At Mr. Maqluba, the falafel comes as small, flat discs with a deep-browned exterior and a tender, herb-flecked interior, typically served alongside dips and salads in a composed plate. What sets this version apart is the emphasis on maximizing surface area for frying, creating an especially crisp shell that contrasts with the moist center. Eating it, you get a pronounced crunch followed by a warm, aromatic bite, with the plate offering enough variety to make the falafel the focal point of a full meal. Food writers frequently single out the texture and seasoning of these falafel as a high point of the menu.