You already know it – the traditional Mediterranean dish made of fried hummus balls, served hot and crispy; so check out these awesome falafel places on your next trip to Israel
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By Ori Shaked
Falafel is one of Israel’s most beloved street foods – crispy chickpea patties served warm in fluffy pita bread, topped with fresh salads and creamy tahini. For tourists visiting Israel, tasting falafel from a local stand is not just a meal – it’s an essential part of experiencing the country’s culture and cuisine.
Here’s a fun (and definitely not made-up) fact: formal statistics show that you simply can’t visit Israel without eating falafel. You might try to dodge the golden, crunchy chickpea ball – but eventually, you’ll surrender to the undisputed king of Israeli street food. Why? Because it’s delicious, affordable, and available on nearly every street corner. Just follow the smell.
To help you on your falafel journey, here are 10 top-rated places across Israel where you can enjoy the real deal – authentic, flavorful, and 100% local.
Falafel in Pita bread with Tahini
Falafel joints are often small, offering nothing but this great dish. You can tell a place is good to eat at by the long lines outside, all day long. The basic traditional falafel is a combination of really hot falafel balls (patties) inside a pita bread and some fresh salad and tahini, and at times some white cabbage. The brave ones add some Shug, a hot Yamen sauce, promises to burn your tongue if not handled with caution. Some places will “garnish” your falafel with french fries, a spread of hummus, pickles and as far as the culinary imagination goes…
Hungry already? Here are some great falafel places in Israel you can sink your teeth in:
Falafel with Hummus
North & Hasharon
1. Falafel Hazkenim (The old ones)
Surprise your taste buds with their excellent tahini
There are many tahini fans out there, some of them even call it “the nectar of the gods” and are in a constant search for the perfect flavor and texture. This tiny falafel place is a well-known establishment among falafel enthusiasts and takes much pride in their excellent tahini. Other than the great patties, the extras are narrowed down to fresh salad, pickled cucumbers, cabbage and spicy sauce. Keeping it simple but perfect to the last tahini drop.
18 vadi st, Haifa
Classic Mediterranean meal
2. Falafel Dvora r
The perfect pita bread, as simple as that
This place sets the standard when it comes to two things: the pita bread and the spicy sauce. The first is simply perfect, made on the spot, literally. The second (spicy sauce) should be labeled as biohazard as it is sooooooo hot, that it will burn your tongue, so consider yourself warned. The patties are delicate and served with few extras as pickles, fresh tomatoes, white cabbage and tahini.
30 Hameyasdim st, Carcur
3. Falafel Kaduri
Your friendly neighborhood falafel stand
Located on the main street of Hod-Hasharon, with zero finesse or charm in terms of looks or location, this Falafel stand represents everything that such a place should offer: minimalism, simplicity and great ingredients. It has the distinct unmistakable flavor and texture of the chickpeas it is made of. A great place to eat by the way, literally.
59 Ramatayim road, near the gas station, Hod-Hasharon
This is how you do it – fried hot falafel balls
Jerusalem
4. Falafel Shalom
Over 60 years of tradition makes everything tastier
There is something so right about eating falafel in Jerusalem. The atmosphere, the coexistence of all falafel loving religions in one place, and the special scent of history in the air just makes eating this dish here a picture-perfect experience.
This particular falafel joint has it all: over 60 years of serving excellent orange patties served with the most basic extras: pickled cucumbers, fresh salad and tahini. Going to visit the holy city? This place is right up your alley. And it literally translates to “peace falafel” in Hebrew.
34 Betzalel st. Jerusalem
5. Falafel moshiko
More than falafel at the heart of Jerusalem
Moshiko is more than your ordinary falafel stand. Your average falafel joint boils down to one dish and some extras. This place offers a whole lot more and now it is a chain of restaurants, where you will be able to get your falafel not only in a pita bread but also in a baguette, making it a full meal. If you can take it, they will make it. You can also get Hummus with falafel, a winning combo that promises to send you to get a nice long siesta.
5 Ben Yehuda st, Jerusalem
Falafel in Haifa – Wadi Nisnasas market
Tel Aviv & Center
6. Falafel Hakosem (the magician)
It’s all about the attention to details
Located at the center of Tel-Aviv, this place is as close as can be to be called “gourmet”. The secret lies with the small details: the freshly baked pita bread, always fluffy and airy, ready to embrace its content with love and flavor, the great patties, wonderful deep-fried eggplants and vibrant urban atmosphere.
1 Shlomo Hamelech st. Tel-Aviv
7. Falafel Jina
Because there is no substitute for freshly baked pita bread
Falafel Jina has couple of “branches”. Their revolutionary concept is maximizing the idea of mini-dishes. They offer their semi-hungry clients or the ones who are dieting (yeah, right…) small portions in an almost bite size pita bread. Want a taste? No problem, you don’t have to deal with your guilty pleasure, just order the mini-dish and you are good to go.
22 Shoken st. Tel-Aviv
Green fried Hummus turns into a falafel
8. Falafel Hateomim (the twins) – 184 Ben Gurion st., Givatayim
It’s all about customer service
Located in Givatayim, this Falafel place has a reputation going way back more than 30 years, owned and operated by two twin brothers, identical as two falafel balls, who offer straightforward simple Falafel. This place is all about your satisfaction, It’s a great combination of experience and taking care of what’s really important – the customers.
9. Falafel Hatuka – 4 Histadrut st, Petah-Tikva
It all stays in the family
This authentic stand is an iconic pit-stop for many people since the late 70’s. The team will always offer you a free pattie to check if it is warm enough, and place the exact amount of extras to make your bite perfect – french fries, spicy sauce, tahini, fresh salads and Ambah (an Iraqi sauce, based on mango, for the brave of heart only).
The place belongs to the Hatuka family, who operates it since it was open way back. This is what falafel is all about.
The magical patties – Falafel
South
10. Beit Ha Ful (The Ful House) – 55 Herzl st, Beer Sheba
Serving a great falafel for ages
The place is named of the middle eastern cooked fava beans (“ful”), that are put in the pita together with the falafel, and the round crispy fries that people who grew up in this city will never forget.
Meanwhile, they opened a few more branches around, spreading the news and the taste all over.
Hungry? There are many great israeli falafel stands all across the country, many of them have fans who will swear by their patties. You’re most welcome to taste them and become a Falafel enthusiast yourself.
Everything You Need to Know About Falafel in Israel
Is falafel vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Traditional falafel is made from chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices -100% plant-based, making it both vegetarian and vegan. However, toppings like yogurt-based sauces or pita bread with honey may not be vegan, so it’s worth checking if you’re strict about it.
How much does a falafel meal cost in Israel?
Falafel is one of Israel’s most affordable and beloved street foods:
– Falafel in pita: ₪10–₪25
– Falafel plate with sides: ₪25–₪45
– Upscale or touristy spots: ₪50+
Prices vary by location—Tel Aviv and Jerusalem tend to be slightly pricier.
What’s the difference between Israeli falafel and other Middle Eastern falafel?
Israeli falafel is typically made with chickpeas, while Egyptian falafel (ta’amiya) uses fava beans, giving it a different texture and flavor.
– Israeli falafel is often served in pita with salads, tahini, pickles, and fries.
– In Lebanon or Syria, falafel may be spiced differently or served with unique sauces.
– Some places offer flavored falafel (e.g., spicy, herb-infused) for a modern twist.
Is falafel gluten-free?
Traditionally, yes—falafel made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices is naturally gluten-free.
But beware:
– Some places add wheat flour as a binder.
– Falafel fried in shared oil with gluten-containing foods may be cross-contaminated.
– Pita bread is not gluten-free, so opt for a plate or gluten-free wrap if needed.
Can I find falafel late at night?
Absolutely. Falafel is a go-to late-night snack in Israel:
– Many falafel stands in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem stay open past midnight.
– Popular spots like HaKosem or Falafel Gabay serve hungry night owls until 12–2 a.m.
– Falafel is perfect post-party fuel—cheap, filling, and fast.
Is falafel safe to eat from street vendors?
Generally, yes—falafel from street vendors in Israel is considered safe.
– Most falafel stands prepare it fresh and fry it on the spot.
– Look for busy stalls with high turnover and clean prep areas.
– Avoid falafel that’s been sitting out or fried in old oil.
– If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to reputable places or hotel eateries.
