The McFalafel Has Arrived in Israel. Seriously.

Photo Source: jonathanmtsai.wordpress.com

I can barely believe it myself: the Mc Falafel has arrived in Israel. It's been on the menu in Egypt and other arab countries for a while, but I was almost shocked to hear that it would be invading the McDonalds chains in Israel.  And what's more shocking than it's introduction to the McIsrael menu is the not half-bad review the new Americanized Israeli fast food got in Haaretz today. 

Writer Tracy Levy approaches the newest McDonalds invention the same way I do.  With extreme skepticism. I mean, McDonalds is generally gross. Aside from the excitement that comes with knowing you are eating complete junk that is unbelievably bad for you, there isn't that much appeal to Mc Donalds. And, let's be honest- their newer inventions that stray from the fries, burgers, chicken nuggets and colas, really aren't anything to write home about.  They are simply a fast-food convenience.

In America, at least, McDonalds is cheap.  So you have the cheap, convenient, and greasy food appeal. But in Israel, McDonalds is actually expensive.  Seriously.  Expensive.  For the quality and quantity of food you are served, the price is almost absurd.

McFalafel: NIS 16.90. With fries and a drink, NIS 34.
Street Falafel: NIS 10-12.  Usually comes with fries inside the pita.  Drink typically costs 6 shekels max for a total of 18-20 maximum.

So, how in the world did the McFalafel get a somewhat decent review?
Well, #1 because it doesn't taste like complete garbage. Apparently, despite the fact that it looks different and tastes slightly different than a regular falafel,(The McFalafel is sold either inside Iraqi pita bread, in a box containing three to five pieces, or as a meal with fries or green salad and a drink) it doesn't taste like garbage.

#2, it sounds like Tracy decided to compare this McFalafel with the worst street falafel in all of Israel.  And she ordered it without hummus or techina, which is pretty much unheard of. 

Either Tracy is completely unfamiliar with the falafel eating culture, has no interest in interacting with the people making her food, or she was in a massive rush... because when anyone orders a falafel in Israel, the entire process is interactive.  You usually tell the 'falafel maker' what salads, spreads, spices etc you want inside, and he usually gives his opinions freely about what you do and do not choose.  If you don't tell them, and don't interact with them, then they do what they want. 
Anyway, I apologize to you readers out there, but I am not going to review the McFalafel.  I have no desire to try even one bite. The entire idea of a McFalafel in Israel verges on the perposterous.  If you want a falafel, get a falafel at a falafel stand. I personally support local fast food hole-in-the-walls and would prefer not to give my money to McDonalds.  They cost you less, and it can even be a cultural experience.