Zainas vs Pita Express

I love my Falafel. Its a great vegetarian sandwich, chock full of protein from the Falafel, which is made of Garbanzo beans.

In the early part of this century, my co workers and I would flock to Zaina to get a Falafel. The line would be out the door during the lunch rush. They closed for a while, and reopened as this hip Indian Hooka Bar. Shortly there after, the no smoking law was passed and they were out of business.

A few years later, Pita Express opened and I began to frequent the establishment several times a month.

One day last week I decided to go to the Nordstroms Rack for something. When I left, I crossed Pine and headed West towards First Ave. I saw a neon sign in small storefront that said "Falefel". I went in to investigate and I saw the same sign from the place my coworkers and I used to love. Zaina was back! However, there are no crowds and I am not sure anyone knows they exist.

The Zaina Falafel uses hand made falafel, caramelized onions, a light peanut sauce and of course, I ask for extra hot sauce. The hot sauce is great! This Falafel is good, not quite as good as it used to be in my memory, but still very good. $5.99

The Pita Express Falafel comes with either a White flour pita, or a wheat Pita. I switched to Wheat and its just as good, hardly noticeable. Pita Express is set up like a Subway, and coincidentally, the owner also owns the Subway next door! PE uses pre made falafel patties, that I suspect are bought frozen premade. They use a light hummus spread, fresh veggies, cheese, although I have no idea what kind, a creamy yogurt sauce of some kind, and of course, extra hot sauce. I think both places use the same hot sauce. Price varies, the owner is constantly tweaking the menu. Today it cost me $5.00. Last week it was $5.79.

It is hard to pick a winner, both have qualities I like. Both are the same distance from my office. If I had to pick, which is what I intended to do here, I'd go with Zaina because they use fresher ingredients. Both owners are very friendly and this can be good and bad. At Zaina last week, the owner was working the register and was having a lengthy conversation with a customer. Two customers had to wait for them to finish their conversation before we could pay and go eat.