Falafel King by Bombay Grill: Mediterranean and Indian Flavors in Columbia

What to expect at Falafel King by Bombay Grill

Falafel King by Bombay Grill is a casual restaurant in Columbia that blends Mediterranean and Indian cuisines under one roof. The menu centers on falafel—crispy chickpea fritters that anchor bowls, wraps, and platters—alongside curries, tandoori dishes, and Indian breads. The space is unpretentious and quick-service oriented, making it a practical stop for lunch or dinner rather than a lingering sit-down experience.

The restaurant occupies a modest storefront and operates as a counter-order establishment where you order at the register and pick up your food when called. The dining area is small but functional, with a handful of tables for those who choose to eat in. Most customers grab their order and leave, though the casual setup works for both.

Key Takeaways

• Falafel King specializes in falafel bowls and wraps built around crispy chickpea fritters, with Mediterranean sides like hummus, tahini, and fresh vegetables.
• The menu also includes Indian curries, tandoori chicken, and breads like naan and roti, giving you two cuisines to choose from in one visit.
• This is a counter-service restaurant where you order at the register and wait for your food, not a full-service dining experience.
• The location in Columbia makes it accessible for a quick weekday lunch or casual dinner without a long drive.

The falafel and Mediterranean side of the menu

Falafel is the star here. The kitchen makes it fresh, and the fritters arrive warm and crispy on the outside with a tender, spiced interior. You can order falafel as a bowl—served over rice or greens with your choice of toppings—or wrapped in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and sauce. The bowls come with sides like hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, or tahini sauce, letting you build a plate that suits your taste.

The Mediterranean offerings extend beyond falafel. Shawarma (marinated, spit-roasted meat) appears on some wraps and bowls, and the restaurant stocks standard sides: cucumber-tomato salad, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Pita bread is made or sourced fresh enough to hold up to wet fillings without falling apart immediately. Portions are generous for the price, and the flavors lean toward authentic rather than Americanized.

Indian curries and tandoori dishes

The Indian section of the menu includes chicken tikka masala, lamb curry, chickpea curry, and other standards. These are not afterthoughts—the spices are present and the sauces have depth. You order a curry and choose your bread: naan, roti, or rice. The tandoori chicken is marinated and cooked in a clay oven, giving it the characteristic char and smoky flavor that distinguishes it from pan-fried versions.

Portion sizes on the Indian side tend to be larger than the Mediterranean offerings, and prices reflect that. A curry with bread or rice is a full meal. The kitchen can adjust heat levels if you ask, though the default spice level is moderate rather than mild.

Pricing and what you get for your money

Falafel bowls and wraps typically run between $8 and $12, depending on protein choice and toppings. Indian curries with bread or rice range from $12 to $16. These prices are competitive for Columbia and reasonable given portion size. You are not paying for table service or ambiance—you are paying for food, and the value is straightforward.

The restaurant does not charge extra for most customizations. You can swap proteins, add or remove toppings, and adjust spice levels without hitting a surcharge. This flexibility makes it easy to build a meal that works for your budget and preferences.

When to go and what to know before you arrive

Lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is the busiest window, especially on weekdays. The line moves quickly because orders are straightforward, but expect a short wait during peak times. Dinner is quieter, and you can usually walk in and order without delay. The restaurant is closed on certain holidays, so calling ahead during major celebrations is wise.

Parking is available in the lot or on the street nearby, depending on the specific location. The restaurant does not take reservations—it is first-come, first-served. If you are ordering for a group, call ahead so the kitchen can prepare multiple orders at once rather than making you wait for each one individually.

Dietary considerations and menu notes

Vegetarian and vegan options are built into the menu rather than afterthoughts. Falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and vegetable curries are all plant-based. The kitchen can prepare most dishes without dairy or meat if you ask, though cross-contamination is possible in a small kitchen, so mention allergies clearly when ordering.

Gluten-free diners should ask about bread options and sauce ingredients. Naan and roti both contain wheat, but rice-based bowls are available. The kitchen staff can usually tell you which sauces are gluten-free, though you may want to call ahead if you have severe celiac disease.

How Falafel King fits into Columbia's food scene

Columbia has a growing Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food presence, but Falafel King stands out by combining it with Indian cuisine. This hybrid approach appeals to diners who want variety in one stop or who are unsure whether they want Mediterranean or Indian on a given day. The casual, affordable format also makes it accessible to students, office workers, and families looking for a quick meal without spending much.

The restaurant is not trying to be fine dining or trendy. It is straightforward food at fair prices in a no-frills setting. That simplicity is part of its appeal—you know what you are getting, and you get it without pretense or markup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or do I have to go in person?

Most locations accept phone orders, and some use online ordering platforms. Call ahead to confirm the current ordering method and wait time. This lets you place your order and pick it up at a specific time rather than waiting in line.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, and vegetable curries are all plant-based. Most bowls and wraps can be made without meat or dairy if you request it when ordering. Ask the staff which sauces are vegan if you want to avoid animal products entirely.

What is the difference between a falafel bowl and a falafel wrap?

A bowl is served over rice or greens with sides on the plate. A wrap is the same fillings folded into pita bread. Bowls are easier to eat with a fork and less messy; wraps are more portable. Both come with the same protein and toppings.

How spicy is the food?

Mediterranean dishes are mild to moderate. Indian curries are moderate by default but can be adjusted. Tell the staff your heat preference when ordering, and they can make it milder or spicier. If you are sensitive to spice, ask for mild and taste before adding hot sauce.

Is there a kids menu?

Most locations offer smaller portions or simpler dishes for children, though a formal kids menu may not exist. Call ahead to ask what options work for younger diners, or order a small falafel wrap or mild curry with rice.