Former Pharma Exec Runs West Michigan’s Sole Kosher Eatery
“The Falafel Truck” Offers Authentic Middle Eastern Fare
After dedicating 31 years to the pharmaceutical industry, Dan Monselise has embarked on a new career path, now operating the only kosher food establishment in West Michigan. His venture, “The Falafel Truck,” serves as a vital resource for the region’s Jewish community and beyond.
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Authenticity
Alongside his wife, Hasia Monselise, Dan Monselise brought his longtime dream to life with the launch of the rabbi-certified food truck. The operation has drawn customers from as far as Detroit and Chicago, highlighting a significant demand for authentic kosher hot food options.
“You can find chips, and you can find stuff that has a kosher sticker. But if you want something hot, we’re the only option. It’s a way of living.”
—Dan Monselise
The truck’s specialty is falafel, a dish prepared with chickpeas that are soaked for 12 to 24 hours before being ground with a blend of cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and a jalapeño. The recipe was honed through extensive testing with neighbors, ensuring a high-quality product.
Menu Highlights and Customer Experience
The menu features a Falafel Platter for $14, which includes falafel balls, salad, hummus, tahini, and pita bread. For those seeking a portable meal, the Falafel combo in a pita is available for $13. The truck also offers fries, hummus, and baklava.
Monselise acknowledges that falafel can be a niche item, sharing a lighthearted anecdote: “When we get to a place and they start asking what type of meat you have in your falafel, you know you’re in the wrong place,”
he quipped.
A Taste of Jerusalem in Michigan
Authenticity is paramount for the Monselises. The pita bread served at the truck was initially imported from a Jerusalem bakery before the supplier established a storefront in New Jersey. The food truck began operations in September 2020.
Monselise, originally from Israel, relocated to Michigan 13 years ago after a previous move to New York City for his pharmaceutical career. He transitioned to this new venture last year.
The food truck operates daily, and its location can be tracked via its Facebook page. The commitment to providing a unique culinary experience has been rewarding for the couple.
“We’re having a good time. We love it.”
—Dan Monselise
