Shrimp Falafel Mix’s namesake dish — a warm pita stuffed with falafel, grilled shrimp, veggies, and tzatziki sauce — is just one reason Oakland’s most vibrant food truck has a cult-like following. According to one Twitter user, the shawarma truck is also the city’s hottest DJ. An uptown Oakland late-night staple since 2015, Shrimp Falafel Mix is known for blasting Egyptian pop music from its speakers into the wee hours of the morning, often sparking impromptu dance parties in the streets as customers wait for their orders.
According to SF Gate, co-owners and brothers-in-law Sayed El Hamaki and Mamdouh Hassan had dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar location back in 2019, and this May, those dreams will finally come true.
El Hamaki and Hassan have snatched up the space that used to be Fat Cat Cafe, at 1720 Telegraph Ave., on the same block as the truck itself. And at 650 square feet, the new location will function as additional seating and offer an expanded menu, including authentic Mediterranean sandwiches and salads.
There won’t be any liquor served at the new spot, but according to Hassan, “The truck will be blasting music right out front, so you can expect a real party scene.”
