isn't all hamburgers and hotdog-eating contests, y’know. I chose to embrace this and called Ian, fellow Londoner and veggie'an, to sample some NYC lunchtime treats.
We met at Taim, a tiny middle-eastern snack spot tucked away in the luxuriously leafy surroundings of Waverly Place. They boast the best falafel this side of Tel Aviv and an entirely meat-free menu. Ian went for their staple falafel sandwich at $6.25, whilst I free-styled. For $7 I tried their babaganoush––it's like hummus' older sister but made out of eggplant and totally smoky and mysterious. This is dolloped in a freshly toasted pita shell (mine was all crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle). Squashed inside were thick slices of spicy but ever-so-sweet Moroccan carrots. All this was topped to the brim (and slightly over it) with diced-up tomatoes and cucumber in tart lemon dressing, billed as Israeli salad.
When I took a bite, the contents squeezed right out the other end and onto my knees. Thankfully we'd opted to dine al-fresco and, considerately, Ian stifled his smirks. What they lacked in elegance, these sandwiches certainly made up for in deliciousness. And, if you can't make it to the West Village, it's soon to open in Nolita, or you can check out their twitter and track down their truck.
Taim
222, Waverly Place
New York, NY 10014
Map
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Spoilt for choice
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Plenty of veggies—my mom will be proud
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Ready for a close-up?
![]()
Ian's Falafel Sandwich
![]()
Shortly before I spilled it on the sidewalk...
![]()
A very satisfied customer
![]()
Outside the store in the cool, green West Village
Having arrived from London a few months ago, I've found that New York isn't all hamburgers and hotdog-eating contests, y’know. I chose to embrace this and called Ian, fellow Londoner and veggie'an, to sample some NYC lunchtime treats.
We met at Taim, a tiny middle-eastern snack spot tucked away in the luxuriously leafy surroundings of Waverly Place. They boast the best falafel this side of Tel Aviv and an entirely meat-free menu. Ian went for their staple falafel sandwich at $6.25, whilst I free-styled. For $7 I tried their babaganoush––it's like hummus' older sister but made out of eggplant and totally smoky and mysterious. This is dolloped in a freshly toasted pita shell (mine was all crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle). Squashed inside were thick slices of spicy but ever-so-sweet Moroccan carrots. All this was topped to the brim (and slightly over it) with diced-up tomatoes and cucumber in tart lemon dressing, billed as Israeli salad.
When I took a bite, the contents squeezed right out the other end and onto my knees. Thankfully we'd opted to dine al-fresco and, considerately, Ian stifled his smirks. What they lacked in elegance, these sandwiches certainly made up for in deliciousness. And, if you can't make it to the West Village, it's soon to open in Nolita, or you can check out their twitter and track down their truck.
Taim
222, Waverly Place
New York, NY 10014
Map
Spoilt for choice
Plenty of veggies—my mom will be proud
Ready for a close-up?
.jpg)
Ian's Falafel Sandwich
Shortly before I spilled it on the sidewalk...
A very satisfied customer
.jpg)
Outside the store in the cool, green West Village