• 3
• Just OK

I was very excited when I heard that Just Falafel was coming to Turkey, since there are very few exclusively veg. places in the city or country (if you exclude Cig kofte), and a vegetarian chain is unheard of. It's maybe no surprise then that Just Falafel doesn't really live up to expectations. Their menu is based around some new interpretations of the traditional Falafel sandwich or wrap. They look interesting on the menu and everything is done very professionally. However, it suffers badly from menu picture syndrome - what you eventually get after ordering isn't half as appetising as suggested by the photos. Part of the problem is that the wraps are flattened panini-style before serving, which leaves the falafels dull and soft. Also, there isn't a whole lot of difference between some of the menu options - e.g. the "Anadolu" and "JF Sandwich". The Original with tahina is not too bad. The Indian with coriander and Quesadilla with Jalapeno peppers are mildly interesting in a country where you don't often get those flavours. The fries are OK but nothing to get excited about. The best thing about them is you can be certain that they haven't been sitting next to a slab of Doner meat for a few hours. The takeaway hummus is pretty good though. I didn't try the salads. The prices are about average for Istanbul. Ultimately, it's veggie fast food, functional but uninspiring. There are some better options for falafel in Istanbul, but if Just Falafel do expand in Turkey then it would at least certainly be a better option than the local McDonald's or Burger King, if stuck for a quick bite to eat.