Astoria’s favorite local vendor is being challenged to a throw down! The King of Falafel has won not one, but TWO awards in one year – and he’s eyeing a third.

Fares Zeideia, or Freddy as we all know him, is taking part in the Vendy Awards’ Master Cup on September 13th. The competition is a throw down between past Vendy Award winners. The competition includes a a dosa truck, a Mexico California fusion truck, and a Dominican Salvadoran fusion truck.

Each has their own following – but none have the crowd’s adoration like Freddy, or food that’s as spice filled, authentic, and just down right awesome. We might be a little biased though.

Freddy has a way of making everyone feel welcome at his stand, and he’s never not smiling or cracking a joke. Pair that with the fact that his food is genuinely great, and not like normal street food, and you can see why he’s won two awards.

The King of Falafel stopped by our offices, and when we asked if he thinks he’s got a chance at winning the cup he said, “Absolutely! My food has passion – my food is my life!”  As for his competition, he’s not feeling threatened – “Sammy from Sam’s Halal food trucks didn’t even enter the competition! No one wants to take on the king!”

Now, he might sound cocky, but believe us, he’s far from it. He said all this with a huge playful smile on his face, and then suddenly got serious. He said, “Honestly, it’s just great to enter the competition. It’s an honor. I just want people to see how much love I put into this. I want them to walk through my food truck and see where everything is made. I want them to taste my food and see how great it is. That makes me happiest.”

We can’t wait for the competition – and the winner is chosen by FAN FAVORITE! So, if you love some good food, buy a ticket and go support Astoria’s favorite falafel guy!

And if you want to know if the king thinks he’ll win, here’s his answer:

YEAHHHHH BABY!

 

If you want to try out the King of Falafel, visit him on the corner of Broadway and 30th Street!