The Dangers & Glory of Living 164 Feet from Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob

I'm convinced that every evening between about 5 and 9 p.m. Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob purposefully sends that heavenly curry scent through an invisible tunnel beelined straight for my doorstep.

Until the day arrives where we can embed smells into blog posts, a photo will have to do. I mean, look at those fries and all their curry-dusted glory. Just look at 'em! Bypass the Catsup, and dip them into a side of mayo for an extra aphrodisiac-like (or European) experience.

Photo credits: facebook.com/pages/Amsterdam-Falafel-Kabob

And the curry fries are just the beginning.

Scan Amsterdam's chalkboard menu, and you'll only see a handful of items listed, but they're all solid choices. If you're a vegetarian (or if you're not) the falafel sandwich is a zero-contemplation decision. Amsterdam loads a thick round of grilled telera bread with two large fried chickpea balls, bright purple pickled cabbage, minced garlic, uncooked chickpeas, cucumbers and tomato. If you think it will fit, you can add some diced feta to the mix for an extra charge.

The same delicious bread and "stuffing" technique are used for the falafal's carnivore-counterpart—the Döner kabob sandwich. Endless shavings of ultra-tender, generously-seasoned lamb meat infiltrate every succulent bite. Despite its girth, your stomach always finds a way to make some extra room to take this bad boy down.

While the falafel and kabob sandwiches are both fit for a king as they are, one must ask herself, What king doesn't prefer living beyond his means? That's where the house-made sauces come in. Every time you order a sandwich, you'll be asked if you would like any sauce, and you can choose from three kinds: green herb, creamy garlic or spicy. I love me some zing, but I prefer the garlic and herb combo. This way, there's nothing to overshadow the already flavor-booming chickpea rounds or thick lamb slices.  

Getting ready to throw it down with my falafel
sandwich and little hummus plate. I crushed it!

If you're hungry but not that hungry, you can always order a half sandwich or get yourself a falafel/kabob salad—everything's the same here, only your mounds of goodness will lay over a bed of leafy greens instead being nudged inside a vessel of chewy bread. 

I oftentimes also order the hummus plate. Amsterdam's creamy, garlicky, homemade hummus is like none I've ever had before. The foil-wrapped pieces of pita-like bread it comes with always taste freshly baked, too. And unless you're dousing your bread slices with it, chances are you'll have some leftover hummus to take home.

Though an Omaha staple for years, a second location recently opened up in Lincoln. If those of you in the area have not yet been, I highly encourage you to make the trip soon. You'll be hard-pressed to find another place where you can get this much bang for your buck.

Cheers!