Chipotle veterans are pouring money into this falafel chain that's poised to take over NYC - here's what it's like to eat there

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The Taïm I went to was in the Nolita neighborhood in NYC. Across the street was one of its top Mediterranean-food competitors, Cava.

The Taïm I went to was in the Nolita neighborhood in NYC. Across the street was one of its top Mediterranean-food competitors, Cava.
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It was packed when I arrived just after noon.

It was packed when I arrived just after noon.
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The menu had a few types of falafel that you can order on a pita or platter. It also had salads, fries, sides, and smoothies. Everything was generally priced around $8 to $12.

The menu had a few types of falafel that you can order on a pita or platter. It also had salads, fries, sides, and smoothies. Everything was generally priced around $8 to $12.

Everything looked delicious. Like many fast-casual chains in the era of Chipotle, everything is prepared at the counter in front of you.

Everything looked delicious. Like many fast-casual chains in the era of Chipotle, everything is prepared at the counter in front of you.
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I ordered the traditional falafel on a pita with Israeli salad — made from tomato and cucumber — and hummus, and mint green tea to drink. There were a ton of people working behind the counter, so everything moved quickly.

I ordered the traditional falafel on a pita with Israeli salad — made from tomato and cucumber — and hummus, and mint green tea to drink. There were a ton of people working behind the counter, so everything moved quickly.

On the back of the menu was more information about the food they're serving and where it comes from.

On the back of the menu was more information about the food they're serving and where it comes from.
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The food took less than five minutes to prepare, and everything looked delicious.

The food took less than five minutes to prepare, and everything looked delicious.

The pita was fresh and warm, and the falafel was perfectly cooked. There was a good balance between the falafel, salad, hummus, and tahini. I could see why everybody raves about it.

The pita was fresh and warm, and the falafel was perfectly cooked. There was a good balance between the falafel, salad, hummus, and tahini. I could see why everybody raves about it.
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The restaurant stayed crowded the entire time I was there.

The restaurant stayed crowded the entire time I was there.

There were also people who were picking up their online orders and taking their food to go.

There were also people who were picking up their online orders and taking their food to go.
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It's no wonder why Taïm has already seen so much success. The long line moved quickly, my food was made in no time, and everything tasted fantastic.

It's no wonder why Taïm has already seen so much success. The long line moved quickly, my food was made in no time, and everything tasted fantastic.