• 4
• Top-Class Falafel in a Sea of Slovak Food

Most Slovaks have never heard of veganism, and visiting my family there this summer, I was usually hungry, surviving mostly on vegan energy bars from DM and my family's nutritionally deficient interpretations of vegan eating. Falafel Nitra was the only good meal I had my whole stay. It's great food, and not just for Slovakia. The owner Emil is the sweetest guy, and speaks excellent English. He’s mixed Syrian and Slovak, and my personal hero for bringing perfectly-made falafel to a country where immigrants are few but xenophobia is commonplace. Although the menu is in Slovak, he listed all the vegan possibilities to me, and is well-versed in veganism. He explained that since he's opened, Falafel Nitra has become a popular destination for local vegetarians and vegans, who have very few places to eat in town. Emil insisted I try a sample of his excellent house-made hummus, and whoever makes the stuff they sell in Slovak grocery stores could learn a lot from him. This man knows all of his customers, and he introduced me to some Slovak vegans who came for lunch. We all had a great conversation: chef, tourist, and regulars, connecting in a way that isn’t possible in the States. If you’re in Nitra, you should definitely stop by, get a hot pita, and leave Emil a good tip.